Cannabis News

Italian hemp sector keeps growing despite legal uncertainties

Published

2 months ago

December 13, 2025

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Despite the initial boom and great promises of great opportunities, the hemp sector is struggling in many countries around the world. From the recent hemp ban in the US, to a similar ban in Italy, which has effectively halted the growth of this industry.

Effects of hemp prohibition
Among the 3,000 companies associated with Canapa Sativa Italia (CSI) – the Italian hemp industry association – 10% closed after the hemp ban amendment was signed. Another 10% are preparing to go abroad. Numbers can be interpreted in many ways, one of these interpretations paints a space under pressure. The reality is that the Italian hemp market continues to expand despite a regulatory structure that struggles to treat it as agriculture.

Research commissioned by CSI and conducted by MPG Consulting in April 2025 shows a very detailed picture. The flower market is worth 1,960 million euros, with 22,379 full-time employees in the supply chain. The study of the economist Davide Fortin and the lawyer Maria Paola Liotti, presented in the Chamber of Deputies on April 2, portrays an area that already behaves like modern agriculture. “It creates value, it supports jobs, and it does so with a sustainability profile that many other crops would envy. What it still lacks is institutional recognition,” they say.

Mattia Cusani, one of the first members of CSI and now its president, farms legal hemp on the Sila plateau. For him, potential is not an abstraction. He describes the hemp chain as a ready-made model of the circular economy. “Production methods, crop variability, use of residues from crop lines. It all exists,” he says. “All that is missing is a technical desk for operation and the removal of several long-standing legal knots. At the center of this stalled system sit workers between the ages of 25 and 40. They form one of the few agricultural sectors that is expanding rapidly in the country. Moreover, they belong to the generation that has experienced the worst economic shocks in recent years.”

Along with other associations, the CSI also demands a basic alignment from Brussels. “The express inclusion of flowers among the plant parts authorized for use. Treating open field and greenhouse cultivation equally. Maintaining the full legality of industrial uses such as seeds and fibers. And unifying police controls through a single ministerial decree, because today’s practices vary a lot and create uncertainty and pressure on farms.”

Stories from the field
Two entrepreneurs who built their businesses legally now face confiscations caused by changes to the hemp ban.

In Rome, Noemi closed her shop at the beginning of November. He is 34 years old, with a degree in archaeology. For years he worked paid shifts at restaurants to cover expenses. In 2017, he and a flatmate invested what little they had to enter the hemp market. They opened a small shop selling Carmagnola and Futura 75, two of the varieties allowed for cultivation. Over the years, that store became a reference in a difficult neighborhood without a real meeting place. They refused to expand the franchise of foreign chains and focused on a single local store. A few days of legal confusion erased all that.

In Sardinia, the agricultural company Orti Castello seized more than 8,000 plants at the end of October 2025. The intervention report lists 2,467 items, even counting already cut stems mislabeled as sprouts. Each plant was grown from certified seed and was low in THC. Now the company is waiting to release its crop. For Massimiliano Quai and his colleagues, the shock is not limited to the lost inventory. The farm has already had thefts in the field despite the presence of guards. All this within a company that has grown continuously since 2018, through biological methods and consistent demand.

Massimiliano repeats the same idea. “Our best year has always been the next,” he says. “The store moves about 500 euros a day. Tea and honey sell fast. Only since the beginning of 2025, purchases have reached 62,910 euros. In all these years, we have had 6 months of flat or negative results. Everything else has been a constant upward movement. The plan is simple. Stay in Sardinia and consolidate. We only have to be open once, we have chosen a second site abroad. In Italy, in 2018, the political climate seemed favorable.”

MPG Consulting research places these stories within two possible futures. “According to the current model, the diverse ecosystem of shops, e-commerce platforms and tobacco shops keeps the market close to 1,960 million euros. Employment remains high, the supply chain remains diverse. The alternative is a state monopoly controlled by tobacco shops, with a tax burden of 56.5. In this scenario, the market would have a direct and indirect impact of more than 144,000 million euros. evaporate, and employment would fall to around 6,000 workers.”

However, demand grows. “The lack of commercial communication is not slowing down the market. Many are choosing hemp flowers as a substitute for tobacco rather than a substitute. It becomes part of the process of moving away from one of the most harmful and addictive substances available.”

