Is CBD legal in Italy in 2025?
When we think of Italy, we imagine sun-drenched vineyards, world-class cuisine, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. But in recent years, CBD oil in Italy has become a major topic of discussion, reflecting the global surge in demand for CBD-related products. With increasing public awareness of CBD’s health and wellness benefits, the CBD business in Italy has rapidly expanded. If you are wondering whether is CBD legal in Italy in 2025, this article will explain in detail and much more.
So is CBD oil legal in Italy?
Short answer: only in restricted forms. Oral CBD extracted from the hemp plant and flower/inflorescence-based products are not permitted for non-prescription sale under current Italian rules, while some topical products may be permissible if they comply with EU cosmetics requirements. The situation remains fluid due to ongoing legal challenges.
While topical products may remain legal when compliant, Italy’s stance on oral CBD has tightened (prescription-only when derived from the plant). Entrepreneurs looking to start a CBD business in Italy must closely monitor legal updates and ensure compliance with both national laws and EU directives.
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in CBD manufacturing and regulatory compliance, helping businesses navigate the changing CBD market in Italy. If you’re considering entering the CBD industry in Italy, this guide will provide key insights into CBD laws, business opportunities, and best practices.
In this article, we will cover:
- Basic facts about CBD production
- The legal status of CBD in Italy in 2025
- Where and how to buy or sell CBD in Italy
- Key regulations for CBD businesses
For a full breakdown of the ruling and its consequences under the new law, read our detailed analysis here:
👉 Italy CBD Ban 2025: What’s Legal, What’s Not, and Why It Matters
This article is part of our broader series on CBD regulations in the European Union. Be sure to check out our country-specific articles on Germany, Spain, France, and Poland to stay up to date with the latest legal developments.
Overview of CBD
Before diving into Italy's CBD laws, let's clarify what CBD (cannabidiol) is and how it differs from other cannabis-derived compounds.
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which produces a psychoactive "high," CBD is non-intoxicating and is used for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Hemp vs. Marijuana: Key Differences
- Hemp: Contains low THC levels (typically below 0.2% in the EU Common Catalogue). It is legal for industrial and commercial use. Hemp-derived CBD oil remains permissible in Italy only for non-flower-based, compliant categories (e.g., topicals within EU cosmetics rules).
- Marijuana: Contains high THC levels, leading to psychoactive effects and stricter regulations.
CBD can be extracted and isolated from THC, ensuring that it meets legal requirements. Industrial hemp is widely accepted and used in multiple industries, including wellness, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Marijuana, however, remains classified as a controlled substance in Italy.
CBD and Public Perception
Research has increasingly highlighted CBD’s potential health benefits, contributing to a shift in public opinion. In the past, cannabis products were treated solely as narcotics, but today, CBD is recognized for its therapeutic potential, fueling demand across various sectors.
As Italy refines its stance on CBD regulation, staying informed about the latest scientific research and legal changes is crucial for businesses and consumers alike.
History of cannabis and CBD products in Italy
Italy has a complex relationship with cannabis and CBD. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, the country has made significant strides in regulating medical cannabis and hemp-derived CBD products. One of the most notable developments has been the rise of 'cannabis light', which has added to legal ambiguity.
a.) Medical cannabis
Since the 1990s, cannabis was classified as a “soft drug”, meaning possession and use were subject to lighter penalties. However, in 2007, the Italian government legalized medical cannabis, allowing production under strict governmental permits. Despite this move, bureaucratic hurdles meant that Italy initially had to import all medical cannabis, making it expensive compared to other treatments.
To address this issue, in 2014, the Italian Army was tasked with producing a specific strain of medical cannabis, reducing costs. However, prices for legal medical cannabis remain high, leading many Italians to seek supplies from the black market.
