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?
The short answer is yes, but Italy’s CBD laws are evolving. CBD products with less than 0.2% THC remain legal, in line with EU regulations. However, in late 2024 and early 2025, the Italian government introduced measures to restrict the 'cannabis light' industry, raising concerns about the future sale of hemp flowers and related products. These regulatory changes have created uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike. (Source)
While CBD oil and topical products remain legal, Italy’s stance on medicinal cannabis and high-THC products is still shifting. 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
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 (below 0.2%), making it legal for industrial and commercial use. Hemp-derived CBD oil in Italy is widely available.
- 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.
The recent 2025 government restrictions on the cannabis light industry further complicate matters, 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 CBD products can be freely sold in Italy, they are subject to strict regulations. CBD oil derived from high-THC cannabis is restricted to pharmacies and requires a doctor’s prescription. However, CBD oil made from hemp or cannabis light is legal and can be sold as a food additive throughout Italy.
Recent court rulings have added uncertainty to the market. While no major changes have been made to CBD oil regulations, the lack of clarity in legal language has created concerns among CBD businesses.
Buying CBD oil in Italy
CBD oil and other products are available in Italy and can be purchased online and also in regular stores.
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. This means CBD oil with less than 0.6% of THC content. As stated above products with higher THC levels are only available in a licensed pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.
Conclusion
Italy is among the first nations to legalize CBD, and it has a relaxed attitude toward CBD products. Selling and buying CBD in Italy is entirely legal, making it a promising market for businesses. However, while Italy introduced Law 79 in 2014, which reclassified cannabis as a less dangerous drug, recreational cannabis remains illegal. Possession of small amounts results in a fine rather than a criminal charge.
For businesses, selling CBD isolate-based products is low risk in Italy. However, those looking to sell full-spectrum CBD products containing THC must take extra precautions. Regulations on THC limits continue to evolve, requiring businesses to stay updated.
Additionally, while EU Novel Food regulations apply to CBD, the EFSA has put approvals on hold, citing a lack of safety data. This creates further uncertainty for businesses dealing in CBD 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 products or broad-spectrum CBD is a safer approach, especially when importing from outside the EU.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label 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.
