DeutschHello dear readers! Today I would like to talk about the recent developments in Italy related to CBD. It seems like the Italian government is constantly changing its mind about CBD, and this has significant implications for both consumers and businesses.
Italy’s renewed U-turn
The Italian government has once again changed its mind on CBD, issuing a new decree classifying the hemp-derived compound as a narcotic. This comes after a similar decree in 2020 was withdrawn just days after it was published. Another 2022 decree banning CBD was eventually overturned by a regional court in Lazio.
What does the EU say?
Interestingly, in 2020 the European Commission determined that CBD is not a narcotic in a legally binding decision for all EU member states. This followed a ruling by the European Court of Justice in the same year.
Criticism from the industry
The Italian government’s recent decision was sharply criticized by the cannabis industry. Canapa Sativa Italia, an industry association, expressed concerns that companies producing and marketing CBD-based hemp extracts will now have to go through strict drug registration procedures with the Ministry of Health. The Hemp Federation Federcanapa warned that the decree will harm local producers, while importing CBD-containing foods and cosmetics from other European countries will still be possible.
The impact on the market
Viola Brugnatelli, a neuropharmacologist and co-founder of the online cannabis academy Cannabiscienza, expressed concern about the economic impact of the decree. According to them, this will significantly impact the sector by effectively banning the sale of CBD, which is an introduction to cannabis for many patients.
A call to action
Carlo Alberto Zaina, an industry lawyer and drug policy expert, called on the CBD industry to unite against the decree and begin a legal fight.
It is clear that the constant changes in CBD policy in Italy are causing confusion and uncertainty for both consumers and businesses. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the future. What do you think about that? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: https://hemptoday.net/in-another-policy-flip-flop-italy-again-designates-cbd-as-a-narcotic/