Legal status in Italy

Per-substance legal status for Italy, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice — drug laws change; confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.

Last updated: 2026-07-14

1P-LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

2-FDCK

Legal status: Controlled substance — Italy regulates 2-FDCK under the narcotics tables of DPR 309/1990; the WHO ECDD (2023) lists Italy among jurisdictions controlling it. Mechanism: national NPS listing; exact Tabella placement left to confirmation. Contrast: ketamine sits in the medicines table (Sezione A), whereas 2-FDCK has no medical use.
Consequences if caught: Handling 2-FDCK falls under DPR 309/1990 — administrative sanctions for minor personal possession and criminal penalties (years of imprisonment) for dealing and trafficking.
If prescribed / medical: No medicinal or prescription status; 2-FDCK has no marketing authorisation in Italy.
Documentation: Import and purchase are offences; 2-FDCK is a Schedule II psychotropic under the 1971 Convention (in force 3 December 2024).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

25I-NBOMe

Legal status: 25I-NBOMe is a controlled narcotic in Italy (Tabella I, DPR 309/1990), subjected to EU-wide control by Council Implementing Decision 2014/688/EU (25 September 2014) and listed in Schedule I of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances in March 2015.
Consequences if caught: Dealing and trafficking are criminal offences carrying imprisonment; personal use draws administrative sanctions such as licence suspension.
If prescribed / medical: No accepted medical use; not available on prescription.
Documentation: Council Implementing Decision 2014/688/EU (25 Sept 2014); DPR 309/1990, Tabella I.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

2C-B

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

2C-E

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

2C-I

Legal status: 2C-I is a controlled substance in Italy, listed among prohibited psychotropics; Italy was required to control 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine after it was named in Council Decision 2003/847/JHA (27 Nov 2003).
Consequences if caught: Personal use draws administrative sanctions (licence suspension, fines); production, dealing and trafficking are criminal offences under Presidential Decree 309/1990.
If prescribed / medical: No authorised medical or prescription use.
Documentation: Consolidated Narcotics Act (DPR 309/1990) tables implementing Council Decision 2003/847/JHA.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

2C-T-7

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

3-MMC

Legal status: 3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone) is controlled, caught by the generic cathinone-derivative entry in Tabella I of the narcotics schedules (Italy was among the 22 EU Member States with pre-existing national measures on 3-MMC); the EU Delegated Directive 2022/1326 obligation is transposed.
Consequences if caught: Tabella I offences: trafficking is a criminal offence with multi-year imprisonment; personal possession draws administrative sanctions. Non-death-penalty jurisdiction.
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a Tabella I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

4-AcO-DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

4-HO-MET

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

6-APB

Legal status: 6-APB is a controlled narcotic in Italy — listed in Tabella I of the Testo Unico (DPR 309/1990) via the benzofuran/NPS updating decrees; declared illegal (exact decree date left to confirmation).
Consequences if caught: Tabella I offence: unauthorised dealing or trafficking 6-20 years plus fines; personal-use possession draws administrative sanctions. No death penalty.
If prescribed / medical: Tabella I — no recognised medical use, no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a Tabella I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

Legal status: 7-Hydroxymitragynine, a kratom alkaloid, is controlled together with the plant (no separate isolate carve-out) as a constituent of Mitragyna speciosa, which is listed in Table I of the narcotics tables (DPR 309/90) by MoH decree of 1 August 2016.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing or trafficking a Table I substance is criminal under art. 73 (multi-year imprisonment).
If prescribed / medical: No lawful medical route — kratom and its alkaloids sit in Table I with no authorised Italian medicine.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a Table I narcotic.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Adderall

Legal status: Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) has no separate legal identity — it is regulated AS amphetamine: controlled substance in Tabella I / medicinali Sezione A under DPR 309/1990; dispensed on the ministerial narcotic prescription (max 30 days).
Consequences if caught: Personal use: administrative sanctions (art. 75); dealing (art. 73) 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: Available on the special prescription; carry a Schengen Art. 75 certificate for personal supply.
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Alcohol

Legal status: Legal — alcohol (ethanol) is an age-regulated beverage, not a controlled drug; minimum age for sale and service is 18.
Consequences if caught: No penalty for adult drinking; fines for serving minors and for public intoxication offences.
If prescribed / medical: n/a — a beverage, not a medicine.
Documentation: Freely available in shops, bars and restaurants on proof of age; no permit needed.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Amanita muscaria

