Italy: bill to legalize cannabis

This Monday, the Italian Parliament is introducing a bill to decriminalize the personal cultivation and recreational use of cannabis in Italy.

The bill under consideration by lawmakers proposes a Grow up to 5 plants yourself of cannabis per person. The text would also decriminalize possession of 5 grams of cannabis on the street and 15 grams at home. The Sales between private individuals would remain completely prohibited. This proposal to legalize cannabis in Italy is largely modeled on the Spanish system, which allows for Cannabis Social Club.

Supporters of this bill cite the annual report of the National Anti-Mafia Directorate (DNA), which makes no secret of the failure of law enforcement efforts. The report also states that «it is absolutely impossible to step up law enforcement efforts.» The DNA supports the decriminalization of cannabis in Italy in order to relieve the burden on the courts and refocus police efforts on other forms of crime (cannabis trafficking rather than its consumption, for example).

The bill introduced by Senator Benedetto Della Vedova, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is supported by 200 of the 620 members of parliament. However, the bill faces fierce opposition from conservatives, who have filed nearly 1,300 amendments in an attempt to block it. Furthermore, lawmakers’ lack of punctuality during the summer months risks delaying the debate until September.

Opponents of cannabis decriminalization in Italy, as in France, cite ethical and public health concerns: «We are absolutely opposed to legalization and to the idea of sending the message that it’s okay to smoke a joint without any problems.».

The Italians have legalized medical cannabis and have already launched the first government-funded production to meet the needs of pharmacies. The military is responsible for growing the plants. Selected to ensure the safety of the product, the first harvests will serve as a test. The quantity produced and the experience gained over the years could bring the price down from €15 to €5 per gram.

The Italian government is also distributing permits for individuals who require cannabis-based treatments. They have the right to grow their own medicine. With 7.61% of the population regularly using cannabis, the issue of recreational use is finally being addressed by policymakers.

Some are already looking beyond mere decriminalization. The website cannabisNativa, is eagerly preparing for the liberalization of the cannabis market. It is offering consumers and investors the opportunity to set up a chain of dispensaries. Lurking in the shadows, this company is waiting for the moment when conservatives become a minority in the legislative chambers.