April 25 is not only Liberation Day from fascism—this year it also coincides with national mourning for Pope Francis and the enforcement of the Security Decree 2025, which criminalizes light cannabis.
April 25 and the Value of Freedom
On April 25, 1945, Italy threw off an authoritarian regime and embraced democracy. Today, those same ideals of freedom and self-determination are threatened by laws that treat a non-psychoactive plant as an illicit drug. Honoring the historic Resistance means defending the right to informed, responsible choice.
National Mourning and Temporary Bans
Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Council of Ministers declared five days of national mourning, during which:
- flags fly at half-mast;
- public events and entertainment are suspended;
- unauthorized gatherings are prohibited;
- some official ceremonies are postponed or simplified.
While these measures pay tribute to the late pontiff, they overlay the traditional April 25 commemorations with an atmosphere of solemn restraint.
What the Security Decree 2025 Provides
Passed under emergency procedure, the Security Decree 2025 reclassifies light cannabis (THC < 0.6 %) as a controlled substance. Key provisions include:
- Ban on cultivation, production, sale and possession of light cannabis flowers;
- Fines up to €10,000 and potential criminal charges for operators and users;
- Automatic seizure of all stock without compensation;
- Exceptions only for medical use (by specialist prescription) and select industrial applications (fiber, seed).
According to Coldiretti, the light cannabis sector was worth over €500 million and employed 25,000 people. With the decree in force, many businesses have already halted operations, imperiling rural economies.
Historic Resistance vs. “Normative Liberation”
Just as partisans fought to free Italy from oppression, today’s light cannabis growers embody a new “Green Resistance”. Ironically, these “modern partisans” are waging a battle against laws that ignore science and sustainable opportunities.
Practical Consequences for the Sector
The decree’s immediate impact:
- Harvests halted in full season, fields abandoned;
- Closure of over 300 grow-shops nationwide;
- Loss of around 10,000 jobs within months;
- Collapse of a local-development model that revived depopulated villages.
Industry groups speak of environmental, social and economic damage as hundreds of hectares lie unused and families lose their livelihoods.
Strategies for the “New Fight”
To counter the Security Decree 2025 and reclaim fair regulation, action is needed on multiple fronts:
1. Legal and Constitutional Appeals
Support lawsuits grounded in toxicological evidence and the principle of proportionality enshrined in the Constitution and EU law.
2. Civic Mobilization
Join webinars, forums and online assemblies organized by groups such as Italia Cannabis and Union Canapa to build an informed public network.
3. Diversification of Production
Invest in alternative hemp uses—bio-construction, textiles, natural cosmetics—to reduce dependence on the CBD market and strengthen rural resilience.
How to Join the Fight for Light Cannabis Freedom
If you believe in a debate based on facts and commonsense, here’s how to help:
- Comment below: share your experience or viewpoint;
- Share this article on social media to spread awareness;
- Attend online events hosted by producer and consumer associations;
- Support businesses pivoting to industrial hemp applications.
Every action, however small, sows the seeds of change—and rekindles the spirit of Liberation. Together, we can win true normative freedom.