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Amphetamine

Legal status: Controlled substance in Tabella I / medicinali Sezione A under DPR 309/1990; dispensed on the ministerial narcotic prescription (max 30 days).
Consequences if caught: Personal use: administrative sanctions (art. 75); dealing (art. 73) 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: Available on the special prescription; carry a Schengen Art. 75 certificate for personal supply.
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Amyl Nitrite

Legal status: Amyl nitrite is not listed in the Tables of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances of D.P.R. 309/1990 and is therefore not a controlled narcotic in Italy; the Ministry of Health treats permitted alkyl-nitrite formulations as technical/consumer products (skin cleaners, room aromas) while noting amyl nitrite's medical history as an angina vasodilator and cyanide-poisoning antidote.
Consequences if caught: No narcotics penalty attaches to amyl nitrite; it is regulated as a chemical/consumer product (with isobutyl nitrite separately barred from public sale as a carcinogen), not under the D.P.R. 309/1990 criminal-drug tiers.
If prescribed / medical: Distinct from a scheduled drug: amyl nitrite is the specific vasodilator and cyanide-antidote compound, but in Italy it is not a table-listed narcotic and permitted formulations circulate as technical products rather than prescribed medicines.
Documentation: Amyl-nitrite products are lawfully sold (often in sex shops) as technical products and are not seized as narcotics.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Ayahuasca

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Barbiturates

Legal status: Barbiturates are listed in the 'Tabella dei medicinali' of DPR 309/90 — a prescription-controlled psychotropic class transposing the 1971 schedules (secobarbital/pentobarbital/amobarbital from Schedules II–III, phenobarbital/barbital from Schedule IV).
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing is criminal (art. 73, roughly 4–6 years for the 'lieve entità' minor tier).
If prescribed / medical: Phenobarbital (Gardenale, Luminale) is prescribed as an antiepileptic (a WHO Essential Medicine); the sedative-hypnotic barbiturates are largely withdrawn.
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and your prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Benzodiazepines

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Buprenorphine

Legal status: Buprenorphine is a controlled medicine under DPR 309/1990 but in a lighter schedule tier than methadone; it is a standard opioid-substitution medicine.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing is criminal (art. 73).
If prescribed / medical: Delivered for opioid substitution mainly through public SerD addiction services, with take-home doses allowed.
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and the prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Caffeine

Legal status: Caffeine is legal everywhere as an ordinary food and beverage ingredient; the notable status in Italy is the EU-wide mandatory high-caffeine warning label. Under Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, directly applicable in Italy, drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre (other than coffee- or tea-based drinks) must bear “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women” with the caffeine quantity in mg per 100 ml.
Consequences if caught: No penalty attaches to ordinary caffeinated foods, drinks or coffee; obligations fall on food businesses, with official food-safety enforcement of the mandatory high-caffeine labelling rather than any consumer offence.
If prescribed / medical: n/a — a food ingredient
Documentation: Ordinary caffeinated products need no documentation; drinks above 150 mg/L must carry the prescribed “High caffeine content” statement and quantified caffeine declaration.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Cannabis / THC

Legal status: Recreational illegal (DPR 309/1990) — personal possession an administrative sanction; home cultivation for strictly personal use decriminalised (Cassation 12348/2020); medical cannabis legal since 2007
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. Recreational cannabis is illegal under DPR 309/1990; small-scale home cultivation for strictly personal use was decriminalised by Court of Cassation ruling 12348/2020. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash). 'Cannabis light' (low-THC) remains in a persistent legal grey area.
If prescribed / medical: Medical cannabis has been legal since 2007 (state-produced); for personal patient travel within Schengen carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate plus the prescription.
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Cathinone

