New CBD Decree Threatens the Cannabis Light Sector

In a significant move, Italy is set to tighten its regulations on the sale and consumption of light cannabis, commonly known as CBD products. On August 21, a decree was published in the official gazette , signed by Minister Orazio Schillaci, through which the Ministry of Health requests the inclusion of CBD in the table of medicines. As a result of this decree from the Ministry of Health, major changes are looming on the horizon, which are causing both approval and discontent in various sectors.

Changes Ahead in the Hemp Sector

Starting September 20, 2023, there will be a major change in the way CBD products are available for purchase in Italy. The decree requires that stores that currently sell oral cannabidiol products will no longer be allowed to offer such items. Instead, consumers will be limited to purchasing cannabis light to smoke. However, this option may also be short-lived as discussions loom about a potential total ban on the substance, which is why we are writing this blog appealing for your help and support in the fight to save Italian hemp and its free trade.

So what's going on?

With the new regulation, the Ministry of Health has revoked the suspension of the decree of October 1, 2020, which included the " compositions for oral administration of cannabidiol (CBD) obtained from cannabis extracts" in the table of medicines attached to the consolidated text on narcotics. With this move, CBD will therefore be reclassified as a controlled substance, placing it on a par with a narcotic substance. This means that cannabidiol will be in the table of narcotic medicines and in the future CBD-based products can only be purchased in pharmacies and it will no longer be possible to have access to them without a medical prescription. This measure could prevent the free circulation of CBD-based foods in Italy and is a move destined to damage only national producers. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, arousing the discontent of various associations, traders, producers, sellers and even tobacconists.

Cannabidiol Classified as a Narcotic on a Par with THC

The decision seems to be in complete opposition to numerous studies on CBD that declare it a non-psychotropic and non-dangerous substance. In fact, unlike THC, research has shown that the effects of CBD are not psychoactive or dangerous for compromising the alertness of those who take it.

"A surprising statement since CBD does not have a narcotic effect , as a commission of experts from the World Health Organization had concluded a few months before the decree and as a ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union in November 2020 had reiterated", these are the words declared in this regard by the Federcanapa association.

The rationale behind this move is the belief that CBD has therapeutic potential for certain health conditions. As a result, authorities appear to be moving toward treating CBD as a medicine rather than a freely marketable product. This adjustment is intended to subject CBD to scrutiny, control, and licensing in line with the medical context.

However, this decision has attracted criticism from many quarters. Opponents argue that the decree will have a significant impact on companies involved in the production, processing and sale of CBD extracts. This is in contrast with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which did not classify CBD as a narcotic. Critics also point to the assessments of WHO experts confirming the absence of narcotic properties of CBD.

Italian authorities appear to differ from the positions taken by Germany, England and France, which have excluded high-concentration CBD products from the classification of narcotics. This regulatory change has raised concerns that it could conflict with European Union legislation on the common market and antitrust.

In conclusion, the new Italian regulations on light cannabis and CBD reflect a deliberate effort to tighten control over these products. Starting from September 22, 2023, the purchase of CBD-based “products to be ingested” will be limited, while light cannabis for smoking will still be available, albeit under greater control. This decision has sparked debates in various circles, highlighting the complex interaction between health benefits, regulation, and trade.

🌿🇮🇹 Support the fight for fair regulation of CBD in Italy 🇮🇹🌿

The Canapa Sativa association has launched a fundraiser and we need your help to protect Italian consumers and operators in the CBD supply chain. The goal is to raise 100,000 euros to support crucial actions in this constantly evolving sector.

🔬 What are the funds raised for? 🔬

1️⃣ Recognition of scientific literature: Your contribution is essential to support scientific research on the efficacy of CBD and its safety for public health.

2️⃣ Economic Studies: We are conducting cost-benefit analyses to evaluate different distribution models for CBD products, focusing on models that benefit small-scale, high-quality Italian producers.

3️⃣ Legal Action Fund: We are preparing for legal actions, both at national and European level, to counter regulatory issues and disinformation. This includes calls and efforts to ensure clear and fair rules.

💪🇮🇹 Why we need your support

The CBD sector in Italy faces significant challenges, with regulations that do not reflect the true nature of CBD products. Large foreign companies benefit at the expense of small and medium-sized Italian operators, and consumers pay the price.

We believe in a regulated sector that allows Italian producers and traders to work with clear laws that prioritize both product safety and consumer well-being.

🙏 Join us in this fight 🙏

We invite institutions to dialogue, but we must also prepare to defend ourselves. Together, we can challenge these regulatory ambiguities and ensure that consumers have access to safe and affordable CBD products from Italy.

Your support will allow us to take legal action, present scientific studies and promote responsible trade within the Italian hemp supply chain.

Click here to give your support 💪

Thank you! 🌱💚 #jointherevolution