The Italian hemp sector can breathe a sigh of relief after the petition presented by Mattia Cusani of Cannabis Sativa Italia has been accepted by the PETI committee of the European Parliament. This petition will be discussed on March 17. If the majority votes in favor, the European Parliament will take action to investigate the irregularities of the Italian security bill, which includes the ban on the hemp supply chain in Italy. In other words, if the petition moves forward, the entire European Parliament will endorse it, hoping that things will progress positively for the hemp industry in Italy.
"It seems like there is an opening to talk," says Rachele Invernizzi, vice president of Federcanapa, and EHIA board member. "The fact remains that the proposed law is totally counterproductive for the Italian economy. We are ready to have conversations about it, to regulate, certify, and do something together with the government. A unilateral action like the one they are trying to implement causes more harm than good."
Rachele says that trade associations, as well as grower associations, continue to push for discussions with decision-makers and to initiate as many dialogues as possible. The discussion of the security bill has been postponed to April, and for now, beyond the petition to the PETI commission, there is nothing to do but wait and see what the Italian Parliament will decide.