Legal status: Controlled — cathinone (khat's natural principal alkaloid) is a 1971 Convention SCHEDULE I psychotropic and is listed in Tabella I (stupefacenti) of the narcotics schedules under D.P.R. 309/1990. Mechanism: 1971 Sch-I transposition, named. As the parent compound it is DISTINCT from the khat PLANT ('Catha edulis (pianta)', itself named in Tabella I) and from the synthetic cathinones (mephedrone etc., separately in Tabella I) that derive from it; cathinone is the named Sch-I alkaloid, cathine the milder Schedule-III metabolite.
Consequences if caught: Tabella I: personal possession an administrative matter, dealing/trafficking of the alkaloid under art. 73 DPR 309/90. No death penalty in Italy.
If prescribed / medical: 1971 Schedule I stupefacente with no accepted medical use and no lawful prescription route for the isolated alkaloid.
Documentation: No licit personal-import route for a Tabella I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

CBD

Legal status: CBD (cannabidiol) is legal only if extracted from the leaves, stems and seeds of certified industrial hemp; since Decree-Law No. 48/2025 (in force April 2025) hemp inflorescences ('cannabis light') and all their derivatives are classified as narcotics regardless of THC content.
Consequences if caught: CBD flower and inflorescence-derived products are now treated as narcotic substances under DPR 309/1990 as amended, while leaf/stem/seed-derived CBD below 0.2% THC remains lawful; an earlier 2023 Health-Ministry decree on CBD oral solutions had been suspended by TAR Lazio.
If prescribed / medical: Cannabidiol-based magistral preparations are available on prescription within the medical-cannabis framework; distinct from recreational cannabis, which remains illegal.
Documentation: Carry provenance documentation showing CBD is leaf/stem/seed-derived (not inflorescence) and below 0.2% THC; inflorescence-derived CBD cannot be legalised by paperwork, and magistral preparations need a prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Clonazepam

Legal status: Clonazepam is in the 'Tabella dei medicinali' of DPR 309/90 — oral forms in Sezione E (repeatable prescription, 30 days, maximum three dispensings); parenteral/injectable forms fall in the stricter Sezione D.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing is criminal (art. 73, roughly 4–6 years for the 'lieve entità' minor tier).
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione E benzodiazepine medicine (injectable forms Sezione D).
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and your prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Cocaine

Legal status: Controlled drug ('heavy', Schedule I/III) under DPR 309/1990 — personal possession an administrative offence; trafficking a crime
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash). Cocaine is named as a 'heavy' drug (Art 73 band: 6–20 years).
If prescribed / medical: Not a traveller medicine in this form; prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Codeine

Legal status: Codeine is prescription-only in Italy; analgesic and antitussive codeine products are dispensed on medical prescription, with no OTC low-dose sale. Codeine is a controlled substance under DPR 309/90.
Consequences if caught: Unauthorised possession or supply is prosecutable under DPR 309/90; personal-use possession is handled administratively and dealing criminally.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed and dispensed as a controlled medicine under DPR 309/90.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; within Schengen the Article 75 certificate applies.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Crack Cocaine

Legal status: Crack is the freebase (base) form of cocaine and has no separate legal identity in Italy: it is controlled AS cocaine, a 'heavy' drug in the Tabelle of Presidential Decree DPR 309/1990, whose entry covers cocaine, its salts and preparations and so reaches the base/freebase form. Crack is treated identically to cocaine.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession of crack (as cocaine) is an administrative offence (Art 75, licence/document sanctions); trafficking is a crime under Art 73 (6-20 years).
If prescribed / medical: Cocaine has narrow controlled medical use; the crack/freebase base has no pharmaceutical form and is not prescribable.
Documentation: No medicinal documentation exists for crack/freebase cocaine.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Delta-8-THC

Legal status: Controlled — delta-8-THC (Δ8-THC) is caught as a tetrahydrocannabinol under Tabella I of DPR 309/1990, which lists tetrahydrocannabinols and their isomers; delta-8 is controlled as an isomer of THC. Distinct from cannabis (recreational illegal but personal possession an administrative sanction) and from low-THC 'cannabis light'; consumer delta-8 is not lawful. No death penalty.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession is an administrative matter; dealing/trafficking 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; delta-8-THC is not a prescribable medicine (medical cannabis uses delta-9 products).
Documentation: No lawful personal import of a Tabella I tetrahydrocannabinol.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Diazepam

Legal status: Diazepam is in the 'Tabella dei medicinali' of DPR 309/90 — oral forms in Sezione E (repeatable prescription, 30 days, maximum three dispensings); parenteral/injectable forms fall in the stricter Sezione D.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing is criminal (art. 73, roughly 4–6 years for the 'lieve entità' minor tier).
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione E benzodiazepine medicine (injectable forms Sezione D).
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and your prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

