The Lower House approved a measure on Thursday in the government’s security bill that bans the sale of ‘cannabis light’. This includes hemp flowers and products containing a minimal level of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a high.
Opposition parties criticised the decision, arguing it would harm legitimate businesses. “When it has a low THC content, cannabis has the same psychoactive effect as basil,” said Rachele Scarpa, a lawmaker from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD). “Nutmeg is more of a drug than the substance you are making illegal.”
Gianmauro Dell’Olio of the 5-Star Movement (M5S) accused the ruling majority of “taking out an entire sector,” while Angelo Bonelli of the Green-Left Alliance (AVS) claimed, “the mafia is celebrating the fact that a piece of the economy has gone into illegality.”
What is ‘Cannabis Light’?
‘Cannabis light’ refers to hemp flowers and related products containing a low level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.
With THC levels generally below 0.2%, cannabis light is not considered intoxicating or addictive and is legal in many countries. Sellers often market it as a wellness product that promotes relaxation without the high of regular marijuana.
Italy produces around 1,000 to 1,500 tons of “cannabis light” annually. It is one of the largest producers of hemp in Europe. Hemp cultivation uses around 4,000 hectares, a significant portion of which is for cannabis light products. The industry includes numerous small and medium-sized businesses that focus on producing and selling these low-THC cannabis products.
The recent move to ban its sale in Italy has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it will push a legal industry into the black market. Three years ago, Italy decriminalised the cultivation of cannabis at home for personal use.
