Italy considers hemp leaves to be a medicinal plant

Since August 2020, hemp flower for extractive use has been classified as a medicinal plant in Italy. What impact will this have on cannabis and CBD production in Italy? Explanations.

What is the status of CBD in Italy?

The regulations on hemp and its uses in Italy are complex and have undergone many changes over the years. Possessing and selling cannabis is illegal in Italy, although consumption is still allowed. But some uses of hemp are regulated and have allowed production sectors to grow.

In 2007, for example, the government legalised medical cannabis and authorised THC for the treatment of a number of conditions. Therefore, the sale of CBD oil for therapeutic purposes is allowed in Italian pharmacies with a medical prescription. Interestingly, medical CBD production falls under the responsibility of the Italian army!

Similarly, the cultivation of hemp has been authorised since 2016. This has led to growth in certain markets such as the production and sale of pasta and plant-based construction materials. You can buy hemp with less than 0.6% THC in Italy. The plant is classified as a food additive. One of the latest major developments was the authorisation to grow hemp plants for personal use, which was passed by the Court of Cassation in December 2019.

Finally, in August 2020, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies signed a decree classifying hemp flower for extractive use as a medicinal plant. This law opens up new development prospects for hemp production in Italy, which is already booming.

The impact on the cannabis industry in Italy

According to the lawyer on the board of directors of Federcanapa, the Italian hemp association, this latest development is a very positive sign. Classifying the hemp flower for extractive use as a medicinal plant paves the way for future recognition of the plant as an agricultural product. This classification also provides new opportunities.

Hemp grown in Italy can now be used for industrial, food, cosmetic purposes and now, the flowering tops can be used for medicinal purposes. Including hemp cultivation under Italian legislation on medicinal plants is beneficial for farmers too. The regulations classify cultivation, harvesting and initial processing of medicinal plants as agricultural activities.

Producers of hemp flowers for extractive use will therefore not only be able to cultivate the plant but also prepare them (sorting, drying, etc.) in order to obtain a product which is suitable for processing (extraction of CBD oil, etc.). The new classification of hemp will also allow new products to be marketed: dyes, essential oils, etc.

Finally, let us not forget that hemp in Italy is also regulated by legislation regulating its production and authorising certain medical uses. Including hemp flowers for extractive use in regulations for medicinal plants could, therefore, result in an increase in commercial opportunities for cannabinoids. As long as cannabis varieties do not exceed the maximum THC level allowed, they can be cultivated, as allowed under the new Italian legislation, for the extraction of cannabinoids such as CBD.

Sources

Hemp law: https://www.norml.fr/droit-legislation/france-international/ 

law on hemp as a medicinal plant: https://www.altalex.com/documents/news/2020/09/21/cannabis-sativa-l-riconosciuto-status-di-pianta-officinale 

fedecanapa website: https://www.federcanapa.it/