DOM

Legal status: DOM (STP) is a Tabella I controlled substance under Presidential Decree DPR 309/1990, Italy's transposition of DOM's individual Schedule I listing under the 1971 UN Convention.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking of a Tabella I substance is punished under Art. 73 DPR 309/1990 (6-20 years); personal use is an administrative sanction under Art. 75.
If prescribed / medical: Tabella I: no therapeutic use; not prescribable.
Documentation: DPR 9 ottobre 1990 n. 309, Tabella I delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

DXM

Legal status: Prescription-free but pharmacist-mediated, and partly prescription. After an AIFA CTS assessment (December 2023), dextromethorphan (DXM) medicines below 300 mg were reclassified from OTC to SOP (senza obbligo di prescrizione — dispensed only via a pharmacist, not self-service) and products of 300 mg or more to RR (ricetta ripetibile, repeatable prescription); DXM is not scheduled under DPR 309/1990.
Consequences if caught: No narcotics offence under the Testo Unico stupefacenti; supplying DXM outside the SOP/RR dispensing rules is a medicines-regulatory offence.
If prescribed / medical: Cough-suppressant status: below 300 mg = SOP (pharmacist-dispensed, no prescription); 300 mg or more = repeatable prescription (RR).
Documentation: DXM cough medicine must be requested from the pharmacist rather than taken off the shelf; higher-strength products need a prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Ephedrine

Legal status: Regulated as a chemical PRECURSOR (1988 UN Convention Table I — a methamphetamine precursor), NOT as a scheduled narcotic; pure ephedrine is a Category 1 scheduled substance (referenced within DPR 309/90); ephedrine medicines are Category 4. 1988 UN Table I.
Consequences if caught: Unauthorised export/diversion of ephedrine carries administrative/criminal sanctions (DPR 309/90 art. 70) — precursor offences distinct from the art. 73 drug-trafficking penalties.
If prescribed / medical: Also a pharmacy/prescription decongestant-bronchodilator medicine subject to sales limits; carry documentation for a personal supply.
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Etizolam

Legal status: Etizolam is a LICENSED prescription medicine in Italy (marketed as Depas and Pasaden) AND controlled — in the 'Tabella dei medicinali', Sezione B, under DPR 309/90. Italy is one of only about three countries where etizolam is a genuinely authorised, marketed medicine (alongside Japan and India).
Consequences if caught: Illicit supply is a prescription-medicine offence; trafficking falls under DPR 309/90.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed and dispensed as an authorised Sezione B medicine (Depas/Pasaden).
Documentation: As a licensed Sezione B medicine, carry it in original packaging with your prescription; within Schengen carry the Article 75 certificate.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Fentanyl

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Gabapentin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

GBL

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

GHB

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Heroin

Legal status: Controlled drug ('heavy', Schedule I/III) under DPR 309/1990 — personal possession an administrative offence; trafficking a crime
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash). Heroin is named as a 'heavy' drug (Art 73 band: 6–20 years).
If prescribed / medical: Not a traveller medicine in this form; prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

HHC

Legal status: HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is individually scheduled in Italy — placed in Table I of the narcotics tables (DPR 309/1990) by Ministry of Health decree of 13 July 2023, effective 28 July 2023, together with HHC-acetate and HHC-P.
Consequences if caught: Table I listing places production, sale and possession under the narcotics regime (Arts 73/75 DPR 309/1990). Distinct from Italy's handling of botanical cannabis and low-THC hemp — HHC required its own Table I entry.
If prescribed / medical: No medical HHC product.
Documentation: Named-listing route because the semi-synthetic hydrogenated HHC was not caught by existing THC-isomer language. CND placed HHC in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention (in force 6 December 2025).