A bunch of growers
MPG Consulting also maps the crop side. Small growers sell everything directly. Medium producers divided between retail and wholesale. Large growers rely on standardized varieties and volumes. Medium plants are the innovative key of the whole chain. They test varieties, refine phenotypes and drive the system forward. They are also the weakest link if a monopoly model becomes a reality, unlike large growers who can operate in a rigid centralized environment. “The Italian hemp sector grows anyway. The question hanging in the air is not whether it can grow, but whether the rules will ever grow with it.”

Related Topics:Growing Hemp Italian Legal sector uncertainties

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Alabama Officials Approve Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses, Readying Program For Sales To Start In 2026

Cannabis News

Oklahoma Governor wants to shut down medical cannabis program

Published

5 hours ago

February 4, 2026

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt he said He wants to return the state’s medical marijuana program to voters. In his State of the State address, Stitt called for a state question in 2026 for citizens to decide whether to end the program, citing concerns about “bad actors” and criminal influence.

Dispensary owner Dana Herrick he reacted to the adHe noted that in 2018 medical cannabis was approved by voters. Herrick said the program gave patients access to drugs and raised questions about what returning the issue to a public vote would mean for existing companies.

The state’s medical cannabis system has grown since 2018. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority oversees growers, processors and dispensaries with more than 1,500 active licenses. Regulators have implemented measures such as credential checks and a temporary moratorium on new licenses to manage the industry’s growth.

Cannabis News

Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

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Virginia senators have passed a pair of bills to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana and reduce penalties for people with prior cannabis convictions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-6 on Wednesday to advance legislation for Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D) to sell marijuana. Members also voted 12-TK3 to approve Senate President Louise Lucas’ (D) anti-cannabis measure.

Both measures then go to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, potentially before reaching a date.

Aird told colleagues in Wednesday’s speech that his bill “establishes a marketplace that protects consumers and puts health and safety first, ensures a balance in our regulatory framework that ensures legalization is consistent with public health and safety goals, and avoids past mistakes built into alcohol laws that allow the legal substance to continue to be criminalized.”

“I know there’s interest in aligning the approach we take in this legislation with (the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s) enforcement structure, but if we do that too narrowly, we risk building a legal system that relies on arrests, mandatory fines, mandatory minimums, prison sentences and low-level offenses,” he said. “And that approach has failed with alcohol and will fail again for cannabis.”

The panel accepted several amendments from Sen. Scott Surovell (D), the panel’s chairman, over Aird’s objection.

Among the changes are amendments to “essentially align the penalties for the illegal sale of alcohol with the illegal sale of marijuana,” Surovell said, bringing the penalties for minors in possession of cannabis on par with those for alcohol.

Another bench-approved amendment adds criminal penalties for buying marijuana from an unlicensed dealer.

Marijuana Justice’s Chelsea Higgs Wise supported the overall bill, but expressed concern about the recently passed criminal amendments, calling it “a step backwards.”

A representative of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP also said, “If we really want to prepare our children for success, we’re not going to criminalize them, but we’re going to figure out how to support them so they can make better choices.”

JM Pedini, director of development for advocacy group NORML and executive director of Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the organization is “deeply concerned about committee members’ re-criminalization of cannabis users and mandatory minimum approvals for marijuana.”

“It is particularly troubling that as this body moves to address resentment of marijuana-related penalties, it is simultaneously entertaining new ways to further criminalize consumers,” Pedini said.

Approval of the amended sales invoice comes in about a week The House General Laws Committee approved a supplemental version of the legislationDel. Paul Krizek (D).

As passed in committee, the legislation is largely in line with recommendations released by the legislature in December. Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition to the Commonwealth Retail Cannabis Market.

Since legalizing cannabis ownership and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have been working to establish a commercial marijuana market– Only for those efforts to stall under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures sent to his desk by the Legislature.

the senate the version calls for sales to begin on January 1, 2027, while the House bill stipulates that the sale of cannabis for adult consumption can begin on November 1 of this year.

