Adnkronos Rome, April 29 (Adnkronos) – “The Government continues to deny the evidence, engaging in an ideological crusade against industrial hemp that is already causing enormous damage to an entire production sector. The rules contained in the Security decree are wicked and now contested by everyone, even by the regional councilors of the majority forces”. This was stated by Matteo Mauri, head of security for the Democratic Party, commenting on the note from the Presidency of the Council on the Security decree and hemp production.
"The Democratic Party and all the opposition forces have been fighting a battle in Parliament for some time to repeal or profoundly modify Article 18 of the decree, which effectively bans the cultivation of hemp. “It is not just the Democratic Party that says it,” Mauri emphasizes, “all the regional councilors say it unanimously, including those of the majority. This rule puts at risk a sector that, as they themselves point out, in Italy has 3.000 companies, 30.000 employees, 500 million euros in turnover and 90% of exports. And instead of correcting an unjust and damaging measure,” he continues, “the Government insists on a sterile conflict in order to save the unsaveable. It is grotesque that the Presidency of the Council is rushing to publish a note to defend itself from the position taken by the Regions where they govern and to justify rules that are killing the entire sector!"
"A sign of nervousness and awareness of the mess made, when there would still be time to correct it. The Government pretends not to see - he concludes - but the reality speaks clearly: the rule is wrong and in contradiction with European legislation, and is sinking a healthy, sustainable sector full of young energy. This is the last chance to avoid disaster. The Government should stop making stupid propaganda at the expense of businesses and workers and stop this absurdity".