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Hydrocodone

Legal status: Hydrocodone falls in the Tabella dei medicinali Sezione A of DPR 309/1990 (narcotic prescription, ricetta non ripetibile / ministeriale a ricalco); it is not marketed in Italy but sits in the same Sezione A strong-opioid tier as morfina and ossicodone — left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession draws administrative sanctions; dealing 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: No marketed Italian hydrocodone product; a Sezione A narcotic is dispensed only on the special narcotic prescription.
Documentation: Within Schengen carry the Article 75 certificate for up to a 30-day supply.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Ketamine

Legal status: Scheduled narcotic-medicine — listed in the Tabella dei medicinali, Sezione A under art. 14 of DPR 309/1990 (highest-abuse-potential authorised medicines).
Consequences if caught: Unlawful possession or dealing is punishable under DPR 309/1990 (art. 73 ff.), with higher penalties for supply and trafficking.
If prescribed / medical: Available as a prescription anaesthetic dispensed on the special narcotic prescription.
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Khat

Legal status: Banned. PLANT NAMED: 'Catha edulis (pianta)' is listed together with cathinone and cathine in Tabella I of the narcotics schedules under D.P.R. 309/1990. Mechanism: NAMED (plant).
Consequences if caught: Production, sale and possession of the leaf are criminal offences; fresh khat is routinely seized at airports (e.g. Fiumicino).
If prescribed / medical: Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; perishable fresh leaf is prohibited and seized at the border.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Kratom

Legal status: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is controlled in Italy — the plant was inserted into Table I of the narcotics tables (DPR 309/90) by Ministry of Health decree of 1 August 2016; mitragynine (the cited basis) and 7-hydroxymitragynine are controlled as constituents of the scheduled plant.
Consequences if caught: Table I narcotic offences under DPR 309/90: personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75), while dealing and trafficking are criminal (art. 73).
If prescribed / medical: No lawful medical route — kratom is a Table I narcotic plant with no authorised medicinal product.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a Table I narcotic plant.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Lorazepam

Legal status: Lorazepam is in the 'Tabella dei medicinali' of DPR 309/90 — oral forms in Sezione E (repeatable prescription, 30 days, maximum three dispensings); parenteral/injectable forms fall in the stricter Sezione D.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing is criminal (art. 73, roughly 4–6 years for the 'lieve entità' minor tier).
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione E benzodiazepine medicine (injectable forms Sezione D).
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and your prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

LSA (Morning Glory)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

MDA

Legal status: Controlled — MDA is scheduled by name in Tabella I of D.P.R. 309/1990 (stupefacenti e sostanze psicotrope). NAMED mechanism.
Consequences if caught: Tabella I: trafficking up to 20 years (art. 73 DPR 309/90).
If prescribed / medical: Tabella I — no recognised medical use, no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No personal-import route for a Tabella I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

MDMA

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

MDPV

Legal status: Controlled. MDPV is individually listed by name in Tabella I of DPR 309/1990, added by ministerial decree (2011/2012); control is reinforced by EU Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1875.
Consequences if caught: Illegal as a Tabella I substance; trafficking carries heavy imprisonment, personal possession subject to administrative sanction. No death penalty.
If prescribed / medical: MDPV has no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in Italy.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a Tabella I substance; do not carry.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Memantine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Mephedrone (4-MMC)

Legal status: Controlled — NAMED. Mephedrone is individually added to Tabella I (stupefacenti) by Ministerial Decree of 24 June 2010.
Consequences if caught: Tabella I: personal possession an administrative matter, dealing/trafficking under art. 73 DPR 309/90. No death penalty in Italy.
If prescribed / medical: Tabella I stupefacente with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No licit personal-import route for a Tabella I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Mescaline

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Methadone

Legal status: Methadone is a narcotic in the Tabella dei medicinali of DPR 309/1990 — strong narcotic control on a non-repeatable prescription.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession is an administrative sanction; dealing 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed for OST through the public SerD addiction services (take-home doses allowed).
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and your prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Methamphetamine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Methylone

Legal status: Controlled — Tabella I, DPR 309/1990. Methylone was NAMED by the ministerial decree adding synthetic cathinones (2010–2012); Tabella I also carries a generic cathinone-class entry. No death penalty.
Consequences if caught: Personal possession is an administrative matter; dealing/trafficking 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal import of a Tabella I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Methylphenidate

Legal status: Controlled substance in Tabella I / medicinali Sezione A under DPR 309/1990; dispensed on the ministerial narcotic prescription.
Consequences if caught: Personal use: administrative sanctions (art. 75); dealing (art. 73) 6–20 years.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription ADHD/narcolepsy medicine (e.g. Ritalin/Concerta) via controlled channels; carry the original prescription and any required import permit.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Mitragynine

