EU Investigates Italy’s Proposed Ban on CBD and Hemp Flowers

LOS ANGELES- The European Commission has launched an investigation into the Italian government’s proposed ban on CBD and hemp flowers, following concerns that the move may violate EU regulations. Italy’s far-right government, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has adopted a two-pronged approach aimed at curbing the legal market for hemp flowers, which are primarily used in the production of CBD. The government’s measures include an amendment to the 2023 Security Law that would prohibit the sale of hemp flowers, along with a decree issued in August 2024 classifying CBD as a narcotic substance.

This crackdown has raised alarms within the EU’s hemp industry, as Italy is a key player in the European market for industrial hemp and CBD products. Stakeholders, including Canapa Sativa Italia, argue that these actions conflict with EU regulations, particularly those that protect the free movement of goods and ensure fair competition across member states. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) had previously ruled that hemp extracts, such as CBD, are not narcotics and can be legally marketed across the EU. Therefore, Italy’s stance appears to contradict EU law and could disrupt a thriving industry, potentially impacting thousands of jobs.

As the European Commission reviews the situation, there is hope among industry advocates that the inquiry will block Italy’s restrictive measures, preserving the CBD and hemp flower markets not just in Italy, but across the European Union.