This agreement was reached during negotiations between the Minister of Health Beatrice Lorenzin and the Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti. It is reported, that marijuana, which will be grown by the Italian military in the future will be send for medicine production.
The government also noted that cannabis will be grown only for medical purposes, and legalization of marijuana is not possible.
This decision was made for economic reasons. Growing marijuana will save money. For example, earlier, the country imported medicine, which were produced on the basis of cannabis. However, the cost of imported medicine was too high.
It is reported that the cost of one-month therapy of the medicine made on the basis of marijuana is about 700 euros. According to media reports, it is expected that these drugs will appear in pharmacies of the country next year.
Currently in Italy, it is prohibited to grow marijuana in private capacity. However, the decision on the marijuana cultivation by the Italian military is the first step to allow the production of marijuana in the country since the 1990s.
It is to be recalled that in July it was reported, that marijuana was legalized for medical purposes in New York. However, it will become available in about a year and a half. This medicine will be given on prescription for people suffering from specific diseases.