Legal status: Mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of kratom, has no separate legal identity in Italy: kratom was inserted into Table I of the narcotics tables (DPR 309/90) by MoH decree of 1 August 2016 on the basis of a mitragynine intoxication case, so the principal alkaloid is controlled together with the plant.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing or trafficking a Table I substance is criminal under art. 73 (multi-year imprisonment).
If prescribed / medical: No lawful medical route — kratom and its alkaloids sit in Table I with no authorised Italian medicine.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a Table I narcotic.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Modafinil

Legal status: Prescription-only medicine (EMA-authorised) — NOT in the tabelle degli stupefacenti/psicotrope (not scheduled).
Consequences if caught: Prescription-medicine offence only.
If prescribed / medical: Prescription-only medicine; carry the original prescription for a personal supply.
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Morphine

Legal status: Morphine is in Sezione A of the Tabella dei medicinali under DPR 309/1990 — dispensed on a non-repeatable ministerial narcotics prescription.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is an administrative sanction; dealing 6 to 20 years.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione A narcotic for severe and cancer pain.
Documentation: Within Schengen carry the Article 75 certificate for up to 30 days.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

MXE

Legal status: MXE (methoxetamine) is controlled across the EU, and therefore in Italy, under Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1875 (8 October 2015), which obliged member states to apply control measures and criminal penalties; Italy places MXE within the narcotics tables of DPR 309/1990.
Consequences if caught: Dealing and trafficking MXE are punished under art. 73 of DPR 309/1990 with imprisonment; possession for personal use is dealt with mainly through administrative sanctions under art. 75.
If prescribed / medical: MXE is not a registered medicine in Italy and cannot be prescribed; unlike ketamine it has no therapeutic authorisation.
Documentation: No pharmacy or medical route exists; online purchases of MXE are illicit imports subject to customs seizure.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Nicotine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Nitrous Oxide

Legal status: Nitrous oxide is not listed in Italy's narcotics tables; it is regulated as an authorised medical/anaesthetic gas and food additive (E942), and the EU drugs agency records that Italy, like most member states, keeps nitrous oxide legally available for medical, food and industrial use rather than as a controlled drug, addressing misuse through consumer-safety measures.
Consequences if caught: No controlled-substance penalty applies to personal possession; recreational supply is tackled by product and public-health controls. No death penalty (non-DP).
If prescribed / medical: Nitrous oxide is a lawful medical/anaesthetic gas and food additive; healthcare and culinary supply is standard.
Documentation: Cream-charger cartridges are legally sold for food use; there is no narcotics-import barrier for legitimate medical or culinary nitrous oxide.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Oxycodone

Legal status: Oxycodone (ossicodone) is in the Tabella dei medicinali Sezione A of DPR 309/1990, dispensed on a non-repeatable ministerial prescription (ricetta a ricalco) — a marketed strong opioid.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is an administrative sanction (art. 75); dealing 6–20 years (art. 73).
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione A narcotic on the ricetta a ricalco.
Documentation: Within Schengen carry the Article 75 certificate (≤30 days) and the prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

PCP

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Peyote

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Phenibut

Legal status: Phenibut (4-amino-3-phenylbutanoic acid) was inserted into the Tabella dei medicinali, Sezione A of the DPR 309/1990 controlled-substance tables by decree of 11 August 2020 (Gazzetta Ufficiale Serie Generale n. 208, 21 August 2020; in force 5 September 2020); Italy controls phenibut as a Section-A medicine (mechanism: named in the medicines schedule).
Consequences if caught: Supply of phenibut outside the Section-A regime is a narcotics-law offence; pharmacy stock must be held in the locked stupefacenti cabinet and recorded in the carico-scarico register.
If prescribed / medical: Phenibut is dispensed only on a ricetta ministeriale a ricalco (special triplicate prescription); no industrial pharmaceutical form is marketed, so it is compounded magistrally to the prescribed dose.
Documentation: As a Section-A controlled medicine, over-the-counter or personal-import purchase of phenibut is not lawful and a special prescription is required; availability in individual pharmacies is left to confirmation.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Pink Cocaine / Tusi

