Italian Government to Reclassify CBD as a Narcotic Substance

The Italian government, under the leadership of far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is moving forward with a controversial new decree aimed at reclassifying CBD (cannabidiol) as a narcotic, contrary to global and European decisions on CBD regulation.

For more news like this, along with all the latest in legalization, research, and lifestyle, download our free cannabis news app.

New Government Decree on CBD Oil

The Italian government filed a new decree yesterday to classify orally consumed CBD as a narcotic. This decree could become law 30 days after its publication in the Official Journal. However, it can be appealed by the Tar, the Italian administrative court. The decree follows the framework established by the previous Speranza decree, which was overturned by the Tar in 2023, but introduces new opinions from the Higher Institute of Health and the Higher Health Council, suggesting that these institutions now have sufficient scientific evidence to support this classification.

Giacomo Bulleri, a lawyer specializing in this field, spoke on LinkedIn and to DolceVitaOnline.it about the implications of the decree. He describes the situation as “surreal,” especially since a judgment from the Tar on the matter is still pending. Mr. Bulleri believes that the Italian government could have presented its evidence in the ongoing judicial proceedings rather than imposing a new decree. He emphasizes that this decision appears to reflect Italy’s determination to classify CBD as a narcotic, despite the European Court of Justice’s clarification that it should not be considered as such.

Mr. Bulleri also notes that the new decree includes recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) dating back to 2020. The WHO had advised all member countries not to classify CBD-based products, particularly those with a THC content not exceeding 0.2%, as narcotics. This inclusion raises questions about the scientific necessity and proportionality of the Italian government’s decision.

Impact on the Italian CBD Market

The Italian government’s decree specifically targets oral compositions of CBD extracted from cannabis, leaving synthetic CBD products and cosmetic applications, governed by the Cosing, unaffected. This selective approach adds to the complexity and confusion surrounding the regulation. Furthermore, it casts uncertainty on the use of CBD in food products, potentially putting Italy at odds with the European market as a whole.

Mr. Bulleri warns that Italy risks isolating itself from the common market. By the end of 2024 or early 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is expected to authorize foods containing CBD throughout Europe, provided it can navigate the Novel Food muddle. If Italy proceeds with this classification, it could become the only European country to consider CBD as a narcotic, hindering its commercial and industrial growth, even though it supplies many European countries with CBD flowers and extracts.

—

(Featured image by Vox España (CC0 1.0) via Wikimedia Commons)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third-party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Hemp.im, its management, staff, or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in Newsweed, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Hemp.im assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Hemp.im is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.