22/10/2024
Aurelien BERNARD
The European Commission has opened an investigation into recent measures taken by the Italian government to stop the trade in CBD and hemp flowers .
The move follows a series of complaints from stakeholders who believe Italy's measures could breach EU regulations.
This decision pushed by the far-right Italian government has raised serious concerns, especially since Italy is a key player in the European market for industrial hemp and CBD products .
Italy's decision to ban CBD and hemp flowers
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni , is proposing a two-part strategy to eliminate legal hemp flowers in the EU, which contain cannabinoids such as CBD.
Industrial hemp flowers, although non-psychoactive, are used to produce CBD and are also marketed in Italy under the name “cannabis light”, an attractive product for consumers seeking the benefits of cannabinoids without the psychoactive effects.
The current controversy stems from an amendment to the 2023 Security Law that would impose a complete ban on the sale of hemp flowers. This amendment was passed by the Italian Chamber of Deputies in September 2024 and must now be considered by the Italian Senate . If approved, the amendment could effectively dismantle the CBD and hemp flower market in Italy by cutting off the main source of these products.