Tag: Italy

Cannabis Study Highlights Deficiencies Of Hair Follicle Tests

Written by Johnny Green on August 2, 2025. Posted in Science.

Drug testing is very common across the globe, and for better or worse, it is big business. A recent market analysis found that the global drug testing industry is worth $14.67 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow to $23.05 billion in market value by 2034.

While the estimated current value and future growth of the analysis are for testing for all substances, and cannabis testing is just a subsector of the wider industry, it generally highlights how much money is involved in the world of cannabis testing.

The motivation behind testing for cannabis use is questionable at best, in my opinion. Obviously, no responsible person wants people to be impaired while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway or to be impaired while operating dangerous equipment while working. However, testing for cannabis impairment is not an exact science, as evidenced by the results of a recent scientific investigation conducted in Italy.

A team of researchers affiliated with various health and academic institutions in Italy examined the results of hair follicle tests that focused on detecting the presence of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The findings from the examination were published in the journal Forensic Science International.

“The aim of the present study was to assess whether detectable hair levels of Δ9-THC and CBD could arise in vivo from short, single and repeated passive exposure to cannabis and “light cannabis” and whether the two products could be distinguished.” the researchers stated about the focus of their study.

“Four volunteers underwent weekly 15-minute exposures to low-Δ9-THC (0.5 %) cannabis smoke, delivered by a pump inside a car, over a month. After 1 month of washout, exposures were repeated with the same scheme with high-Δ9-THC (5 %). Hair and urines samples were collected after each exposure. Hair samples were tested, with and without a washing step (total n = 72), by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for Δ9-THC and CBD. Urines were tested for drug metabolites (LOD: 1.66 ng/ml).” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“No accumulation of drugs over exposures was shown. Urines always tested negative. Washed hair samples were positive for CBD (mean 0.05 ng/mg) after exposure to low-Δ9-THC cannabis, and for Δ9-THC (mean 0.02 ng/mg) after exposure to high-Δ9-THC cannabis, with levels also typical of drug use.” the researchers found.

“Our study showed that hair contamination could arise in vivo even after short single exposures to cannabis and “light cannabis”, underlining the need for a careful interpretation of results of hair analysis in forensic toxicology.” the researchers concluded.

In laypeople’s terms, the results of the study found that simply being around cannabis smoke was enough for a hair follicle test to determine that a person had THC in their system, and thus ‘was a cannabis consumer,’ even though that may not actually be the case. It highlights one of the many deficiencies of hair follicle testing when it comes to cannabis, and why the widespread use of hair follicle testing for determining cannabis use is ridiculous.

Italian Study Finds Cannabis Helps Fibromyalgia Patients

Written by Johnny Green on August 2, 2025. Posted in Science.

Fibromyalgia is one of the biggest health conditions facing the global community in modern times, with international researchers estimating that fibromyalgia affects between two and eight percent of the world’s population.

The exact number of people suffering from fibromyalgia worldwide is unknown, with many countries’ health systems being deficient in properly identifying and diagnosing the serious health condition. Unfortunately, many sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term, chronic health condition that involves widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and the sufferer experiencing significant pain when they are touched. The pain, in turn, can affect nearly every aspect of the patient’s daily life.

It wasn’t until recent decades that standardized criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia were established, and proper therapies were developed. Medical cannabis is an area of treatment that is being explored at an increasing rate for fibromyalgia, and was at the heart of a recent study conducted in Italy.

“Fibromyalgia (FM) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). Current treatments for FM offer limited relief, leading to the exploration of alternative therapies such as medical cannabis.” the researchers stated about the focus of their investigation. The study’s findings were published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology.

“Sixty FM patients were enrolled, receiving a Bedrocan® cannabis treatment for 6 months. A standardised questionnaire evaluating upper and lower GI symptoms and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) evaluating FM severity were administered at enrolment and 3 and 6-month follow-up evaluations. DGBIs, in particular, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and functional dyspepsia (FD) were diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“The FIQR severity score log-transformed significantly decreased during the months-by-month comparison period (repeated-measures ANOVA, p<0.001). Among GI symptoms, the log-transformed intensity-frequency score of epigastric pain, epigastric burning, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and bloating significantly decreased during the month-by-month comparison period (repeated-measures ANOVA, p<0.01).” the researchers found.

