Cannabis in Italy

Italy has a functional medical cannabis program and has decriminalized personal cannabis use, though recreational sales remain illegal. Medical cannabis was authorized in 2013, with the Military Pharmaceutical Chemical Plant in Florence (Stabilimento Chimico Farmaceutico Militare) designated as the primary domestic producer. Italy also imports medical cannabis, primarily from the Netherlands (Bedrocan) and Canada, to supplement domestic production.

Patients can access medical cannabis through a prescription from their physician for a range of conditions including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis spasticity, nausea from chemotherapy, and appetite stimulation. Regional health systems manage access, and some regions provide medical cannabis free of charge to qualifying patients. However, access varies significantly across regions, with northern regions generally providing better access than southern ones.

Personal cannabis use was decriminalized in a 1993 referendum, though possession for personal use can still result in administrative sanctions such as suspension of driving licenses or passports. The distinction between personal use and distribution quantities is determined case by case, creating legal uncertainty. Italy also experienced a brief 'cannabis light' phenomenon beginning in 2016, when shops selling low-THC cannabis (below 0.6% THC) proliferated across the country, though subsequent regulatory actions have created uncertainty around this market.

Italy's military-produced cannabis is unique globally and reflects the country's cautious approach to cannabis policy. The domestic production capacity has struggled to meet medical demand, leading to chronic supply shortages and reliance on imports. Several political parties have introduced legalization proposals, but none have advanced through parliament, and cannabis policy remains a contentious political issue in Italy.