In a move that’s left many in the hemp and wellness industries stunned, the Italian government has recently taken steps to significantly restrict — and potentially ban — key segments of the CBD market. From reclassifying CBD extracts as narcotics to targeting hemp flower products (aka “cannabis light”), Italy's policy shift could have a ripple effect throughout Europe. Here's what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for CBD lovers and businesses alike.
A Sudden Shift in Policy
In July 2024, Italy's Ministry of Health issued a decree declaring oral CBD compositions derived from cannabis extracts as narcotic substances. This classification essentially puts these CBD products in the same legal category as controlled drugs — despite years of retail availability, medical use, and ongoing EU regulations that treat CBD differently.
The new classification contradicts the landmark 2020 ruling by the European Court of Justice, which clearly stated that CBD is not a narcotic, and that EU member states cannot ban its sale if it’s legally produced in another EU country. As noted in this Cannareporter article, this move has stirred legal controversy across the EU.
The “Cannabis Light” Industry Under Threat
As if that wasn’t enough, the Italian government — under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — introduced new legislation in late 2024 aiming to ban all products derived from the hemp flower. This includes CBD-rich cannabis with THC levels under 0.3%, known as "cannabis light" — a thriving segment of the Italian market.
Since 2016, Italy has been a European pioneer in the hemp flower industry, with thousands of small businesses and retailers offering CBD buds, teas, oils, and more. The proposed ban would wipe out much of this sector, threatening thousands of jobs and millions in investments, according to Reuters.
Why This Matters (Even Outside Italy)
Italy isn’t just any market — it’s one of the largest and most influential in the EU when it comes to hemp and wellness products. If the ban moves forward and holds up in court, it could inspire other conservative governments to follow suit.
But there’s hope: industry leaders, legal experts, and EU lawmakers are pushing back, arguing that Italy's new measures violate European free trade laws. Legal challenges are already underway, and many in the sector are watching closely to see if the EU steps in to defend its own regulations — a sentiment echoed by hemp advocacy groups in this article from EUNews.
What It Means for Consumers
For now, CBD products — especially flower-based ones — remain in legal limbo in Italy. While some shops continue to sell hemp buds and oils, uncertainty is growing. Consumers may notice product shortages, increased prices, or even disappearances from the Italian market altogether.
If you’re based in another EU country, this might seem like a distant problem. But given how interconnected the European CBD supply chain is, these changes could impact availability, shipping, and product variety across borders.
At TheGreenThingz, We Stand for Hemp Freedom
We believe that safe, lab-tested hemp products should remain accessible across Europe. CBD is not a narcotic — it’s a natural compound with enormous wellness potential. TheGreenThingz will continue to support legal, ethical CBD products and keep you informed of any shifts in European legislation that might affect your choices.
🇮🇹 Italian friends, time to stock up?
Let’s be real: if you’re in Italy and love your CBD buds, now might be the perfect time to stock up on your favorites before they vanish. We ship EU-wide — and yes, we’ve got some very tasty legal strains waiting for you at thegreenthingz.com.
Don’t wait for the smoke to clear — plan ahead, stay calm, and keep it green.