Italian Army is Growing Pot
The Italian army is growing pot, hundreds and hundreds of pounds of the stuff. Not only that, they’re doing it to lower its costs. You know times are-changing when foreign military not only snubs America’s war on drugs—they grow their own weed. From the BBC:
The army’s foray into cannabis production was first announced by the government in September, and its first crop is coming along nicely, the Corriere della Sera website reports. The plants are being grown in a secure room at a military-run pharmaceutical plant in Florence, and the army expects to churn out 100kg (220lb) of the drug annually. The site also houses drying and packing facilities. “The aim of this operation is to make available to a growing number of patients a medical product which isn’t always readily available on the market, at a much better price for the user,” Col Antonio Medica tells the website. Medical marijuana is considered beneficial to treat a variety of conditions, particularly for managing chronic pain.
The price of Italian pot
While Italian doctors can legally prescribe marijuana, the cost isn’t covered by the state. It is often prohibitively expensive for patients to buy it legally at pharmacies, something ministers want to change. At the moment medical marijuana is imported from abroad – primarily from the Netherlands – and costs up to 35 euros per gram. “We’re aiming to lower the price to under 15 euros, maybe even around 5 euros per gram,” says Col Medica. Private cannabis cultivation remains illegal in Italy, and selling the drug is also against the law.
The army laboratory was chosen for the project because it already had the necessary facilities and could guarantee security thanks to its surveillance system, Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti said in September. While primarily tasked with providing medicines to the military, it has also been involved in helping during civil disasters – including the production of 500,000 potassium iodide tablets after the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe in 1986.
Background: Italian Army’s Unlikely New Role
In 2015, the Italian army made a surprising move by establishing a cannabis cultivation program. At the army’s pharmaceutical plant in Florence, the military has been growing marijuana for medical purposes.
The Cannabis Cultivation Program
The military’s cannabis cultivation program was established in response to Italy’s growing need for medical cannabis. The program aims to produce high-quality marijuana for use in medical treatments, while also reducing Italy’s dependence on imported cannabis.
The program is shrouded in secrecy and is not open to the public. The Italian army guards the marijuana farm around the clock, and the location of the farm is not disclosed to the public.
High-CBD Strains Produced by the Italian Military
The military’s cannabis cultivation program produces two high-CBD strains of marijuana, which are believed to be effective in treating a range of medical conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Unlike THC, which is the compound that causes a high, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects. Instead, CBD has been found to have a range of potential health benefits, making it a valuable component of medical marijuana.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis and Italy’s Need for Homegrown Supply
The Italian military’s involvement in cannabis cultivation has been met with approval from the medical community. Increased access to medical cannabis can improve the quality of life for patients in need, and the military’s program has helped to reduce Italy’s dependence on imported cannabis.
Controversies and Public Reactions
The Italian army’s involvement in cannabis cultivation has not been without controversy. Some have criticized the secrecy surrounding the program, while others have raised concerns about the involvement of the military in a controversial industry.
Despite the controversies, the Italian military’s involvement in cannabis cultivation reflects a broader trend towards the normalization of medical cannabis use. With countries around the world legalizing medical marijuana, it is clear that the benefits of cannabis are becoming more widely recognized.
In conclusion
the Italian army’s involvement in cannabis cultivation may have come as a surprise, but it reflects the growing recognition of the potential benefits of medical marijuana. As the program continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how the Italian military’s involvement evolves and how it impacts the availability of medical cannabis in Italy.
Fine crafted Military-grade Italian weed, how crazy is that?
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