The Cannabis Production Landscape in Italy ICC is a front runner to be the first company licensed to supply Italy with medical grade THC, where currently demand far outweighs supply. The history of cannabis production in Italy Known in the 1940’s as the second largest producer of hemp in the world, Italy is no stranger to the world of benefits hemp provides to the end user. Italy, however, has remained strict with their recreational marijuana use. In 2007 legislature was passed allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana, while recreational use remained illegal. In Italy recreational marijuana cannot be sold or purchased in Italy unless under industrial circumstances i.e. hemp. Suppliers of what is known as cannabis light have developed some creative ways work through loop holes in the laws. The law allows for the cultivation of hemp flowers, which has resulted in the development of companies like Easy Joint. Easy joint sells hemp flowers (“cannabis light”) in glass jars as collectors’ items. What is done with the cannabis light once the purchaser returns home is anyone’s guess. The cannabis light contains less than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and varying levels of CBD (cannabidiol). It is therefore used as a relaxant and sleep aid, but does not address all the issues for which doctors prescribe medical cannabis. Cannabis light is readily available in Italy and has become quite the tourist attraction. Italy, however, is lacking in a supportive medical marijuana system capable of keeping up with demand.
Opportunities for Medical Marijuana Processing and Distribution in Italy A domestic producer, and government-run, Military Pharmaceutical Chemical plant, is the only licensed provider of medical marijuana in the country. They yield a mere 250 kg a year, when the demand for medical marijuana is 2,000 kg per year or more. Italy has a population of 60.6 million, 22% of which are over the age of 65, and health care expenditures are 192.2 billion Euro. The Italian government has conceded that their operations cannot keep up with the demand. In many cases cannabis light does not provide enough support to those patients who really should be receiving medical grade cannabis with a higher level of THC. For this reason, the Italian government will be issuing licensing to seven companies to provide high THC medical cannabis.
International Cannabis Corp’s role in cannabis production and distribution in Italy International Cannabis Corp (ICC) is one of the first to be considered for a license to produce THC for medicinal purposes. ICC has 50.1% ownership in a newly formed entity with an established Italian CBD factory, as well as a strategic partnership with a prevalent agriculture company in Occimiano. Much emphasis is also being put in agriculture research and development with ICC collaborating with the University of Eastern Piedmont, Science and Technology Department. On the ground, there is 400 hectares of available land to grow medical cannabis in greenhouses, with a focus on sustainable practices and expertise in biomass energy production. ICC will be producing CBD for recreational purposes as well as THC to supply the demand required across Italy. International Cannabis Corp. also holds European Union certification of production. A license in Italy will further add to ICC’s network of capacity across the European market.
From “calf-land” to cannabis-land As Italy readies to sell medical marijuana through all their pharmacies, the ability to become one of the seven licensed suppliers has garnered worldwide interest. ICC has a solid footing in Italy. The experience, research, and access to elite strains of cannabis ensures that the quality of medicinal THC supplied by ICC will be nothing short of a masterpiece!