Turin, Italy, May 24, 2025 – Filippo Blengino, the secretary of Radicali Italiani, was arrested in Turin after opening a “cannabis light” shop at the party’s headquarters as an act of civil disobedience against Italy’s stringent drug laws. The provocative move, announced via social media, aimed to challenge a recent decree equating low-THC cannabis light with high-THC marijuana, which carries severe penalties. Blengino’s arrest has reignited debates over Italy’s cannabis policies and the boundaries of political protest.

On May 22, 2025, Blengino reportedly auto-denounced himself to authorities, admitting he was selling cannabis light—products with THC levels below 0.5%, legal in Italy since 2016 for their non-psychoactive properties. Posts on X by @elio_vito and @ADUC1 detailed how Blengino’s action was a deliberate protest against a new security decree that classifies cannabis light as equivalent to narcotic substances, exposing sellers to up to 20 years in prison. He was taken to a Turin police station, where he faces charges of drug trafficking, despite cannabis light’s legal status for commercial use.

The Radicali Italiani, known for advocating drug decriminalization, framed the act as a call for reform. “This arrest shows the absurdity of equating a harmless product with hard drugs,” the party stated on X, echoing sentiments from pro-legalization groups like ReLeaf Malta, which criticized similar crackdowns in Malta after its 2021 cannabis legalization. Blengino’s lawyers argue that cannabis light, primarily containing CBD, falls outside the scope of restricted substances, as THC is the controlled cannabinoid under Italian law.

Italy’s cannabis light market, valued at €40 million annually, has thrived since a 2016 law permitted hemp-derived products with low THC. However, recent amendments under the Meloni government’s security policies have tightened regulations, creating confusion among retailers and consumers. A senior police official, speaking anonymously, noted a surge in enforcement actions, claiming the law’s ambiguity has fueled black-market activity. Critics argue the decree disproportionately targets small-scale sellers while failing to address organized crime.

The arrest has polarized public opinion. Supporters on X hailed Blengino as a “hero of liberty,” while others condemned his actions as reckless, citing the need for stricter drug controls. The case draws parallels to a 2022 Malta incident, where a doctor was arrested for distributing cannabis light, highlighting ongoing legal uncertainties in Europe. Blengino’s preliminary hearing is set for June 2025, with potential penalties sparking concerns among activists about the chilling effect on free expression.

As Italy grapples with evolving drug policies, Blengino’s arrest underscores the tension between reformist activism and conservative crackdowns, leaving the future of cannabis light in limbo.