CBD Legislation Italy 2025: the new ban

Since April 2025, a radical change in CBD legislation in Italy has disrupted the cannabidiol sector. Indeed, the Italian government has published a security decree that bans the sale of many CBD-based products, including CBD flowers and resins, equating them with narcotic substances.

Consequently, this decision, strongly criticized by market players, lawyers, and consumers, could have a lasting impact on CBD shops in Italy and the free movement of products within the European Union. Thus, here is a detailed and updated analysis of the CBD legislation Italy 2025.

What does the CBD decree published in April 2025 say?

First, the decree-law of April 4, 2025, called the "security decree", part of a political will for increased repression, modifies the regulatory framework related to cannabis. Then, it now classifies all products derived from cannabis, including those containing only CBD, as narcotics, except those used in a strictly medical and pharmaceutical context.

Products now prohibited:

• Dried CBD flowers (inflorescences)
• CBD Resins
• Broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD oils
• Edible products or drinks containing CBD
• CBD dietary supplements
• CBD e-liquids and cartridges
• Cosmetic products containing CBD

However, unlike European regulations, the decree does not distinguish between CBD (non-psychoactive) and THC (psychoactive substance). As a result, this confusion raises major legal concerns.

CBD Legislation Italy 2025: what are the risks?

Since the publication of the decree, the situation is clear: the possession, sale, or processing of CBD in Italy is considered a criminal offense, on the same level as classified drugs. This implies:

• Immediate administrative closures of CBD shops
• Seizure of product stocks, regardless of their THC content
• Legal prosecutions for violation of narcotics law
• A direct impact on importers, distributors, and e-merchants

Moreover, private customers can also be targeted during checks, even for the simple possession of products legally purchased abroad.

CBD legislation in Italy in contradiction with the European Union?

Indeed, the CBD Italy 2025 legislation clearly contradicts the case law of the CJEU (Court of Justice of the European Union), which ruled in 2020 that CBD cannot be considered a narcotic in the absence of psychoactive effects and that its national ban is illegal if the product is legally produced in another member country.

Several appeals are currently underway in Italy, supported by:

• Professional unions of the hemp sector
• Lawyers specialized in European law
• NGOs working for individual freedoms

It is therefore likely that the CBD Italy 2025 law will be amended, suspended, or overturned in the coming months.

What to do if you consume or sell CBD in Italy?

Caution is advised. Here are the key tips to avoid any risk:

• Do not order CBD online to an Italian address.
• Do not bring any CBD-based products in your luggage or vehicle if you are traveling to Italy.
• If you are a physical store, immediately suspend the sale of any product containing CBD.
• Keep your invoices and analysis certificates in case legal proceedings are initiated.

Pending clarification or a reversal of the law, it is advised to act with extreme caution.

CBD Certified: our position on the CBD Italy 2025 legislation

At CBD Certified, we are committed to an ethical, natural industry compliant with European standards. In response to this CBD legislation Italy 2025, we have decided to:

• Temporarily suspend shipments to Italy
• Inform our customers of the risks related to this law
• Support the stakeholders mobilized for the defense of legal CBD

We remain firmly convinced that CBD, non-addictive and non-psychotropic, should not be confused with illicit substances.

Summary: key points of the CBD legislation Italy 2025

Conclusion

Thus, the CBD legislation Italy 2025 introduces major legal uncertainty for industry players and consumers. Moreover, this measure, considered excessive by many experts, goes against European principles of free movement and the distinction between psychotropic and natural products.

For this reason, CBD Certified will continue to advocate for legal, natural, controlled, and transparent CBD, and to inform its customers about regulatory developments in Europe.

Finally, article updated in July 2025. This content is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.