Cannabidiol (CBD) Listed as a Drug of Abuse by the Italian Health Ministry: Expert Opinion

Abstract

Abstract: In August 2023, the Italian Health Ministry listed cannabidiol (CBD) as a drug of abuse. This rekindled the debate on the medical and non-medical use of cannabis. The most discussed topics are risks related to the use of cannabis, the decriminalization/legalization of recreational cannabis, and use of cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes. The decision to include CBD in the “Unique Text for drugs of abuse” (DPR.309/1990), along with the already included main psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is not particularly relevant to such ongoing discussions. Even when it comes to cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes, such a decision will have a minimum impact on CBD-based medical prescriptions. Instead, a high economic impact is expected on CBD-based products sold online or in specific shops, including the so-called “cannabis-light”, formally sold as a “technological product” for collection purposes but used as over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of several medical conditions. Cannabis-light products have reduced regular drug consumption by about 10%. Also, they are not entirely safe, as the actual content of THC may significantly differ from the one stated, carrying unexpected health risks. Further, CBD is likely not a drug with addictive potential; however, its uncontrolled use for medical purposes needs to be regulated as the court battles are ongoing.