Legal status: Pink cocaine (tusi) is not scheduled as such; it is a variable mixture (typically ketamine + MDMA) prosecuted through its constituents — under Presidential Decree DPR 309/1990 ketamine is a scheduled narcotic-medicine (Tabella dei medicinali, Sezione A) and MDMA is a controlled narcotic, and the Testo Unico reaches any preparation containing a scheduled substance. Because the blend varies batch to batch, exposure follows the most-severely-controlled detected component.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking is prosecuted under Art 73 of DPR 309/1990 (multi-year imprisonment); possession for personal use is handled as an administrative sanction under Art 75.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful supply of the mixture; ketamine is an authorised anaesthetic medicine (Tabella medicinali Sezione A), while MDMA has no marketed medical use.
Documentation: Sold as an unregulated party powder; because the makeup varies batch to batch, purchasers cannot know its constituents, leaving legal exposure under DPR 309/1990 unknowable at purchase.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Poppers

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Pregabalin

Legal status: Pregabalin is a prescription-only medicine (ricetta ripetibile, RR) in Italy and is NOT placed in the controlled-substance tables of DPR 309/90 — it is dispensed as an ordinary gabapentinoid prescription, the same non-scheduled status as gabapentin, under AIFA monitoring.
Consequences if caught: Supply without authorisation is a medicines-law offence; there is no controlled-substance possession offence for pregabalin because it sits outside the DPR 309/90 tables.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as an ordinary prescription-only medicine (RR).
Documentation: Carry the original prescription with a personal supply; because it is not a tabella substance, a Schengen Article 75 certificate is not required.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Psilocybin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Quetiapine

Legal status: Quetiapine is a prescription medicine (medicinale con obbligo di ricetta, classe A-RR), not a controlled substance: quetiapina products (Seroquel and generics) hold AIFA marketing authorisation and are not listed in the tabelle of the Testo Unico stupefacenti (DPR 309/1990).
Consequences if caught: Quetiapine carries no stupefacenti penalty; supply outside the prescription channel breaches medicines regulation only.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as an atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; AIFA safety communications flag metabolic monitoring rather than any controlled-drug status.
Documentation: Quetiapina RCP and leaflets are published in the AIFA banca dati farmaci; carried lawfully with a prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Salvia divinorum

Legal status: Controlled. NAMED (plant + active): the Ministry of Health decree of 11 January 2005 (Gazzetta Ufficiale n.54, 7 March 2005) inserted both Salvia divinorum and salvinorina A into Tabella I of the narcotics/psychotropics schedules under D.P.R. 309/1990. Mechanism: NAMED (plant and salvinorin A).
Consequences if caught: Production, sale, possession and import of salvia and salvinorin A are criminal offences under the Testo Unico stupefacenti; salvia products were seized from shops once the ban took effect.
If prescribed / medical: Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A have no recognised therapeutic use and no lawful prescription route in Italy.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route; salvia leaf/extract is prohibited and seized on import as a Tabella-I substance.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Scopolamine (Devil's Breath)

Legal status: Scopolamina (hyoscine) is an authorised prescription medicine, not a controlled substance: it is regulated by AIFA and does not appear in the Tabelle of the Testo Unico sugli stupefacenti (DPR 309/90). The transdermal scopolamine motion-sickness patch (Transcop) is a prescription medicine, and butilbromuro di scopolamina (Buscopan) is an OTC antispasmodic.
Consequences if caught: Scopolamina carries no stupefacenti penalty; unauthorised supply of the prescription form is a medicines-regulation matter, not a drug-trafficking offence.
If prescribed / medical: The scopolamine transdermal patch is prescribed for motion sickness (and, under Law 648/96, for sialorrhoea in ALS); Buscopan is sold OTC for spasm; injectable scopolamine is used in premedication and palliative care.
Documentation: AIFA documents the scopolamine transdermal product (Transcop); Buscopan is an over-the-counter pharmacy antispasmodic.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice)

Legal status: Controlled as a class. Synthetic cannabinoids are listed in Tabella I of DPR 309/1990, which since 2011 has carried generic entries defining synthetic-cannabinoid chemical families (updated by ministerial decree as new compounds such as MDMB-CHMICA and AB-CHMINACA appeared, tracking the 1971 Convention Schedule II additions).
Consequences if caught: Illegal as Tabella I substances; trafficking carries heavy imprisonment, personal possession subject to administrative sanction. No death penalty.
If prescribed / medical: These synthetic cannabinoids have no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in Italy.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for Tabella I substances; do not carry.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

