Italy’s ‘Cannabis Light’ Industry Supports 22,000 Full-Time Jobs
Cannabis products that are low in THC, often called ‘cannabis light,’ are very popular in Europe, particularly in Italy. According to a new economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people.
“The light cannabis sector has a direct economic impact of almost one billion euros, with another additional billion of indirect impact, and the creation of 22 thousand full-time jobs.” reported Dolce Vita in its original coverage.
“These are the recently updated estimates of the Italian light cannabis market, therefore relating only to inflorescences (without CBD oils and shredded) developed in a study by MPG Consulting, led by the specialized economist Davide Fortin together with the lawyer Maria Paola Liotti and commissioned by the Canapa Sativa Italia association.” the outlet also stated.
As the International Cannabis Business Conference previously reported, lawmakers in Italy have tried to hinder the nation’s emerging hemp-derived product sector, issuing a decree last year that equates cannabidiol (CBD) with dangerous narcotic substances. The decree sought to limit the sale of CBD products to pharmacies only (non-repeat prescriptions).
Members of Italy’s CBD industry have sought relief from the European Commission, requesting that the European Commission intervene. However, such an intervention has yet to materialize, and action from the EC is being delayed.
“Brussels has delayed addressing Italy’s restrictive measures on industrial hemp and CBD, with stakeholders warning that the holdup is stifling the country’s growing hemp industry, following a March 17 debate in the European Parliament.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage.
“The conflict centers on two key Italian measures that have raised alarms among hemp advocates: a proposed amendment to the country’s Security Law and a decree that classifies oral CBD products as narcotics. The amendment, still under consideration in Italy’s Senate, would ban the production and trade of hemp flowers and derivatives, even those with THC content below the EU’s permitted 0.3% threshold.” the outlet also reported.