As acknowledged by the researchers leading the study, there were limitations to the study’s results, not the least of which was the relatively small sample size involved. As with all studies, people need to keep the results in proper context and consult their doctors to determine if medical cannabis is the right treatment for them. Still, the results of this study are promising and give people information to consider.

Study Finds Hemp Flour May Be Good For Gluten-Free Baking

Written by Johnny Green on July 11, 2025. Posted in Science.

Multiple conditions can contribute to a person being gluten intolerant, with a common one being celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity and wheat intolerance are two other contributing health factors resulting in a person needing to avoid consuming gluten.

Celiac disease is a serious digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine of people who suffer from it. International researchers estimate that as much as 1% of the world’s population has been diagnosed with celiac disease, although it often goes untreated around the globe, particularly in developing countries.

Gluten intolerance has given rise to an international industry for gluten-free foods, particularly baked goods. Grand View Research estimates that “the global gluten-free products market size was estimated at USD 7.75 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13.67 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.0% from 2025 to 2030.”

Hemp flour is naturally gluten-free, and according to the results of a recent study, it may be a great ingredient for baked goods. Italian researchers affiliated with the University of Calabria examined hemp flour in baked goods, and their findings were published in the academic journal Molecules.

“This study focused on optimizing CBD oil extraction from hemp inflorescences and its incorporation into a gluten-free bakery product for functionalization. Dynamic maceration (DME), assisted by ultrasound and microwave irradiation, was used.” the researchers wrote.

“Our study explored the impact of varying sonication times (three distinct durations) and microwave powers (three levels, applied for two different irradiation times) on the resulting extracts. HPLC analysis was performed on these extracts. Subsequently, we used hemp flour and hemp oil to bake gluten-free cupcakes, which were fortified with the extracted CBD oil.” the researchers also wrote.

“The most effective extraction parameters identified were 30 s of microwave irradiation at 700 W, yielding 45.2 ± 2.0 g of CBD extract, and 15 min of sonication, which resulted in 53.2 ± 2.5 g. Subsequent rheological characterization indicated that the product exhibited mechanical properties and a temperature profile comparable to a benchmark, evidenced by a height of 4.1 ± 0.2 cm and a hardness of 1.9 ± 0.2 N.” the researchers found.

“These promising values demonstrate that hemp oil and hemp flour are viable ingredients for traditional cakes and desserts, notably contributing increased nutritional value through the CBD-enriched hemp oil and the beneficial profile of hemp flour.” the researchers concluded.

Italy Issues Authorization To Distribute Medical Cannabis Flower

Written by Johnny Green on June 28, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Against the backdrop of an ongoing legal battle between Italy’s ‘cannabis light’ industry and the Italian government, regulators in Italy have reportedly issued an authorization to Tilray to distribute medical cannabis flower for therapeutic use.

“Tilray’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FL Group, has become the first company in Italy to receive official authorization from the Ministero della Salute (Italian Ministry of Health) to import and distribute proprietary Tilray Medical-branded medical cannabis flower for therapeutic use.” Tilray stated in a company press release.

The company is approved to distribute flowers containing the following cannabinoid content in Italy:

Cannabis Flowers 25%
Cannabis Flowers 18%
Cannabis Flowers 9% / CBD 9%

Meanwhile, Italian companies that distribute hemp-derived products are vowing to continue to operate despite the legal uncertainties involved. Earlier this month, Italian lawmakers approved a ban on cannabis light products.

A ‘security decree’ measure received final passage by Italy’s Senate in early June by a vote of 109-69. In addition to the ban on cannabis light, the measure also involved several other provisions championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition government, including the introduction of 14 new crimes.

“It bans the trade of “cannabis light”, or hemp, which unlike marijuana has no mind-altering qualities, infuriating local entrepreneurs who say the move will cost thousands of jobs and imperil millions of euros of investments.” reported Reuters in its original coverage at the time.

All processing, distribution, trade, and transport of ‘cultivated hemp inflorescences’ is, in theory, prohibited under Italian law, although industry and policy advocates point out that the new law is in direct conflict with European Union policies.

