Italy’s Proposed Ban on Hemp Flower Sales Raises Industry Concerns

LOS ANGELES- Italy’s “cannabis light” sector, which has experienced significant growth since the legalization of hemp in 2016, faces potential disruption due to proposed legislation aimed at banning products derived from hemp flowers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government contends that the existing law is overly permissive and seeks to eliminate the sale of hemp flower products, citing public safety concerns.

Hemp, characterized by low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), has been cultivated for various industrial applications, including textiles, cosmetics, and food products. The proposed ban has elicited strong opposition from industry stakeholders who argue that such measures could jeopardize thousands of jobs and result in substantial financial losses. Alessio Amicone, founder of Canapando, a company specializing in cannabis products, criticized the government’s stance, stating, “They are waging a war on a substance that is not a drug.”

The government’s anti-drug department has expressed concerns that products made from hemp flowers may pose risks to public safety, including potential impacts on road safety. In response, producers emphasize that hemp flowers contain negligible psychotropic components and are integral to a supply chain that encompasses multiple industries.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader initiative by Meloni’s conservative coalition to reinforce traditional social structures and public morality. The outcome of this legislative effort will have significant implications for Italy’s hemp industry and its economic contributions.