Italy and its unique approach to legal marijuana
Italy stands out as one of the few countries in Europe where marijuana is sold completely legally and used as a medicine in certain treatments. In addition, you can find stores that offer products derived from this plant.
The controversy surrounding recreational cannabis businesses
In recent weeks, intense controversy has arisen in Italy due to the proliferation of shops and warehouses selling cannabis for recreational purposes. The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Salvini, has proposed closing these establishments, arguing that they encourage the consumption and trafficking of narcotic substances. However, the Minister of Health, Giulia Grillo, of the 5 Star Movement, has firmly rejected this proposal.
The Perspective of Recreational Cannabis Marketers
Recreational cannabis traders do not agree with Salvini’s position. To prove it, we visited one of the many cannabis establishments in Rome: Canapando. Here you can find a wide variety of products made from this controversial plant, such as creams, liqueurs, oils and cookies.
Marco Mazzocchi, a seller in Canapando, defends his activity and affirms that the products he sells cannot be considered drugs. According to him, legal cannabis does not contain psychotropic substances and has no negative health effects, but can be beneficial in some cases.
The regulation of ‘light marijuana’ in Italy
The sale of so-called ‘light marijuana’ in Italy is regulated by law 242 of 2016, which came into force on January 14, 2017. This law allows the marketing of products derived from the cannabis leaf with a low THC content. , the psychoactive compound of the plant, which should be between 0.2% and 0.6%.
Following these regulations, legal cannabis crops have flourished on the peninsula. It is estimated that in Italy there are around 4,000 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of cannabis for recreational use. This sector represents an annual turnover of 40 million euros in the country.
Cannabis as medicine in Italy
In recent years, the use of legal marijuana in Italy has extended to the medicinal field. Dr. Paolo Poli recommends its use to patients who suffer from anorexia, anemia or muscle pain, among other illnesses.
Italy has become the second largest medical cannabis market in Europe, and its value is estimated to reach €7.5 billion over the next 10 years.