“Italian industrial hemp dealers are regularly operating and their businesses have never closed. They will work as they always worked before the entry into force of Article 18 of the Security Decree.” reported DolceVita about comments made by Negozianti Italiani Canapa (translated from Italian to English).

“Basically, to date, a definitive decision on the issue of industrial hemp, effectively does not exist. There was no warning for commercial activities, there were no indications on how to act towards the products, much less towards the fiscal area. Also for this reason we shopkeepers, arrogate to ourselves the legitimacy to continue working exactly as before.” the outlet also reported.

Ultimately, the situation in Italy will take a while to play out before the various sectors of the emerging industry know what they are truly dealing with. In the meantime, the landscape will continue to shift, and selective enforcement by the Italian government will presumably occur to some degree.

Lawmakers Approve Ban On ‘Cannabis Light’ In Italy

Written by Johnny Green on June 4, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

The legal saga for low-THC cannabis products in Italy has taken another turn, with lawmakers in the European nation officially adopting a measure earlier today that bans certain hemp-derived products, often referred to as ‘cannabis light.’

A ‘security decree’ measure received final passage by Italy’s Senate today by a vote of 109-69. In addition to the ban on cannabis light, the measure also involved several other provisions championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition government, including the introduction of 14 new crimes.

“Meloni’s coalition won elections decisively in September 2022 and is still riding high in polls after promising to get tough on law and order.” the outlet also reported.

All processing, distribution, trade, and transport of ‘cultivated hemp inflorescences’ is now prohibited under Italian law, although industry and policy advocates are pointing out that the new law is in direct conflict with European Union policies.

The newly approved measure comes after a recent court decision in which a cannabis light entrepreneur in Italy was acquitted by a Parma court of charges stemming from the seizure of 650 kilograms of hemp flowers and 19 liters of oil. The acquittal was rendered after a six-year court battle.

According to a recent economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people and provides a significant boost to Italy’s economy.

“The light cannabis sector has a direct economic impact of almost one billion euros, with another additional billion of indirect impact, and the creation of 22 thousand full-time jobs.” reported Dolce Vita in its original coverage.

European Cannabis Reform Demonstrations Scheduled For May 31st

Written by Johnny Green on May 29, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Cannabis activism comes in many forms. Working to modernize cannabis policies in any jurisdiction where prohibition is in place is not easy and requires a diversity of tactics. One of those tactics that activists have incorporated for decades is public demonstrations and protests.

Peaceful protests and demonstrations are necessary in jurisdictions where people in power refuse to be sensible about cannabis policy and reform discussions. When policymakers are committed to ignoring or gaslighting cannabis advocates when they call for sensible laws and regulations, it is time for the masses to take to the public spaces, have their voices heard, and remind society that the cannabis movement is large and passionate.

There are at least two demonstrations scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 31st, in Europe. The first is a demonstration in Rome, Italy. DolceVita describes the demonstration as (translated from Italian to English) “the demands against the Security decree join those of hemp in demonstration with the presence of the Million Marijuana March.”

“Thousands of people will descend on Piazza Vittorio to say no to the Security decree, which, among other things, risks wiping out the Italian industrial hemp sector with a single stroke.” DolceVita also reported. “The one organized by Rete No Ddl Sicurezza and Million Marijuana March is much more than a demonstration. But one of the last opportunities to try to stop a law that, if definitively approved, would decree the closure of over 3 thousand companies and the dismissal of over 22 thousand workers.”

“The reasons for this massive mobilization are rooted in deep concerns about what will happen to the country’s hemp sector. The issue is not only economic, but also social. Announced crackdown on hemp could lead to closure of thousands of legal businesses; it may result in job losses and a subsequent rise of the black market.” reports Soft Secrets about the upcoming demonstration in Rome.

“Italy’s government passed the new Decree Law on Citizen Security on April 4, 2025, promoted by the leading Fratelli d’Italia conservative right-wing party and Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. The measure imposes rigid restrictions that will severely impact Italy’s industrial hemp sector and CBD products – one of the biggest in Europe.” the outlet also wrote.

The second demonstration will be held in Lisbon, Portugal. The Lisbon demonstration is reportedly organized by the March for Cannabis Collective, and is scheduled to start at 15:30 pm at Jardim das Amoreiras. Attendees will be advocating for the full legalization and regulation of recreational, medical, and industrial cannabis use.

