BY CANNABISCIENTIA OCTOBER 3, 2023 IN BUSINESS OF CANNABIS EUROPE, DATA & ANALYSIS
Introduction
In the realm of medical cannabis, Italy has been progressively establishing its regulatory framework to facilitate access and enable the use of cannabis-based treatments.
This guide, based on insights from “Principles of Clinical Cannabinology” by Viola Brugnatelli and Fabio Turco, in collaboration with Cannabiscientia and Prohibition Partners, offers a detailed understanding of the intricate world of medical cannabis regulation in Italy.
1. Law References and Regulation
The journey of medical cannabis regulation in Italy commenced in 2007 with Decree No 98. This decree recognised THC and its derivatives for therapeutic use, positioning them in Table 2, section B, of narcotic drugs. Subsequently, the Ministerial Decree of 2015 refined the regulation, governing cultivation, production, possession, and usage of medical cannabis. However, implementation responsibilities were decentralised to individual Regional Health Systems, leading to regulatory variations across regions.
2. Differences in Healthcare System and Reimbursement
In Italy, the reimbursement policy for medical cannabis hinges on the prescription’s origin. Private prescriptions do not warrant reimbursement, contrasting with prescriptions originating from the public healthcare system. Reimbursement is extended for specific pathologies, yet discrepancies persist concerning the eligible conditions for reimbursement across various regions.