Today, patients can receive a prescription for medical cannabis to treat conditions such as:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Severe nausea
Data shows that the recreational use of cannabis in Italy is widespread. Nonetheless, it is still not legal. Possession or use of small amounts of cannabis is, however, only punishable with a fine and is not considered a criminal offense. With that said, there is more than enough space to operate your CBD business completely legally in Italy, We therefore strongly advise you to pay strict attention to the law.
b.) Industrial hemp
Hemp production in Italy has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Before World War II, Italy was among the world’s leading hemp producers. However, strict anti-cannabis laws banned cultivation for decades. When these restrictions were lifted, hemp production skyrocketed, increasing from 500 acres to over 5,000 acres.
The Italian government first set a THC limit of 0.2% for hemp-derived products, later increasing the legal tolerance to 0.6%. This led to the rise of 'cannabis light', a category of low-THC hemp products widely sold across Italy.
In 2019, the Supreme Court of Cassation ruled that cannabis derivatives with narcotic effects are not legal. However, the ruling’s vague wording created significant confusion for CBD businesses, leaving uncertainty about the legal status of products containing between 0.2% and 0.6% THC.
Since April 2025, Decree-Law 48/2025 has restricted the cannabis-light market by banning hemp flowers/inflorescences and their derivatives (including flower-derived oils and extracts) regardless of THC content. This has effectively ended the legal sale of “cannabis light” as it previously existed, making it crucial for businesses to stay updated on legal developments and ensure full compliance with Italian CBD regulations.
The legal status of CBD derivatives
While some CBD products (such as compliant topicals or non-flower hemp ingredients) can still be sold in Italy, they are subject to strict regulations. Oral CBD oil derived from the hemp plant or cannabis light is no longer marketable without a prescription under current rules. CBD oil derived from high-THC cannabis remains restricted to pharmacies and requires a doctor’s prescription.
Recent court rulings, such as the Parma case in June 2025, have added uncertainty to the market by challenging the government’s classification of hemp flowers. However, these rulings are case-specific and have not reversed the national restrictions.
Buying CBD oil in Italy
Some CBD products are available in Italy and can be purchased online and in regular stores, limited to compliant categories (e.g., certain topicals within EU cosmetics rules). Oral CBD extracted from the hemp plant and flower/inflorescence products are not permitted for non-prescription sale under current rules.
However, if you are thinking of setting up your CBD oil business in Italy, you should still be careful and follow all regulations in Italy. Only do business with accredited dealers of CBD and cannabis products; this will lower the risk for your company.
You should take care that your supplier puts emphasis on legal compliance and only delivers you goods that can be freely sold in Italy. Do not rely on a “≤0.6% THC” threshold. Ensure the product category itself is permitted (e.g., compliant topicals) and avoid flower-derived oral CBD. As stated above, products with higher THC levels fall under medical cannabis and are only available in licensed pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.
Conclusion
Italy is not among the first nations to legalize CBD, and its attitude is no longer “relaxed”: only compliant, non-restricted categories (e.g., certain topicals within EU cosmetics rules or non-flower hemp inputs) are currently marketable without prescription. Selling and buying CBD in Italy is not “entirely legal”; oral CBD extracted from the plant and flower/inflorescence products are restricted to prescription channels under current rules. However, while Italy introduced Law 79/2014, which eased penalties by classifying cannabis among less dangerous drugs, recreational cannabis remains illegal. Possession of small amounts results in an administrative sanction (e.g., fines/suspensions) rather than a criminal charge.
For businesses, selling isolate-based products is low risk only when configured for permitted categories (e.g., topicals that comply with EU cosmetics rules). Those looking to sell full-spectrum products containing THC must take extra precautions. Category legality now matters more than a simple THC threshold, and regulations continue to evolve, so staying updated is essential.
Additionally, while EU Novel Food rules apply to ingestibles, EFSA has not established safety for CBD novel foods, and EU authorisations remain pending, creating uncertainty for edibles and supplements.
To successfully operate a CBD business in Italy, entrepreneurs should prioritize compliance with both Italian and EU regulations. Opting for THC-free or non-flower routes (e.g., compliant topicals, seed/fibre inputs) is a safer approach, especially for imports.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label CBD and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
