Whether you’re a local or tourist, navigating a country’s cannabis laws can be pretty tricky, especially when taking into account the differences between recreational use, medical use, and decriminalization. 

So, if you’re wondering if weed is legal in Rome, Florence, Milan or in Italy in general, you’ve come to the right place.

Recreational cannabis is not legal in Italy, but it is decriminalized, so there’s some hope that you could privately and discreetly use the plant without legal repercussions.

Is weed legal in Italy for tourists, even if they come from countries where weed is legal? No, the same laws for Italy citizens apply to tourists.

However, some legal gray areas give possessing marijuana and selling it some harsh consequences like a driver’s license suspension between one and three months.

However, an interesting phenomenon has emerged: certain companies operate within the boundaries of industrial hemp laws and take advantage of legal loopholes.

How does this work? By taking advantage of grey areas and selling cannabis with low THC content, carefully labeling it as “not for human consumption” to comply with regulations.

This labeling places the product as “cannabis for industrial use,” circumventing the legal restrictions associated with consumable products. Despite these efforts, Italy continues to enforce strict cannabis policies, and those testing the limits may discover the inflexibility of the country’s regulatory framework.

Let’s take a look at the Italian weed laws. Under Law 242 of 2016, possessing cannabis with more than 0.2% but less than 0.6% THC does not incur legal repercussions. Italy’s introduction of Law 79 in 2014 further complicates the legal landscape, reclassifying cannabis as a less dangerous drug.

Decriminalization of recreational use means that possession for personal use can result in fines rather than felonies. However, recurrence could result in harsher measures.

The crux of the ambiguity surrounding cannabis in Italy lies in Law 79. The consequences of breaking cannabis laws can vary depending on the location and the people involved.

Enforcement ranges from verbal warnings to fines, which contributes to the overall uncertainty. As a result, it is advisable for individuals to carry only minimal amounts of cannabis and, if necessary, smoke indoors to minimize legal risks.

Medical cannabis became legal in Italy in 2007, and in 2016, it legalized the cultivation of hemp for medical use and for creating hemp-derived CBD products.

A patient must be eligible to receive medical marijuana by falling under the list of approved conditions. Patients can get cannabis from physicians only when the medical professional proves that they have tried other medical options and treatments before leaning onto cannabis.

In terms of medical products, all sorts are available like resins, eye drops, suppositories, topicals, capsules, edibles, syrups, and more. All medical products must be hemp-derived, and CBD oil can only have less than 0.6% THC, a tad higher than the EU law of 0.2%, notes The Cannigma.

After receiving a prescription, patients can purchase their medicine from a pharmacy, which might make you pay full price depending on your condition. In other cases, the Italian healthcare system offers coverage, but only for most of the total cost.

Yes, hemp-derived CBD enjoys a legal status in Italy.

The Ministry of Health has clarified this issue, emphasizing that CBD is not classified as a narcotic or psychotropic substance.

Italy aligns with European Union guidelines that require a THC content of less than 0.3% for CBD to be legally permitted, ensuring that its entry and sale comply with regional regulations.

Italy stands out as a CBD-friendly country, fostering a growing market for CBD products.

In the medicinal context, CBD escapes regulations applicable to psychotropic substances such as THC. Italy recognizes the non-narcotic nature of CBD, allowing it to be incorporated into medicinal products without facing restrictions similar to those imposed on substances with psychotropic properties.

For those wondering about traveling with CBD around Italy, the answer is yes. CBD products with a THC content of no more than 0.2% can be freely transported within Rome and the European Union in general, fitting in hand luggage without any problems.

For those seeking legal alternatives, “Light” cannabis with less than 0.5% THC content is available for purchase from licensed retailers in Italy. This variant, often referred to as low THC or CBD-rich cannabis, offers a legal avenue for people seeking the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects associated with higher THC levels.

Some storefronts sell “cannabis light,” which basically offers the same recreational products like flowers, tinctures, resin, etc., but only from the hemp plant that contains traces of THC.

However, to obtain higher concentrations of THC, a medical prescription is required. Or a connection with a dealer, although purchasing weed this way is illegal and could land you in trouble.

Italian regulations reflect a controlled approach to cannabis use, requiring medical supervision for access to products with a high THC content.

Only medical marijuana is legal in Italy in 2024.

Recreational consumption is decriminalized, meaning you be landing yourself in trouble by discreetly smoking in Italy. But, growing and selling cannabis is illegal and just might get you a visit from law enforcement if you’re caught.

If you’re traveling to Italy, opt for hemp flower, which is legal. Hemp flower does contain 0.3% or less of THC, so you won’t be getting stoned, but at least you’ll get a subtle fix.