CBD in Italy banned? What remains permitted anyway

The news hit like a bomb: In April 2025, the government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Fratelli d’Italia) passed a new law that completely prohibits the cultivation, processing, sale, and use of products derived from the inflorescences of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.) – regardless of how low the THC content is or whether EU regulations are met.

This means that CBD products, which demonstrably do not cause intoxication and are not addictive, are generally prohibited in Italy – at least if they are based on hemp flowers. Only medically prescribed cannabis and products for external use, i.e., so-called topical CBD products, remain permissible. Furthermore, products made from hemp leaves and stalks may continue to be sold. Likewise, private cultivation of up to three plants is still not punishable.

In this article, we explain what this means in everyday life, which products are still allowed, and what you should look out for when buying.

As early as 2024, a decree classified CBD products for oral intake as narcotics. Although this measure was initially blocked by the courts, it came back into force in April 2025. Since then, it has been forbidden to sell or consume CBD oils or similar products that are swallowed.

The reasoning: CBD flowers with and without THC are almost indistinguishable visually. And because THC-containing cannabis (over 0.6%) is still illegal in Italy, so-called "Cannabis Light" – products with a low THC content – was promptly banned as well.

Officially, this is to prevent abuse. Critics, however, suspect economic and ideological motives. The fact is: the new regulation affects both retailers and consumers – and a European legal dispute is likely.

While unofficially there are probably a number of other underlying causes, the official justification from the Italian government is: flowers without THC content and with THC are visually indistinguishable. Even if CBD products from flowers demonstrably fall below the EU limit of 0.3% THC content, this is hardly recognizable from the outside.

Since the consumption of cannabis (with THC content over 0.6%) is illegal in Italy (unlike in Germany since 2024) and the new legislation also banned so-called Cannabis Light (with less than 0.6% THC), the prohibition of CBD flowers was probably the most practical solution.

Public concerns have also been repeatedly raised in the past as to whether the consumption of CBD products from flowers might unintentionally lead to a psychoactive effect.

The ban affects not only the consumption of CBD flowers but also all products extracted from CBD flowers, such as CBD oils or products developed from them. These products are now illegal, and their production, sale, and consumption can lead to legal consequences.

The cultivation of up to three cannabis plants for personal use was already decriminalized in Italy in 2019. However, this is based solely on a very specific case (precedent). The exact number of permitted plants was not defined, nor is there a clear definition of "small quantities".

You should always keep this legal gray area in mind if you want to grow cannabis for personal use in Italy. Because: for possession amounts above the permitted limit, fines of up to 500 Euros can be imposed.

There are fewer problems than with hemp flowers regarding the possession and consumption of cannabis products made from the leaves and stalks of the plant. These include CBD oils, tinctures, and capsules, and other CBD products from hemp leaves or stalks. These parts of the plant also contain CBD (albeit in smaller quantities than the flowers), but almost no THC. They are therefore not classified as cannabis products by the authorities and do not fall under the new law.

Also still legal: cosmetic and topical CBD products. Creams, ointments or CBD gels that are applied exclusively externally may continue to be sold. Important: these products must contain less than 0.6% THC – providers should be able to prove this through laboratory tests.

Products made from stalks and leaves generally contain fewer active ingredients than flower extracts. This applies to both the pure CBD content and the accompanying substances, such as terpenes. These are particularly important for the so-called entourage effect – the interaction of various substances that can support the effect of CBD.

Despite these limitations, many users report positive experiences with products based on hemp leaves and stalks. This is not unfounded scientifically either: A study by Pellati et al. (2018), for example, examined the chemical composition and efficacy of bioactive compounds in Cannabis sativa and confirmed that non-flower-based parts of the cannabis plant can also contain relevant active ingredients.

Whether internally or externally – CBD can be easily integrated into daily life. Oils based on stalks or leaves are also ideally dropped under the tongue, held briefly, and then swallowed. Creams or balms for external application are also common and legal.

The purchase of CBD products in Italy is still possible. While the local situation is sometimes complicated, purchasing through online shops is easier.

If you want to play it safe, you should only order from reputable providers based in the European Union. Hemproutine.it's CBD products are vegan, laboratory-tested, and contain less than 0.1% THC. And most importantly: they are made entirely from leaves and stalks, making them fully legal in Italy even after the change in legislation.

• CBD oils: Full-spectrum oils in concentrations from 5% to 30%.

• Topical CBD: CBD-containing creams, such as the "Cycle Balance" oil with passion flower and alchemilla, to stabilize hormone balance.

• Product Sets: Combinations like the "Dream Team" or "Sole e Luna" make it especially easy to boost your well-being with CBD. Special products for pets complete the range.

All products are "Made in Germany" and delivered within a few days. Additionally, there is a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

If you would like to learn more about our German CBD products, please also visit our German CBD shop at hanfgefluester.de.

Anyone looking to buy CBD products in Italy should be aware of the strict regulations that have been in force since the legal amendment in April 2025. Especially CBD products made from flowers, which are sold in other EU countries, can lead to problems in Italy. The Italian authorities have made it clear that they consider CBD products from flowers illegal not only domestically but also from abroad if imported into the country.

We therefore recommend that you do not buy flowers in Italy, but only finished CBD products with proof of minimal THC content. This way, you ensure that you are not operating in legal gray areas and can continue to order your usual product long-term.

The legal situation in Italy is currently somewhat complicated. Certain products are prohibited, others are not, and it is unclear when the status quo might change again. This significantly complicates the decision for people in Italy to use a potentially very effective remedy – not to mention the economic consequences for producers and retailers.

To ensure that you can legally purchase your usual CBD product in the long term, you should choose a provider who can verifiably prove the low THC content of their products. At Hemproutine, you get CBD products made purely from cannabis leaves and stalks with a demonstrably minimal THC content.

This ensures transparency and legal certainty – even in Italy.

Medical Disclaimer