Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEP Valentina Palmisano urges reconsideration of light cannabis bans. He highlighted economic risks to the hemp sector and advocating for legislative amendments.
Valentina Palmisano, MEP of the 5 Star Movement, indicated in a note that the petition submitted to the European Parliament by major Italian agricultural, artisanal, and commercial organizations serves as an additional message to the Government.
What economic risks does the hemp sector face?
She emphasized the need to promptly reconsider the ban on light cannabis imposed by Article 18 of the Security Bill and the Ministerial Decree on CBD from June 27, 2024. Palmisano highlighted concerns that this measure could hinder the production, processing, and marketing of industrial hemp, a legal and regulated sector that employs around 15,000 people and generates an annual turnover of 500 million euros.
She noted that she had previously addressed the issue in August at the European Parliament through a question co-signed by the entire 5 Star Movement delegation, urging the European Commission to intervene.
What are the implications of the EU court ruling?
She pointed out that a ruling by the EU Court of Justice had already deemed these bans illegitimate, criticizing the erroneous equivalence drawn between light cannabis and drugs. She warned that if Article 18 of the Security Bill were implemented without amendments, it would hinder the development of an entire economic sector, jeopardizing thousands of agricultural and commercial businesses.
How does the ban affect the free movement of goods?
She explained that classifying CBD as a narcotic substance obstructs its free sale in the internal market and the free movement of goods as outlined in Articles 34 and 36 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. She added that they would work in the Petitions Committee at the European Parliament to schedule the petition once it is deemed admissible by the offices. As representatives of the 5 Star Movement, they are committed to doing everything possible to protect this sector.
