Italy's plan to legalize weed could help fight the Islamic State and the mafia

The mafia and "suspected terrorists" share smuggling routes in North Africa and collaborate to move product into Italy and Europe
Vice (Italy)
Thursday, July 14, 2016

Italy is about to begin a national debate about legalizing marijuana. Should the country forge ahead in regulating and taxing pot, it could be a blow to the Islamic State and the mafia. Legislation will be introduced to remove criminal prohibitions on marijuana, let Italians grow up to five plants at home, and buy cannabis from a state-run monopoly. If the bill passes, the smuggling route from northern Africa could be disrupted, says Franco Roberti, the country's top prosecutor. "Decriminalization or even legalization would definitely be a weapon against traffickers, among whom there could be terrorists who make money off of it."