Q: Consequences of bringing THC cartridges to Rome without declaring.
I have a friend traveling to Italy for tourism and he plans to bring three 1-gram THC vape cartridges with him. He holds a medical card for THC products but is not planning to declare these items at customs. What legal consequences could he face if they are found at customs in Rome? What might be the possible penalties, such as fines or jail time?
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A:
Bringing undeclared THC products into Italy is illegal, regardless of having a medical card from another country. Italian authorities treat cannabis products very seriously at customs, and the penalties can be severe.
If caught with THC cartridges at Rome's customs, your friend could face criminal charges for drug trafficking, which typically results in 6-20 years in prison and fines ranging from €26,000 to €260,000. Even small amounts for personal use can lead to administrative sanctions, including suspension of documents like driver's license and passport for up to one year.
The best course of action would be to leave the cartridges at home and explore legal alternatives through Italy's healthcare system while visiting. Many travelers have faced lengthy legal battles and significant financial hardships after being caught with cannabis products at Italian borders, and the stress of potential detection could seriously impact the enjoyment of the trip.
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