Is Weed Legal in Italy in 2025? A Complete Guide for Tourists and Locals

Italy's relationship with cannabis in 2025 is anything but straightforward. As someone who's followed Italy's cannabis evolution closely over the past few years-and who has personally spoken with travelers and Italians navigating the changing laws-I can say this: the situation has never been more confusing, especially for tourists.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about cannabis legality in Italy this year: what's allowed, what's not, and what to expect if you're traveling to Rome, Milan, Sicily, Florence, or Venice. Whether you're a local user, a medical patient, or a curious tourist, this guide has you covered with the latest information and links to official sources.

Is Weed Legal in Italy?

As of 2025, weed is not legal in Italy for recreational use, but it is decriminalized. What does this mean? You won't go to prison for having a joint in your pocket-but that doesn't mean you're completely in the clear either.

Italy follows a decriminalization model, not a legalization one. Under Italian law:

• Possession of up to 5 grams of cannabis for personal use is considered a civil infraction, not a criminal offense source.
• First-time offenders typically get a diffida (a formal warning).
• Repeat offenses might result in temporary suspension of documents like your driver's license.

So while it's technically "not legal," it's also not criminalized the way it was in the past.

Is Marijuana Legal in Italy?

The term marijuana is often used interchangeably with cannabis, but regardless of the term, marijuana is still considered a narcotic under Italian drug laws-unless it's used for medical purposes under strict regulation.

The government still prohibits the sale and distribution of high-THC cannabis outside the medical framework. The new 2025 Security Decree (Decreto Sicurezza) has actually tightened these controls, especially against what was known as "cannabis light."

Is Cannabis Legal in Italy?

Cannabis is only legal in Italy for two purposes:

1. Medical cannabis, with a prescription from a licensed specialist.
2. Industrial hemp, with restrictions-though this too has recently come under fire.

Recreational cannabis, even in small amounts, is decriminalized but still illegal. Home cultivation is permitted in small quantities (up to 3-4 plants), a right established by Italy's Supreme Court and later codified into law.

Is Weed Legal in Rome?

Rome, as Italy's capital, follows national laws strictly. While possession for personal use is tolerated, buying or selling cannabis is still illegal in Rome.

That said, you'll see people smoking joints in public, especially in parks or nightlife areas like Trastevere. I've personally seen police walk by small groups smoking without taking action-but this isn't a guarantee. You can still get fined or have your documents suspended.

Is Weed Legal in Italy for Tourists?

Yes and no. Tourists are held to the same laws as residents:

• Possessing up to 5 grams won't get you arrested.
• Buying cannabis is illegal unless it's medical and you have a valid prescription recognized in Italy.
  
• You cannot bring weed into Italy, even if it's legal in your home country.

For tourists hoping to enjoy cannabis legally-Italy is not the safest bet in 2025. Especially after the Security Decree of April 2025, which banned many CBD and hemp flower products, enforcement has become more aggressive.

Is Pot Legal in Italy?

"Pot" is just slang, and the laws don't change based on terminology. So no-pot is not legal. The same decriminalized status applies.

Is THC Legal in Italy?

THC is legal only within the context of medical cannabis. For everything else, including CBD products with trace amounts of THC (such as 0.2%-0.5%), the situation is currently restrictive.

In fact, the new Security Decree prohibits even low-THC hemp flower products. This has caused widespread backlash from businesses and patients alike.

Can You Smoke Weed in Italy?

Yes-but cautiously. If you're smoking a joint in a public park, especially in big cities like Milan or Rome, chances are you won't be bothered. But legally, you're still at risk for administrative penalties.

For locals, this often means a warning. For tourists, you could face a citation, have your passport flagged, or be questioned by police. Use discretion and common sense.

Is Weed Legal in Milan?

Like Rome, Milan enforces national law, so the rules are the same: decriminalized for personal use, illegal to buy or sell. Milan's nightlife might seem more permissive, but enforcement varies by neighborhood.

Medicinal Cannabis in Italy

Italy has one of the most structured medical cannabis programs in Europe. Legal since 2013, medical cannabis is produced by the Italian military at the Stabilimento Chimico Farmaceutico Militare in Florence.

• Strains like FM1 (THC 13-20%) and FM2 (THC 5-8%, CBD 7.5-12%) are available.
• Prescriptions are issued for conditions like chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-related symptoms.
• In some regions (like Sicily), the cost is fully reimbursed for eligible patients.

If you're a tourist and have a medical cannabis prescription from another country-don't expect it to be honored in Italy unless you've gone through specific approval processes.

Is Cannabis Legal in Rome?

Cannabis laws in Rome reflect the national framework. So while cannabis isn't legalized, it's decriminalized for personal use. You'll find headshops, but due to the 2025 Security Decree, many legal CBD shops have shut down.

