The use of CBD oil has recently been subject to new laws in Italy, primarily focused on “oral compositions containing CBD extracted from the plant” for therapeutic uses. This change has created considerable confusion.
First of all, it only applied to a particular class of products, leaving hemp flowers, CBD cosmetics, and cannabis light available on the market. Secondly, CBD shows evidences to be a treatment for many diseases. WHO did not recommend banning CBD containing products.
Court ruling in Lazio
A Lazio regional court has ruled to suspend the recent CBD ministerial directive. As mentioned, it required the addition of cannabinoid-based oral products to the list of drugs. New ruling, however, is a huge relief for some people. Lazio’s decision allows for the sale of light cannabis-containing oral medicines again.
The legal status of these products will be further clarified at a hearing on the merits of the case, which is set for January 16, 2024. The association “Imprenditori Canapa Italia” filled an appeal against the decree, which the court upheld earlier this month. This verdict follows that appeal.
Comments about CBD law’s changes
Many Italian businesses and organisations wanted to open the discussion about the new CBD law. As we already reported, Canapa Sativa Italia voiced opposition to the decree and emphasised its lack of scientific support. They requested that the Ministry of Health revoke the order and open the door to discussion with the administration. They want to include trade associations in the regulatory decisions which can control the industry according to academic research.
Moreover, international organisations like the WHO and the United Nations endorse the idea that CBD is a risk-free modifying agent with no misuse potential or intoxication effects. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) concluded that cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm.
CBD in Italy: what’s next?
In Italy, “oral compositions containing CBD extracted from the plant” have been the focus of recent legislative modifications. However, it seems that activities of relevant organisations can help to open the discussions. So, all light cannabis medicines fororal use are once again available for now. But this confusion is just another indication of how unclear these restrictions were, as demonstrated by the recent court decision in Lazio.
The court has scheduled the hearing for January 16, 2024. It is probably going to shed additional light on the situation. The hearing might help to determine how CBD-related products are marketed in Italy going forward.