Bologna Prepares to Host 'Indica Sativa Trade 2015', the Largest Cannabis Fair Held in Italy

On the 5, 6 and 7 June, the city of Bologna (Italy) will host the third edition of the 'Indica Sativa Trade', an international fair dedicated to analysing the multiple uses of cannabis and shedding light on the high-spirited cannabis reality experience in the transalpine country. After the last two editions held in the city of Ferma, this year’s event will take place in the Unipol Arena, one of the newest and best equipped arenas in Europe. It can hold 15,000 people, and is located just 2 kilometres from the city’s main road, and 8 kilometres from the airport. It is also very accessible by car and public transport.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a program of events that runs from 11am until 8 pm on Friday and Saturday, and until 8.30 pm on Sunday. It is very reasonably priced too: 9 euros per day or 15 euros for the three days. Just like last year, Dinafem will be at the fair, serving as the main sponsor. At our stand, you will be able to find information about all of this season’s new products and acquire seeds of cannabis from our catalogues of feminized and autoflowering seeds. We are also offering a special offer of two free seeds for every three you buy (3+2).

Clear political advances 

The fair will have contribution from important experts who will add great value and a sense a confidence to the event, and also at one of the best times for Italy and for cannabis in the country. The political situation is offering a lot of hope to activists and patients who have been waiting a long time for the steps that authorities are now taking in relation to marijuana issues.

A few months ago, Italy announced that the Armed Forces would grow cannabis in a region of Florence with the aim of using it for medicinal purposes. Now, they have shown their crop that is growing quickly in a pharmaceutical military plant. Italy hopes to produce 100 kilograms of marijuana per year, aiming at reducing the cost of medicinal cannabis in the country, as well as providing a large number of patients with a medicinal product, that until now, they could only buy outside of the country.

As if this progress was not enough, in March, Senator Benedetto Della Vedova launched a proposal to legalise cannabis in the entire country. The proposal was backed by 60 politicians, especially the centre left Democratic Party, although there was also a certain level of support from the right. They will try and make the first draft of the proposal into a draft bill this summer. Among other issues, the supporters of the idea are asking for nationwide regulation on home growing (private or in associations), marijuana for medicinal use and authorising sales to third parties.

On the other hand, just a week ago, Giorgio Pasetto, a councillor in Verona, proposed growing medicinal cannabis on plots of land in the city. He explained to the council that other regions such Veneto, Tuscany and Liguria, are already authorised to use pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids to treat pain. As can be seen, something very strong is moving forward in Italian society in relation to cannabis; and the fair in Bologna will be the best showcase for gauging the strength of this movement.

A fair full of proposals

The activities taking place will be very varied, although the workshops will play a very important role. On the first day, visitors will be able to enjoy a basic course in hemp agriculture, given by Marcello Mastrorilli, director of the Research Unit into Growing Systems in Dry and Warm Conditions (CRA-SCA). They can also enjoy a more advanced course given by Marcello Scarcella (from CRA-SCA, in Bari), Giampaolo Grassi (from CNR-CIN in Rovigo) and Carlo Alberto Zaina, a legal expert.

Over the course of the day, those attending can also enjoy a conference about the multiple uses of hemp in industry, led by the journalist Mario Catania, director of the magazine Canapa Industriale. Furthermore, industries (such as Salute Sativa and Kanésis) and products that are leading the way in terms of innovation will be presented. The products include a new machine for harvesting and creating hemp fibres that will be shown by Valerio Zucchini. Oliver Zaccanti will talk about the uses of material for construction.

Saturday will be a day dedicated to cultural and political matters. Various presentations of books and magazines linked to the cannabis sector will take place and different authors, politicians and experts will collaborate. Among them will be Rita Bernardini, secretary of Italy’s Radical Party; Giuditta Pini and Della Vedova, from the Democratic Party; and Ferraresi, Farina and the senator Airola from the 5 Star Movement. All of this will be topped off with a concert that will close out a very pleasant Saturday.

To end the unique event, on Sunday, Professor Maurizio Bifulco will unveil the first research project into cannabinoids funded by Italy. There will also be a workshop about hemp as a food product and a tasting session led by nutrition specialists. Enzo Brogi will present his book 'AltreDirezioni', that will be commented upon by various invited guests.

In the afternoon, Fabrizio Dentini, author of the book 'Canapa medica, viaggio nel pianeta del farmaco proibito', will give a conference on medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. He will be joined by experts such as Gastone Zanette from the department of Neuroscience at the University of Padua; Maurizio Bifulco, from the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Salerno and Francesco Crestani, president of the Medicinal Cannabis Association.

All of the fair will also be livened up by live music and DJs. The music will add to the experience of the public visiting the general exhibition which has more than 60 stands from top quality national and international companies.

Little by little, Italy is opening up to cannabis legalisation, despite the fact that it is one of the most restrictive European countries in relation to this issue. The fact that a fair like this is taking place in Bologna means that citizens can become aware of the sector and learn about a plant that many people support.

The voices heard at the event will help people to better understand the path that Italians have taken and the fact that there is still a long way to go. Therefore, if you have the possibility to travel to Italy, now is the time to start packing your bags. Ours are packed already. See you in Bologna!

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