Italy’s Highest Court Has Ruled that Growing Cannabis for Personal Use Is Not a Crime

In a landmark decision, Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation has ruled that growing a small number of cannabis plants at home for personal use is not a crime.

The decision came in response to an appeal by a man accused of cannabis possession. The Naples Court of Appeals had earlier partially reviewed the original verdict and acquitted the defendant of the crime.

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The Supreme Court’s ruling, published on February 24th, marks a shift in the Italian courts’ approach to cannabis-related crimes

The judges noted that the defendant was a habitual consumer and there was no evidence to suggest that the cannabis he was growing was intended for sale or distribution to third parties.

Moreover, the cultivation was carried out using basic cultivation techniques, resulting in a limited number of plants and a negligible yield.

Applying these criteria, the court confirmed the harmlessness of the defendant’s behavior. The court acknowledged that the substance found was for personal use only, and there was no basis to indicate that the defendant intended to sell or distribute marijuana.

This court decision recognizes the growing acceptance of cannabis for personal use and the minimal risks associated with growing cannabis for personal use.

The ruling, which could set a precedent for similar cases in the future, was welcomed by drug policy reform advocates, who see it as a step toward a more rational and evidence-based approach to drug laws.

Italy is becoming more cannabis-friendly

This is the second sign in recent weeks of a significant shift toward a more liberal approach to cannabis in Italy. Earlier this month, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court overturned a January 2022 decree that restricted cannabis production to use for seed and fiber.

The decision allows the entire hemp plant to be used in Italy, bringing the country into line with EU regulations. This is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s hemp industry and supply chains, and will likely lead to the reintroduction of CBD and hemp flower into the Italian market.

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(Featured image by succo via Pixabay)

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First published in Fakty Konopne, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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