Italy relaxes cannabis penalties

Sentences in Italy for the sale and possession of cannabis range between two and six years
The Local (Italy)
Thursday, February 13, 2014

Italy's Constitutional Court struck down an anti-drug law from 2006 that imposed tough sentencing for the sale and possession of cannabis, putting it on the same level as heroin and cocaine. The court declared "illegitimate" the law, which imposed sentences of six to 20 years for trafficking in cannabis, whereas the previous law which is now back in force included sentences of between two and six years. Leftist lawmakers and civil society representatives immediately hailed the court ruling, saying it would help ease overcrowding in Italian prisons. (See also: Third White Book on the 2006 Italian drug legislation)