Tourists and locals alike should know:

• You can't legally buy cannabis in shops unless it's for medical use.
• Smoking in public is tolerated in some areas but risky in others.

If you're visiting Rome, don't assume relaxed vibes equal legal use.

Is Weed Legal in Sicily?

Sicily is a unique case in Italy's cannabis scene-especially for medical cannabis.

• The Sicilian regional government covers costs for therapeutic cannabis under specific conditions source.
• Recreational use follows national laws: possession under 5g is decriminalized, but not legal.

As someone who's visited Palermo and spoken with local patients, the region's progressive stance on medical cannabis is a hopeful sign for others.

Can You Buy Weed in Italy?

The short answer: not legally for recreational use.

Buying weed is illegal, even small amounts.
Medical cannabis must be purchased through a prescription and authorized pharmacy.
The once-thriving cannabis light market has been largely shut down due to the 2025 ban.

So while some street dealers exist (especially in tourist-heavy areas), purchasing cannabis remains illegal and risky.

Weed Laws in Italy: A Quick Summary Table

Here's a simple breakdown of what's allowed and what's not:

Action	Legal Status in 2025
Possession (under 5g)	Decriminalized (civil infraction)
Possession (over 5g)	Criminal offense
Home cultivation (up to 3-4 plants)	Legal for personal use
Recreational use	Not legalized, tolerated in small amounts
Buying/Selling weed	Illegal
Medical cannabis	Legal with prescription
CBD flowers	Banned under Security Decree 2025
Hemp seeds/oils (non-flower)	Still legal

Is Weed Legal in Venice?

Venice applies the same national laws, but local attitudes can vary.

You might smell cannabis in alleys or small bridges (it's Venice after all), but law enforcement is active, especially near tourist landmarks. Don't assume the relaxed ambiance extends to legal weed.

Is Marijuana Legal in Sicily?

Medically, yes-Sicily leads in cannabis accessibility, thanks to its public funding for medical prescriptions. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, as it does across Italy.

Is Weed Legal in Florence?

Florence is a hub for medical cannabis because it hosts the official state production facility.

But don't confuse this with recreational leniency. Florence enforces national laws, and the 2025 decree has tightened restrictions on even non-psychoactive hemp products.

Is CBD Legal in Italy?

As of April 2025, CBD legality has become extremely restricted due to the Security Decree.

• CBD from hemp flowers? Banned.
• CBD from non-flower plant parts (e.g., stalk, seeds)? Still permitted.
• CBD in cosmetics? Allowed.
• Medical CBD products? Legal under prescription.

Some sources even report that CBD has been reclassified as a narcotic, but this interpretation varies and is legally challenged.

Is HHC Legal in Italy?

No. HHis not legal in Italy in 2025. 10-OH-HHC is a novel cannabinoid that, as of May 2025, exists in a legal gray area in Italy. While HHC itself is explicitly banned, 10-OH-HHC is not currently listed under Italian controlled substances, making its legal status ambiguous and potentially subject to rapid change.

• Italian law considers them synthetic and prohibits their sale and distribution.
• Shops caught selling HHC face severe penalties under the narcotics code [DPR 309/1990].

Even though HHC products had started appearing in headshops pre-2024, enforcement is now strict and unforgiving.

Are There Dispensaries in Italy?

If by dispensary you mean legal weed stores like in California or the Netherlands, then no.

• Italy does not have legal dispensaries for recreational cannabis.
• Only authorized pharmacies dispense medical cannabis, and only with a prescription.

You won't find cannabis clubs or coffeeshops in Rome or Milan. And the recent crackdown has closed most CBD shops that were operating in a gray zone.

Do People Smoke Weed in Italy?

Yes-but discreetly. Especially in cities and among younger people, cannabis use is common despite the laws.

You'll smell it at music festivals, student events, and even outside certain nightclubs. However, cultural acceptance doesn't equal legal permission.

Anecdotally, I've met students in Bologna and Naples who openly smoke-but always carry less than 5g to avoid trouble. Locals tend to know how far they can push the limits.

Is Recreational Weed Legal in Italy?

No. Despite rumors and petitions, recreational cannabis is still not legal in Italy in 2025.

However:

• Possession is decriminalized (under 5g).
• Home growing is permitted (3-4 plants).
• Public opinion is slowly shifting, and legal challenges to the 2025 decree are ongoing.

Industry groups like Federcanapa are lobbying for reform, and the European Industrial Hemp Association has criticized Italy's crackdown.

Conclusion: What Tourists and Locals Should Know

To sum it up, Italy's cannabis laws in 2025 are a mix of progress and regression.

✅ Decriminalized possession (up to 5g)✅ Home growing permitted✅ Expanding medical program🚫 Cannabis light banned🚫 No legal recreational market🚫 No dispensaries for tourists

If you're a tourist: don't try to buy weed on the street or bring it into the country. And if you're a medical patient, check whether your prescription can be legally recognized in Italy.