Italy's Controversial Cannabis Light Ban: 3,000 Businesses Closed, 22,000 Jobs Lost

Italy Shuts Down 3,000 Cannabis Light Businesses, Sparking Job Losses and Controversy Rome, Italy – The Italian government's recent decision to close approximately 3,000 businesses in the cannabis light sector has sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked widespread criticism. The move, which resulted in the loss of an estimated 22,000 jobs, has been condemned by many as short-sighted and lacking scientific basis. "It's as if we decided to close all the wineries tomorrow because wine is bad for you," says Angelo Vaccariello, a prominent Italian journalist and commentator, in a recent video discussing the issue. Vaccariello highlights the absurdity of the situation, emphasizing the economic contribution of the cannabis light industry and the devastating impact on young entrepreneurs who have invested their time and resources into building their businesses. The industry generated over €330 million in taxes annually, a fact that further fuels the controversy surrounding the government's decision. Critics argue that the closure is driven by ideological concerns rather than objective assessment of the industry's risks and benefits. The lack of scientific evidence supporting the claim that cannabis light poses a significant threat has also been a point of contention. The affected businesses are expected to challenge the government's decision in court. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of the cannabis light industry in Italy and could set a precedent for similar regulations in other countries. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based policy-making and the potential consequences of decisions driven by ideology rather than facts.