CBD News
The Italian government's sledgehammer blow on CBD: the industry in turmoil
1. A historic turning point for cannabis in Italy
Did you know that an industry worth billions of euros can be overturned overnight by a simple government decision? That's exactly what's happening in Italy since the express adoption of a decree banning hemp flower, even when its THC content is minimal. This measure has sent shockwaves, not only among the companies directly concerned, but also among advocates of the cannabis industry across Europe.
2. The origin of the blockage: when the law bypasses the debate
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An emergency decree-law
Rather than go through the usual parliamentary procedure, the Italian executive opted for a decreto-legge, a constitutional tool reserved for matters considered "urgent". In record time, the government thus bypassed parliamentary discussions, making the new regulations immediately applicable. -
A contested reclassification
The text places industrial hemp flower (even with a low THC content) in the same category as cannabis with a high THC content, effectively classifying it as a narcotic. This comes as a complete surprise to a sector that had hitherto operated legally: as it stands, companies producing, processing or marketing hemp flowers will find themselves illegal overnight.
3. An economic sector in peril
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Alarming figures
The industry is estimated to be worth almost 2 billion euros and to employ over 20,000 people. Italy's hemp growers, already weakened by months of regulatory uncertainty, are now suddenly branded outlaws. -
The risk of widespread bankruptcy
According to trade associations, over 3,000 companies could close and 30,000 jobs be at risk. The sector's decline would also be accompanied by a loss of innovation and agricultural diversification, two major assets for an economy in search of more responsible, sustainable products.
4. Reactions and defensive measures
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Hemp-growing organizations fight back
Federcanapa, Canapa Sativa Italia and other business groups have already announced their intention to challenge the text in Italian and European courts. Their arguments point to a lack of scientific basis and ignorance of European law, which allows hemp with a low THC content. -
Legal clarity called into question
Lawyers also point to a lack of precision in the terms used by the law, which would contradict the principles of legal certainty enshrined in the Italian Constitution. -
A European debate in prospect
Italy could find itself at odds with European Union directives and case law, which protect the free movement and processing of hemp when it has no psychotropic effect. Several appeals to Brussels therefore seem inevitable
5. Conclusion: a more than uncertain future
Italy finds itself at the epicenter of an earthquake which, beyond its borders, questions the place of hemp in the European economy and the powers of governments to restrict its use. The next few weeks promise to be decisive: if the Italian Parliament does not amend the decree within 60 days, the law will become final. In the meantime, a whole section of the industry is plunged into uncertainty, hoping that a legislative or judicial jolt will change this decision.
Source: Newsweed
