Italy’s nascent “cannabis light” industry, which has flourished in recent years, is now facing a potential setback as the government moves to restrict the sale of cannabis-derived products. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her arch-conservative coalition have proposed legislation aimed at curbing the legal grey area surrounding cannabis light, a product derived from industrial hemp, which contains negligible levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is sold for non-psychoactive purposes. Critics argue the proposed ban could decimate a growing industry, while others view it as a part of a broader, illiberal political shift under Meloni’s leadership.
The Rise of ‘Cannabis Light’ in Italy
Cannabis cultivation for recreational use remains illegal in Italy. However, in 2016, the Italian government authorized the sale of hemp products, primarily for industrial and non-psychoactive uses. These hemp products, referred to as “cannabis light,” are rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a compound believed to have therapeutic benefits such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Unlike marijuana, cannabis light has very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that causes a “high.”
The cannabis light market has since thrived, creating jobs, businesses, and significant investments across the country. Despite its legality, the sector has been surrounded by ambiguity due to the 2016 law’s vague wording, particularly regarding the sale of hemp flowers. While the law permitted the sale of CBD products, it did not specifically address whether hemp flowers could be sold directly, leaving room for some producers to package the flowers as “collector’s items,” a loophole that the government now aims to close.
The Government’s Plan: Banning Hemp Flowers
Meloni’s government argues that the 2016 law was too lenient and has introduced new legislation to ban the sale of products derived from hemp flowers. The reasoning behind this, according to the government’s anti-drug department, is that these flowers, despite their low THC content, may still pose risks to public safety, especially in terms of road safety and potential misuse.
Alessio Amicone, a cannabis light producer and founder of Canapando, voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal, arguing that it would be devastating for the industry. “It’s absurd that a state which put Italian businesses to work by starting a legitimate supply chain now wants to shut it all down,” he said. Amicone and other critics contend that cannabis light is not a drug and does not have the harmful effects associated with recreational marijuana.
Economic Fallout and Industry Concerns
The hemp industry in Italy has become a major economic force, with around 3,000 companies operating in the sector and 10,000 employees. The industry’s turnover is estimated at 500 million euros annually, with 90% of the product being exported. Producers argue that removing hemp flowers from the supply chain would be economically catastrophic.
Stefano Masini, head of the environment unit at Italy’s farming lobby Coldiretti, compared the move to banning the most essential part of wheat production, saying, “Producing without the inflorescence is like saying you can only grow wheat by decapitating the ear.” Many in the industry, such as Silvio Saraceni, owner of a cannabis light shop in Rome, are fearful of the economic uncertainty that the legislation brings. Saraceni explained that hemp flowers constitute at least half of his sales, leaving his business facing an uncertain future.
Political and Public Reactions: An Illiberal Turn?
While the government insists that the ban is necessary to resolve the ambiguity of the original 2016 law, critics see it as part of a wider political trend under Meloni’s leadership. Many believe the bill reflects a growing illiberal stance in Italy, with the government pushing a conservative agenda on social issues. Critics point to Meloni’s recent criminalization of surrogacy as evidence of her government’s increasingly authoritarian approach.
Andrea Crisanti, a virologist and opposition senator, expressed his disapproval, describing the decision to ban hemp flowers as “shameful” and “devoid of scientific logic.” He argued that CBD products are widely used for pain relief and relaxation without causing a high or posing significant health risks.
Europe’s Divergence: How Italy Compares to Its Neighbors
The debate in Italy stands in stark contrast to developments in other European countries. The European Union has approved hemp cultivation, and many neighboring nations, such as France and Switzerland, allow the sale of cannabis light. In February, Germany joined Malta and Luxembourg in legalizing recreational marijuana use, further highlighting Italy’s more conservative stance on the issue.
Despite the backlash from local producers, the government argues that banning the sale of hemp flowers will not harm the industrial hemp supply chain, which is primarily used in food, textiles, and cosmetics. However, as industry leaders point out, hemp flowers are a vital component of the supply chain, and the proposed restrictions could have far-reaching economic consequences for those involved.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Italy’s Cannabis Light Industry
With the bill now approved by the lower house of parliament and awaiting approval by the Senate, the future of Italy’s cannabis light industry remains uncertain. As the debate continues, many fear that the proposed legislation will stifle a growing market and harm small businesses, while others argue that it is necessary to curb potential misuse and clarify the legal status of cannabis-derived products.
As the government pushes forward with its plans, the cannabis light sector is left grappling with the possibility of severe restrictions that could fundamentally alter the landscape of hemp cultivation and cannabis-related businesses in Italy.