THC-P

Legal status: THC-P (tetrahydrocannabiphorol) is a controlled substance — 'tetraidrocannabiforolo' was individually inserted into Tabella I of the narcotics/psychotropics tables under DPR 309/1990 by the Ministry of Health decree of 18 March 2024 (Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 78 of 3 April 2024), with delta-8-THCP added by a further decree of 1 August 2024. This is a specific naming, distinct from cannabis (illegal under DPR 309/1990) and from the separate CBD disputes. No death penalty.
Consequences if caught: Placement in Tabella I brings THC-P under Art. 73 DPR 309/1990 — non-personal dealing/supply is punishable by 6 to 20 years and heavy fines, while personal possession triggers administrative sanctions (licence suspension) under Art. 75.
If prescribed / medical: No therapeutic authorisation; a Tabella I listing (no recognised medical use) provides no prescription route.
Documentation: Sale of THC-P products is unlawful once tabled; no lawful consumer market. Do not import.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Tobacco

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Tramadol

Legal status: Tramadol is in the 'Tabella dei medicinali' of DPR 309/90 — oral forms in Sezione D on a non-repeatable prescription (RNR), with parenteral forms brought into allegato III-bis by DM 29/07/2022.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative; illicit supply is criminal under DPR 309/90.
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione D controlled medicine (RNR).
Documentation: Carry the original prescription; a Schengen Article 75 certificate plus the original ricetta is advisable for the Sezione D oral product.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Legal status: Alprazolam is in the 'Tabella dei medicinali' of DPR 309/90 — oral forms in Sezione E (repeatable prescription, 30 days, maximum three dispensings); parenteral/injectable forms fall in the stricter Sezione D.
Consequences if caught: Personal-use possession is administrative (art. 75); dealing is criminal (art. 73, roughly 4–6 years for the 'lieve entità' minor tier).
If prescribed / medical: Prescribed as a Sezione E benzodiazepine medicine (injectable forms Sezione D).
Documentation: Carry the Schengen Article 75 certificate and your prescription.

Source · Updated 2026-07-13

Xylazine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with Italy's Ministry of Health / your embassy
Consequences if caught: In Italy, drug USE itself is not an offence; personal possession is an administrative matter under Art 75 of DPR 309/1990 — suspension of driving licence, passport, ID or firearms permit for 1–12 months (1–3 months for less-dangerous Schedule II/IV substances, 2–12 months for more-dangerous Schedule I/III), with no criminal record; a first offence is often just a formal warning from the Prefect. This specific substance was not named by the reachable Italian sources (DPR 309/1990 / Ministry of Health) — its Schedule and Art 73 penalty band are not confirmed; verify before travel. Trafficking under Art 73 is a crime: 'heavy' drugs (e.g. cocaine, heroin) 6–20 years plus a €26,000–260,000 fine, 'light' drugs (e.g. cannabis) 2–6 years plus a fine. The line between personal use and dealing is not fixed by grams but assessed case-by-case (quantity, THC content, packaging, scales, cash).
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, prescribed narcotics for personal patient travel require a Schengen Article 75 certificate (see documentation).
Documentation: For personal patient travel within Schengen, carry a Schengen Article 75 certificate for medical cannabis or narcotics, plus the prescription; keep medicines in original packaging.

Source · Updated 2026-06-25

Zolpidem

Legal status: Zolpidem is a prescription medicine entered in the Italian Tabella dei medicinali (the annex to the Testo Unico stupefacenti) as a controlled hypnotic, transposing its 1971 Convention Schedule IV psychotropic status; it is dispensed on ordinary medical prescription.
Consequences if caught: Unlawful supply of this listed hypnotic is prosecuted under the DPR 309/1990 controlled-substances code; possession of a prescribed medicine is not treated as illicit drug possession.
If prescribed / medical: Zolpidem is prescribed for short-term insomnia (ricetta medica) as a scheduled psychotropic medicine.
Documentation: A traveller carries prescribed zolpidem with the prescription; personal-use import for treatment is permitted within the medicine's schedule limits.

Source · Updated 2026-07-14

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling — penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.

Before you travel

Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authorityand your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.

If you’re detained or arrested abroad

Contact your own country’s embassy or consulatein the destination immediately — notthe destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →

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