Italian CBD regulations are ambiguous, inconsistent and confusing for producers, distributors, and consumers, thus the country is not considered to have a formal CBD market today. Although a court decision was published to explain the low-THC products' legality, with the aim of revamping the industry and giving a competitive edge to Italian producers, it ended up not providing the clarity and specifics the market desperately needed, thus the market remains gray. Product remains available both online and through brick-and-mortar retailers in the country. In order for the market to grow and thrive, however, Italian legislators need to clarify the regulatory framework, both to ease consumer concerns and open a sustainable formal market for local and international players in the future.
Beyond regulatory confusion affecting the CBD market, COVID-19 has also impacted Italy in a devastating way, and the short-term and long-term consequences of the employment and economic losses will also play a role in its future. A decrease in consumer volume and spending will be inevitable as budgets tighten, and the possibility of supply chain-related issues will loom until at least the end of 2020. Further economic consequences might play an important role in future years as well, as the country slowly recovers from its extended lockdown and resulting financial woes.