Here are the main details of Virginia’s legal marijuana sales legislation:

Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products, as determined by regulators.
The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana.
A tax of up to 12.625 percent would apply to the retail sale of any cannabis product. That would include a 1.125 percent state retail and use tax on top of a new 8 percent marijuana-specific tax. Local governments can charge an additional 3.5 percent.
The tax revenue would be divided between the costs of administering and enforcing the state’s marijuana system, a new Cannabis Equity Investment Fund, pre-kindergarten programs, substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs, and public health programs such as awareness campaigns designed to prevent drug-impaired driving and discourage underage use.
Local governments could not allow marijuana companies to operate in their area.
Delivery services would be allowed.
Serving sizes would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with no more than 100 mg of THC per package.
Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a $10 million license conversion fee.
Cannabis businesses should implement peaceful labor agreements with their employees.
A legislative committee would direct the addition of local consumer licenses and micro-enterprise cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to hold sales at farmers markets or pop-up locations. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority would also investigate the possibility of involvement in marijuana regulation and enforcement.

Just sworn Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing the sale of marijuana to adults.

Another cannabis law passed by a Senate committee Wednesday would require people with certain felonies to automatically receive resentencing hearings and adjust their sentences. A Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. Also advanced House Companion version of (D). recently

The legislation would create a process for people who are incarcerated or under community supervision for certain crimes involving the possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana to receive an automatic sentencing hearing.

The invoice It applies to people with convictions or convictions for conduct that occurred before July 1, 2021, when a state law that legalized personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect.

The panel approved some technical changes before passing the legislation.

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Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers have introduced other marijuana-related legislation for the 2026 session, among other things. allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals.

Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has published a new defining workplace protections for cannabis users.

Mike Latimer’s photo.

Marihuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

Gavita International launches Agrolux Operating System

Published

1 day ago

February 3, 2026

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During Fruit Logistica, Gavita International launches the future Agrolux Operating System and the LYRA modular product platform. “The latest developments highlight Gavita International’s evolution into a fully integrated solution that supports growers throughout the crop cycle,” says CEO Marc Salvany.

After the management buyout on October 1, 2025, Gavita International is led by Marc Salvany (CEO) and Ad van der Vorst (CFO). With the launch of the Agrolux Actuator System, Gavita International is presenting not only a future-ready platform, but also its new strategic location: this presentation is the basis for the future developments of the globally operating lighting systems supplier.

The launch of the Agrolux brand underlines the company’s strategic move towards a fully integrated solution for professional growers.

Agrolux Operating System
“The Agrolux Operating System is a future-proof and user-friendly platform that enables professional farmers to improve performance, efficiency and return on investment, while actively contributing to a more sustainable, circular and resilient horticultural ecosystem,” explained Marc. “It supports electrical power and wireless communication, the Horticultural Lighting Protocol (HLP), and can work seamlessly with a climate computer or standalone. The system is also fully compatible with all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires as well as third-party brands.”

The Agrolux Operating System has capabilities on its development page, such as AI-based lighting strategies and integration with sensors, providing advanced automation, monitoring and control for modern greenhouse operations. The Agrolux Operating System protects existing investments while enabling smarter and more sustainable farming.

LYRA: the modular product platform of the future, fully complementary to the Agrolux portfolio
Together with the Agrolux Operating System, Gavita International is proudly developing LYRA; A new modular and future product platform to support current and next generation greenhouses. “At the heart of the LYRA platform is a modular design that supports multiple applications, including multi-channel configurations to enable lighting strategies, combined with a flexible power range from 340W to 1200W, depending on the producer’s requirements.”

The LYRA is designed around a single driver housing concept that allows LED modules to be added, upgraded and adjusted, ensuring the luminaire adapts to evolving technology, regulations and grower needs. Together with LYRA, the Agrolux OS system will continue to offer renewed features and innovations to the product platform.

LYRA complements the entire Agrolux (LED) luminaire portfolio, and the Agrolux Operating System supports all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires. “Together, they are designed to offer the professional greenhouse grower as much as possible
flexibility and long-term certainty in a rapidly evolving technology innovation landscape.”

LYRA will initially be available in a 4-channel version.

The defining moment
“Unveiling the Agrolux Operating System and previewing LYRA at Fruit Logistic is a defining moment for our company. This presentation marks a significant and exciting chapter for Gavita International, thanks to our dedicated team and the continued support of our trusted partners and respected growers. We look forward to meeting visitors in Berlin and showcasing our new developments,” said Marc.

Live demonstration at Fruit Logistica
At Fruit Logistica 2026, Gavita International will demonstrate the Agrolux operation
System live at stand A-46 in the Dutch Pavilion (Hall 3.2), seen first hand.
LIRA

Appointments for a demonstration can be booked online.

For more information:
Gavita International
(email protected)
www.agrolux.com