Happy Marijuana Day! – Italy is preparing to legalize cannabis

In recent years, many countries have taken steps to legalize cannabis, and even more nations appear to be joining. It seems Italy could join forces with other European countries such as the Czech Republic, Portugal and Estonia in decriminalizing the facility. In what is certainly a great week for cannabis enthusiasts, the referendum on legalizing cannabis has achieved its goal.

Legalization of cannabis in Italy

After the legalization of cannabis in other European countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia and Portugal, the referendum in Italy came as no great surprise to many. The aim of the referendum is to amend the 1990 law on the sale and personal use of cannabis. Under this law, passed in 1990, possession of marijuana for personal use is punishable by disqualification from driving. However, possession of marijuana in commercial quantities carries a sentence of two to six months in prison.

This referendum seems like a step in the right direction as it was signed by more than 420,000 people in just four days. That’s just 80,000 signatures below the 500,000 target set for September 30, 2021. One of the main reasons for this referendum in Italy is Giuseppe Civati. Giuseppe Civati ​​is the founder of Possible, a party in Italy based on progressive values. Speaking to the Euractiv news agency, Civati ​​said: “This success is explained by factors”. He went further to divide these factors into two distinct headings, namely technical and political.

On a technical level, Giuseppe Civati ​​said: “From a technical point of view, the establishment and signing of the referendum has become much easier thanks to the introduction of digital signatures, which has significantly reduced organizational costs”. Regarding the political significance of the referendum, Civata said that the issue has been a long-term work. “There are around a million cannabis users in Italy. The people who use it are not the kind of marginalized members of society as right-wing parties describe them, and many parts of the United States have legalized it through referendums as well.

Civati’s contribution to the need to legalize cannabis suggests that it may be a moral issue that isn’t health-driven. The stigma associated with using cannabis remains, which is why the plant is largely still illegal. Regarding the referendum and the legalization of cannabis in Italy, Civati ​​said: “National politics has long been completely static on issues that are considered taboo in a pure electoral logic”. He ended his speech by encouraging citizens to fight for what they believe in. Legalization of abortion and divorce in Italy was achieved through referendums, so it remains to be seen what will change in this outcome in the case of cannabis legalization.

Cannabis in Italy – Laws, Use, and History

While it is hoped that cannabis will be legalized in Italy at some point, it is important to understand the laws that regulate its use. This will help you once in the country. In this section we answer frequently asked questions about cannabis use in Italy.

Can you possess and use cannabis in Italy?

In Italy, the Law on Cannabis Use is known as the Consolidated Law of 1990. According to the provisions of this law, the use of cannabis is not illegal, but its possession is illegal. Under this law, possession of marijuana for personal use is punishable by revocation of your driver’s license. However, possession of marijuana in commercial quantities carries a sentence of two to six months in prison. It is important to note that first-time offenders usually get away with a warning and a formal request. This only applies to individuals caught in possession of cannabis for personal use.

Can you sell cannabis in Italy?

The simple answer to this question is no. Selling or supplying cannabis in Italy is illegal. Although selling cannabis carries a less severe penalty than selling hard drugs, it is still considered a serious criminal offense. Selling cannabis in Italy is usually punished with six years in prison. In cases where the offense is considered minor, the prison sentence can be four years or even six months.

Can you grow cannabis in Italy?

Surprisingly, cannabis can be grown in Italy as hemp cultivation was legalized in 2016. Taking the step to legalize hemp cultivation turned out to be the right decision as it brings some economic benefits. Hemp-based products such as building materials and pasta are made by Italian brands. Growing hemp for personal use is still illegal and it remains to be seen whether that will change with the success of the referendum.

Is CBD legal in Italy?

Therapeutic CBD oil can be legally purchased and used in Italy. However, you will need a doctor’s prescription before buying as they are sold in pharmacies. Regular CBD oil can be bought legally as long as its potency does not exceed 0.6%.

Can cannabis seeds be sent to Italy?

Yes, as in most European countries, you can send cannabis seeds to Italy. Of course, they can be sent by post. However, these seeds are not allowed to be planted because growing hemp yourself is illegal in Italy. Cannabis flowers known as buds are also sold legally as long as the THC content is below 0.6%.

diploma

The move towards legalizing cannabis in Italy is a step in the right direction. It is also likely to have a ripple effect as other European countries as well as countries on other continents consider reforming their cannabis laws.

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