It looks like it’s time for the Italian government to start discussing the legalization of marijuana seriously. Why? Well, because more than hundreds of thousands of Italian citizens have expressed their longing for the decriminalization of cannabis through a ballot campaign that would stop penalizing the cultivation and possession of cannabis.
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Campaign for Cannabis & Marijuana
Such a ballot campaign towards cannabis decriminalization resulted in more than 500.000 verified electronic signatures in just one week, which was surprising news. This success is also strongly linked to the fact that the ballot system was digitalised only recently, just weeks before the beginning of the campaign. Before this new system was implemented, when a ballot was carried through, Italian citizens had to attend the signature of petitions personally, which wasn’t too current in the digital days we’re living in. Besides, in the context of coronavirus, it was about time to update this process. With the new system, gathering signatures saves time and money; proponents no longer need procedure time to request authorizations and organize different signing centres along the countries for citizens to attend to.
Returning to our initial topic, cannabis decriminalization, Italy’s future looks quite bright. This is because, in line with Italian law, when a 500.000 signature in favour of a certain proposal is achieved, proponents can continue with the ballot campaign to make this effective. Now, this doesn’t imply that marijuana is bound to be legalized in Italy, and again, just yet, but it does mean that it would make the lives of more than six million Italians who are marijuana users much, much easier.
The Current Legal Landscape
Italy’s stance on cannabis has been complex and evolving. While the country allows the use of cannabis for medical purposes, recreational use remains illegal. However, possessing small amounts for personal use is treated as a misdemeanour rather than a criminal offence. This approach has led to a grey area in enforcement and public perception.
A table summarizing the current legal status of cannabis in Italy:
| Use | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Medical | Legal with prescription |
| Recreational | Illegal |
| Possession | Misdemeanor for small amounts |
| Cultivation | Illegal |
| Sale | Illegal |
Before September 30th
Although the signatures were collected two weeks ago, before September 30th, some bureaucratic issues were taking place, and they were most likely linked to the heads’ ideologies.
It’s quite a big net to untangle, but in short words, some required procedures were requested by the proponents of the ballot campaign to decriminalize marijuana in Italy. However, according to the project coordinator of Meglio Legale, the campaign for cannabis legalization explained that their wishes weren’t fairly commanded, as they normally are with other subjects.
This is no surprise, however, after noting that cannabis decriminalization is no priority in the country, according to Matteo Salvini, the right-wing League leader who claims that “Drugs are always drugs” and that “drugs are death”.
On the counter side, Enrico Letta, the left-wing democratic party’s leader, has not even expressed a word on marijuana’s campaign, which, as a result, has disappointed half of his voters. Meanwhile, Giuseppe Conte, Italy’s former Prime Minister and the new Five Star Movement party leader said he hasn’t voted for the cannabis campaign. In contrast, the party’s founder, Beppe Grillo, publicly supports the initiative.
The Push for Change
A growing number of Italians are calling for a change in cannabis laws. This movement has gained traction across various sectors of society, including politicians, healthcare professionals, and everyday citizens. The reasons for supporting decriminalization are diverse and multifaceted.
One of the main arguments for decriminalization is the potential to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. Supporters argue that law enforcement resources could be better used to combat more serious crimes rather than prosecute individuals for cannabis possession.
Another key factor driving the movement is the recognition of potential economic benefits. Decriminalization could lead to new business opportunities, job creation, and tax revenue for the government. Many point to the success of legal cannabis markets in other countries as evidence of the economic potential.
Health considerations also play a role in the debate. Advocates argue that decriminalization could lead to better regulation and quality control of cannabis products, potentially reducing health risks associated with unregulated substances.
The Signature Campaign
A recent development in this ongoing debate is a signature campaign favouring cannabis decriminalization. This grassroots effort aims to demonstrate widespread public support for changing the current laws. Organizers have set up signing stations in various cities across Italy, allowing citizens to add their names to the petition.
The campaign has attracted attention from various groups, including students, professionals, and retirees. Many signatories report personal experiences with the current legal system as motivation for their support. Others cite concerns about social justice, arguing that the current laws disproportionately affect certain communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it sounds like there needs to be some debate in the Italian territory concerning marijuana and its decriminalization. The country is known for its history in the catholic religion. With many of their old representatives and ideologies still standing, it may still be a long run until cannabis consumers can happily (and stress-free-ly) purchase their marijuana seeds, grow, harvest and consume their cannabis without the fear of facing problems with the authorities.
Perhaps the thing that would help the situation would be for those against this decriminalization to try to step into those in favour’s shoes and try to understand why this is so important to happen. Not only the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis would signify better access for consumers to products derived from the plant, but it would also represent a huge boost in the industry and the Italian economy. And this is no white promise either, Italy wouldn’t be the first country to take such an initiative, and just by looking at other countries for examples we can see that no negative outcomes have resulted in the legalization of the plant.
Besides, just because marijuana becomes decriminalized, it doesn’t mean more people are going to consume it; it just means that those who do, regardless, will be able to do so more freely. And if there’s something that governments should stand for is the people, and 500.000 signs in favour sounds like the people are in favour of cannabis decriminalization, so I guess it’s time to listen.
