Can I use cannabis or CBD?
No: recreational cannabis is illegal, and cannabis light is now banned too. In Italy, recreational cannabis is illegal. Personal use isn't a crime (it's decriminalised) but carries administrative sanctions (suspension of licence, passport, documents). Dealing and cultivation remain crimes, except for the judicial tolerance of very few plants for strictly personal use (a grey area). With the Security Decree (D.L. 48/2025, conv. L. 80/2025), in force since 12 April 2025, cannabis light and CBD oils made from flowers also became banned, regardless of THC content. Therapeutic cannabis on medical prescription and CBD from leaves, stalks or synthetic remain legal. The issue is contested: in 2025 the Council of State referred it to the EU Court of Justice.
📋 The rules
- Recreational cannabis illegal; personal use decriminalised but sanctioned
- Dealing and cultivation remain a crime
- Cannabis light and CBD oils from flowers: now banned (Security Decree)
- Therapeutic cannabis on prescription remains legal
- CBD from leaves/stalks or synthetic: excluded from the ban
🔓 Exceptions
- Therapeutic cannabis with medical prescription, dispensed at pharmacies
- Very few plants for strictly personal use: tolerated by case law (grey area)
- CBD from parts other than flowers (leaves, stalks) or synthetic: still allowed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Personal use triggers administrative sanctions: suspension of driving licence, gun licence, passport and residence permit. Dealing and cultivation not for personal use are crimes, with prison terms varying by quantity and type. Under the Security Decree, producing or selling hemp flowers and their extracts (including CBD oils) is now criminally sanctioned. Driving after use is punished with zero tolerance. Given the legal uncertainty and the referrals to European courts, it's best to check up-to-date official sources before buying any hemp product.
📎 Official sources
- Normattiva · Presidential Decree 309/1990 (narcotics consolidated act) →
- Normattiva · Law 80/2025 (conversion of the Security Decree) →
- Ministry of Health · Cannabis for medical use →
❓ Frequently asked
Is cannabis legal in Italy?
No, recreational cannabis is illegal. Personal use isn't a crime but carries administrative sanctions like licence suspension. Dealing and cultivation remain crimes, except for the tolerance of very few plants for strictly personal use.
Is cannabis light still legal?
No. With the Security Decree (in force since 12 April 2025), cannabis light and products made from hemp flowers, including CBD oils, are banned regardless of THC content. The matter is, however, contested and under review by the courts.
Can I buy CBD oil?
It depends on the source. CBD oil made from hemp flowers is banned. CBD obtained from other parts of the plant (leaves, stalks) or synthetic remains allowed. Always check the product's source, as the rules changed recently.
Can I grow cannabis at home?
No, cultivation is generally a crime. Case law only tolerates growing very few plants exclusively for personal use, but it remains a very risky grey area. Cultivation aimed at supplying others is always a crime.
And therapeutic cannabis?
It's legal with a medical prescription. It's used for specific conditions and dispensed at pharmacies with a prescription. It shouldn't be confused with recreational cannabis or cannabis light: it follows a regulated, controlled medical path.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “cannabis legal italy 2026”
- “cannabis light banned security decree”
- “cbd oil legal italy”
- “cannabis personal use sanction”
- “grow cannabis home crime”
- “therapeutic cannabis prescription”