“The March for Cannabis will be taking place in the heart of Lisbon next Saturday, in an event that usually brings together a large part of society that advocates for a change in the framework of cannabis.” reports CannaReporter. “The event, scheduled for 15:30 pm, will be held at Jardim das Amoreiras. At 16:20 pm, the March will begin its route towards Largo de Camões, in a walk that unites activists, patients, hemp farmers and even tourists in a single voice calling for legislative change.”

Check with local activists and organizations in your area to see if any demonstrations are being planned in your region on May 31st, and as always, keep fighting for sensible cannabis policies and regulations where you live by educating policymakers and nonpolicymakers about the benefits of modernized cannabis policies and the harms of prohibition.

Italian Court Upholds Classification Of CBD As A Narcotic

Written by Hazel Norman on April 21, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Italy’s emerging cannabis industry was dealt another major setback recently, with an Italian court ruling that cannabidiol’s (CBD) classification as a narcotic is permissible. A previously approved measure in Italy equated floral hemp with cannabis flower that is high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.

“In yet another blow to Italy’s beleaguered hemp sector, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court (TAR) has rejected an appeal by stakeholders challenging the government’s restriction of oral CBD products, solidifying a ban that has drawn sharp criticism from legal and trade experts.” reported HempToday in its coverage.

“Italy has now effectively banned all oral compositions of CBD derived from the cannabis plant, including extracts from flowers, leaves, or stalks, limiting them strictly to prescription-only pharmaceutical use. The decision expands prior restrictions, which only applied to flower-derived CBD.” the outlet also stated.

According to a recent economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people.

“These are the recently updated estimates of the Italian light cannabis market, therefore relating only to inflorescences (without CBD oils and shredded) developed in a study by MPG Consulting, led by the specialized economist Davide Fortin together with the lawyer Maria Paola Liotti and commissioned by the Canapa Sativa Italia association.” the outlet also stated.

Italy’s ‘Cannabis Light’ Industry Supports 22,000 Full-Time Jobs

Written by Johnny Green on March 31, 2025. Posted in Business.

Cannabis products that are low in THC, often called ‘cannabis light,’ are very popular in Europe, particularly in Italy. According to a new economic report, Italy’s cannabis light industry employs over 20,000 people.

As the International Cannabis Business Conference previously reported, lawmakers in Italy have tried to hinder the nation’s emerging hemp-derived product sector, issuing a decree last year that equates cannabidiol (CBD) with dangerous narcotic substances. The decree sought to limit the sale of CBD products to pharmacies only (non-repeat prescriptions).

Members of Italy’s CBD industry have sought relief from the European Commission, requesting that the European Commission intervene. However, such an intervention has yet to materialize, and action from the EC is being delayed.

“Brussels has delayed addressing Italy’s restrictive measures on industrial hemp and CBD, with stakeholders warning that the holdup is stifling the country’s growing hemp industry, following a March 17 debate in the European Parliament.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage.

“The conflict centers on two key Italian measures that have raised alarms among hemp advocates: a proposed amendment to the country’s Security Law and a decree that classifies oral CBD products as narcotics. The amendment, still under consideration in Italy’s Senate, would ban the production and trade of hemp flowers and derivatives, even those with THC content below the EU’s permitted 0.3% threshold.” the outlet also reported.

Action Gets Delayed On Italy’s Restrictive Hemp Laws

Written by Hazel Norman on March 23, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

For centuries the hemp plant and its varied uses were fairly limited to textiles. While the practice of incorporating hemp into medicinal applications is thousands of years old, it wasn’t as widespread in use compared to using hemp to make things like rope and paper.

In recent years, hemp-derived products for medical patients and consumers have increased significantly. ‘Cannabis light’ products in Europe, which contain low amounts of THC and typically larger amounts of CBD, are very popular and widespread in many places, including in Italy.

Unfortunately, lawmakers in Italy have tried to hinder the nation’s emerging hemp-derived product sector, having issued a decree last year that equates cannabidiol (CBD) with dangerous narcotic substances. The decree sought to limit the sale of CBD products to pharmacies only (non-repeat prescriptions).

Until the European Commission makes a firm decision in either direction, Italy’s hemp and CBD industries will continue to remain in a state of limbo.