Medical marijuana is legal in Italy and recreational marijuana is now available under certain conditions.
Medical marijuana became legal in Italy in 2006 and recreational marijuana was decriminalized in 2016, making cannabis light available under current law.
Cannabis light is cannabis with THC concentrations in the range of 0.2% to 0.6%. Previously, the general range of THC concentrations for marijuana was 4% to 20%. In addition, people over the age of 18 can now possess up to 15 grams at home, carry up to 5 grams with them, and grow up to 5 marijuana seedlings.
This cannabis light is readily available for purchase on online sites, tobacco stores, and vending machines. In particular, vending machines are available for purchase 24 hours a day, which shows how quickly the legalization of marijuana in Italy is progressing.
Industrial hemp in Italy
As mentioned above, marijuana can be used legally in Italy as long as the regulations are observed. It is possible to use marijuana as long as the concentration of THC, which is considered addictive, is within the range of 0.2% to 0.6%.
With the rise of cannabis use and industrial hemp, the handling and employment of cannabis-derived products is growing in Italy. More than 12,000 people are currently employed in cannabis-related jobs in Italy. Annual sales exceed 200 million euros and are expected to grow further in the future.
These products are made from stems and seeds that contain little or no THC and are beginning to be used in a wide range of industries, including cosmetics, textile materials, and the clothing industry, in addition to CBD oil and food products.
Furthermore, in February 2023, a hemp exhibition was held in Rome, with 250 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors.
Of all the countries in Europe, Italy can be said to have a particularly developed cannabis industry.
However, there was major news in 2023 regarding CBD, which is described in more detail below.
Medical cannabis in Italy
Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to legalize medical marijuana, allowing anyone with a doctor’s prescription to purchase it at a dispensary. However, the medical marijuana available at pharmacies is expensive and many people are said to be growing it at home.
In Italy, medical marijuana is grown in military facilities, and the government is trying to increase production in Italy and lower the price of medical marijuana.
CBD enters the list of medicines from narcotics
Italy was expected to have a thriving cannabis industry, but in August 2023 the Italian government placed CBD on the list of “medicines extracted from narcotic substances. This decree has been in effect since September 21.
As a result of this regulation, a doctor’s prescription will be required to obtain CBD in Italy in the future. In addition, it is now illegal to use CBD for non-medicinal purposes (e.g., food, cosmetics, etc.).
A similar law was enacted in 2020, but it was suspended in the past due to a huge backlash from the cannabis industry. The current law has also been met with opposition from the cannabis industry.
The future trends in Italy will be closely watched.
Conclusion
The following is an introduction to the marijuana situation in Italy.
In Italy, medical marijuana is legal and recreational marijuana can be used under certain conditions. Cannabis light, which contains 0.2% to 0.6% THC, can be purchased online or from vending machines.
Italy, which was expected to develop its cannabis industry, placed CBD on the list of “medicines extracted from narcotic substances” in August 2023. The decree made it illegal to use CBD for non-medical purposes, and a prescription from a doctor was required to obtain CBD. The cannabis industry has voiced its opposition to the law.