Cannabis cultivation, what the law says in Italy

Cannabis cultivation in our country is a highly complex and sensitive issue; a topic that is causing sharp divisions both politically and ideologically. Cannabis cultivation is currently regulated by law, which only allows it to be grown for industrial purposes and for the production of legal cannabis-based products with a THC content (the plant's main psychoactive compound) of less than 0,6%.

Industrial cultivation is permitted only by authorized companies that meet certain requirements and obtain the necessary authorizations from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Furthermore, cultivation must be carried out using cannabis strains included in the list of permitted species.

How cultivation takes place

In general the cannabis cultivation It can be done in different ways, depending on the needs and preferences of the grower: among the most common methods are indoor cultivation, outdoor cultivation and greenhouse cultivation.
Cultivation starts from different types of seeds that can be used for this purpose: for example, semi-automotive, among the most popular among growers because they offer specific advantages as their autoflowering nature makes the cultivation process easier, especially for beginners.

One of the main differences in this field is between hemp seeds and cannabis seeds , although they are often used interchangeably; in reality, there are some differences between them. Both types of seeds come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa, but are intended for different purposes.

Hemp seeds and Cannabis seeds

Hemp seeds are generally grown to produce fiber, oil, and other hemp-derived products. They contain very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and therefore have no psychoactive effects and do not cause a “high” when consumed.

On the other hand, cannabis seeds are intended for growing cannabis plants for recreational or medicinal purposes. These seeds can produce plants with high concentrations of THC, allowing for the production of buds rich in psychoactive compounds.

Finally, it's worth remembering that currently, in Italy, the cultivation of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes is permitted, subject to obtaining specific authorizations and licenses. You must contact the Ministry of Health and the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) to request the necessary authorizations and follow the relevant bureaucratic procedures.