Italy allows use of cannabis for therapeutic use

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Thursday October 19, 2006

Rome- Reversing anti-drugs policies enforced by Italy's previous centre-right administration, Romano Prodi's government Thursday approved the use of cannabis-based drugs for therapeutic use. "We are talking about pain-relief therapy. This has nothing to do with smoking joints," Health Minister Livia Turco told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Rome.

The new rules mean AIDS and cancer patients will be able to take prescription drugs based on marijuana.

"These drugs are already in use in Canada, Switzerland and Holland," Turco said.

Earlier this year, the government of former premier Silvio Berlusconi tightened the screws on the consumption of illegal drugs, introducing lengthy prison sentences for those found in possession of even small quantities of recreational drugs, such as cannabis and hashish.

Centre-left lawmakers at the time vowed to relax penalties on drugs consumption once in power.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency