The parliament approved on Thursday evening a bill allowing the production of medicinal cannabis, with the government coalition parties, SYRIZA and the Independent Greeks (ANEL), the Democratic Coalition and Potami voting in favour, while New Democracy, the Communist Party, Golden Dawn and the Centrists Union voted against. 
"We are discussing the licensing of a single, integrated unit that includes production, processing and production of finished medicinal products of hemp. That's what it is about," said Health Minister Andreas Xanthos. 
The opposition parties that voted in favour of the bill said the framework introduced by the government is neither complete, nor clearly defined, however it is a first step in the right direction. 
New Democracy said it does not question the value of medicinal cannabis but is against the way the government is passing laws, because it is not including safeguards to prevent uncontrolled cultivation, production and sale.  
The Communist Party not only voted against the bill but called on the ministry to withdraw it, accusing the government of opening up the sector to "vultures" and "murderous multinationals".