Italy Legalizes CBD: New Amendment Approves Sale of Products with Less Than 0.5% THC
Author: Ondrej Stovicek
The amendment to the Act on the Legalization of CBD has been approved in Italy. Products with a THC content of less than 0.5% will no longer be classified as pharmaceuticals. Consequently, they will be freely available, and their sale will not be considered illegal in Italy.
Regulation of Hemp-Based Products
An amendment to the law has been approved to regulate the sale of hemp-based products with a THC content of less than 0.5%. These products are no longer classified as drugs.
"We have won," said Luca Marola, founder of Easyjoint, an Italian shop specializing in CBD products. Marola, a prominent CBD legalization activist in Italy, expressed his relief and excitement over the new legislation.
"This sector is finally entitled to operate," Marola continued. “The rule governs both the Cannabis Act and the Narcotic Drugs Act. Marketing is now clearly allowed.”
Activism and Change
"They treated us like drug dealers," Marola said. “Many companies had to close down, a supply chain employing more than 10,000 people was brought to its knees. We continued our activism to achieve a change in the law. Today we won, and Italy will finally connect with the global market for these products.”
New Legislation and Economic Impact
Legislation, which must be finally adopted in conjunction with the economic maneuver by 2020, will clarify the limits of the active substance under which the product cannot be considered a narcotic and definitively establish the legality of its sale. These products will be subject to a tax of EUR 12 per thousand kilograms of hemp biomass.
Coldiretti, the Italian Agricultural Association, welcomed Parliament's move, noting that the cannabis area in Italy grew from 400 hectares in 2013 to 4,000 hectares last year.
Future Implications
Now, products with CBD in Italy will be legal and officially authorized! This move is hoped to set an example for other countries still struggling to legalize CBD.
Conclusion
With the approval of this amendment, Italy has taken a significant step towards the legalization of CBD products, ensuring they are no longer classified as narcotics and allowing for their free sale. This development is a positive move for the CBD industry and sets a hopeful precedent for other countries.