The cannabis light sector in Italy is facing one of the most challenging moments in its short but intense history, following the approval of the DDL Sicurezza (Security Decree). Strongly advocated by the government led by Giorgia Meloni, this decree introduces significant regulatory restrictions that have hit the industrial hemp industry hard, particularly concerning the flowers and products derived from Cannabis sativa L. with a THC content below 0.2%, commonly known as “cannabis light.” But what exactly do these new rules entail, and what impact will they have on the industry and consumers?
Cannabis Light: What Was Legal Before the DDL Sicurezza?
Before the DDL Sicurezza’s approval, cannabis light was regulated by Law No. 242 of 2016, aimed at promoting the cultivation of hemp for industrial and commercial uses. This law stipulated that cannabis light, or Cannabis sativa L. with a THC content below 0.2%, could be cultivated, sold, and processed, provided it stayed within the limits set by European regulations.
The 2016 law gave a significant boost to the creation of new businesses in Italy, leading to a flourishing market that attracted investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers interested in the benefits of non-psychoactive cannabis. Cannabis light products included not only flowers but also food products like pasta and biscuits, oils and creams for cosmetic use, and e-liquids for vaping.
This growing sector contributed significantly to the Italian economy, creating new jobs and revitalizing rural and struggling agricultural areas, all under the supervision of Italian and European regulations that imposed strict controls on THC levels, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
DDL Sicurezza: The Government’s Crackdown on Cannabis Light
With the approval of the DDL Sicurezza, the Italian government has adopted a much stricter stance on cannabis light. The decree bans the import, processing, distribution, and sale of cannabis flowers, even if they fall within the THC limits established by previous regulations. Essentially, cannabis light is now equated with traditional cannabis, classified as a narcotic under Italy’s Unified Text on Narcotics.
This means that any commercial activity related to the production and sale of cannabis flowers is now prohibited, and those who violate these provisions face severe penalties. The regulation also extends to products such as oils, resins, and derivatives from the flowers, including food and cosmetics.
The government justifies this crackdown by citing the need to regulate a sector that, according to some government sources, was operating in a sort of legal gray area. Various Supreme Court rulings had created uncertainties about the legality of selling cannabis flowers, even when they complied with the THC limits set by law. The DDL Sicurezza aims to eliminate these ambiguities, drawing a clear line between legal and illegal cannabis.
The Cannabis Light Industry’s Reaction
The cannabis light sector responded immediately and critically to the new law. Many entrepreneurs and retailers believe that the DDL Sicurezza deals a fatal blow to an industry that, until now, had operated within the law and generated an annual turnover of around 150 million euros .
According to Riccardo Magi, a member of Parliament from +Europa, the law is anti-European and threatens to cripple thousands of small and medium-sized Italian businesses that entered the cannabis light market in good faith, relying on the legality of their operations. Many industry operators have already announced plans to challenge the decree, arguing that it violates European directives on the free movement of hemp-derived products.
Moreover, several trade associations have organized protests, calling on the government to reconsider the law and consider the economic and social impact this regulatory tightening may have. There is concern that banning cannabis light could encourage the return of illegal cannabis trade, undoing years of efforts to regulate the sector .
Cannabis Light and Narcotics: A Controversial Comparison
One of the most controversial aspects of the DDL Sicurezza is the equivalence between cannabis light and narcotic cannabis. By definition, cannabis light contains minimal amounts of THC (below 0.2%) and does not have psychoactive effects. Many experts argue that treating cannabis light as a narcotic substance is a mistake, both scientifically and legally.
According to several consumer organizations, the ban on cannabis light not only limits personal freedoms but also removes products from the market that have proven health benefits. Cannabis light is used by many consumers as a dietary supplement, a remedy for chronic pain relief, or a tool to reduce stress and anxiety, without the side effects of cannabis with higher concentrations of THC .
The Impact of DDL Sicurezza on Consumers
The DDL Sicurezza affects not only businesses but also consumers. Those who have chosen to use cannabis light for health reasons or as an alternative to stronger medications now face significant restrictions. Many consumers fear that, with the closure of specialty shops and the ban on selling flowers, it will be more challenging to find quality products that meet safety standards.
Moreover, there is a risk that the ban will push consumers towards the black market, where products may be less controlled and more dangerous for their health. While the government justifies the DDL Sicurezza as a measure to protect citizens from narcotic substances, many consumers see the law as a restriction on their personal choices.
What Is the Future of Cannabis Light in Italy?
The future of cannabis light in Italy is uncertain. While the DDL Sicurezza marks a clear step backward for the industry, protests and legal challenges could lead to a revision of the regulations. Some experts suggest that, in the long run, there may be room for a compromise that allows cannabis light to continue being sold and used, but with stricter rules to ensure consumer safety.
In the meantime, entrepreneurs and consumers must cope with the new restrictions, hoping that European institutions will intervene to protect the industrial hemp market in Italy.