Italy: Deputies to vote for or against cannabis self-cultivation

Italians may soon be able to grow up to four cannabis plants at home. The Chamber of Deputies' Justice Committee has just approved a text along these lines. But the parliamentary road is still long. The measure will have to be submitted to amendments, then voted in plenary session by the 630 deputies in the Palazzo Montecitorio. The country's cannabis legislation is already quite favorable, as the medical cannabis authorized, and the CBD with 0.6 % of THC.

« In the case of cannabis cultivation activities of minimal size, carried out in a domestic form and this because of the rudimentary techniques used, because of the small number of plants, because of the modest quantity of product that can be obtained [...], intended for domestic use. producer's personnel, the provisions of articles 73 and 75 [providing for penal sanctions] do not apply».», the document written by MP Caterina Licatini, of the Five Star Movement (M5E), an anti-system party close to anti-globalization ideas. 

«Growing cannabis at home is essential for those who need to use it therapeutically. They often can't find any available. It also helps combat trafficking and the underground economy.», argues the bill's rapporteur, M5E MP Mario Perantoni. Another argument: the deputies are simply adapting the law to case law. Indeed, the Italian Court of Cassation has decriminalize self-cultivation in 2019. In fact, the terms used by the highest court are virtually copied and pasted into the bill.

Fierce opposition from the right

But the text is divisive, and marks a strong left/right divide. The left - made up of the M5E, but also the Democratic Party (social-democrat) and Libres et Egaux (left) - said yes. The right - the League (nationalist right), Fratelli d'Italia (extreme right), Forza Italia (Christian Democrat) and Coraggio Italia (liberal-conservative) - categorically refuses.

« The right to land, the law against LGBT discrimination, and now the cultivation of cannabis in the home! If these are the government's priorities, Italy has a problem.», choked Matteo Salvini, former Minister of the Interior (2018-2019) and influential head of the League. Yet his party is a member of the ruling coalition. So are Forza Italia and Coraggio Italia, who are also opposed to the text. The majority is therefore likely to explode when it comes to the vote.

In the opposition, some fear a headlong rush. « We'll be the laughing stock of Europe, already astonished by our primacy of cannabis and cannabinoid use among school-age children. In short, thanks to Draghi and his supporters, we'll all be more devious, coy, stunned and, in some cases, unabashed. This is precisely what Italy needed.», said Fabio Rampelli of Fratelli d'Italia, the far-right party with fascist overtones.