No. Salvia divinorum is illegal in Italy under the 2016 Decreto Ministeriale that classifies it as a Schedule I controlled substance, prohibiting possession, sale, and cultivation. The Ministry of Health designated it alongside synthetic cannabinoids, citing public health risks. Enforcement aligns with EU drug policy trends, though regional prosecutors may pursue cases under broader narcotics laws.
Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in Italy
- Schedule I Control: Listed in the 2016 decree, equating its legal status to substances like heroin or cocaine, with no recognized medical or industrial exemptions.
- Strict Penalties: Violations (possession, trafficking, or cultivation) trigger penalties under Legge 309/1990 (Consolidated Law on Narcotics), including fines up to €30,000 and imprisonment up to 20 years for trafficking.
- Border Enforcement: Customs authorities (Agenzia delle Dogane) monitor imports, seizing shipments under EU-wide drug control frameworks, particularly from countries with lax regulations like Mexico or the U.S.