Luxembourg legalizes the cultivation and recreational use of cannabis
Luxembourg It will be the first European country to legalize the production and consumption of cannabis.
On Friday, October 22, Xavier Bettel's government announced the authorization of cannabis cultivation at home and its consumption in private.
The announcement marks a fundamental shift in Luxembourg's approach to the consumption and cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes. So far, prohibition has failed to deter consumption. According to Justice Minister Sam Tamson, this amendment to the law is a first step. It also aims to steer consumers away from the illegal market.
“We felt we had to act, we have a drug problem and cannabis is the most consumed drug and is a large part of the illegal market,” Sam Tamson stated.
The new cannabis legislation in Luxembourg:
- Adults over 18 years of age will be able to legally grow up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use.
- The sale of seeds will be permitted without any limit on the quantity or levels of THC.
- It will be possible purchase of seeds in stores, import them or buy them online.
- It will allow domestic seed production for commercial purposes, but plans for a domestic production chain and state-regulated distribution have been delayed due to the Covid pandemic.
- It will maintain the legal prohibition on consuming and transporting cannabis or cannabis products in public.
- The sale of cannabis or cannabis products other than seeds will remain prohibited.
- The consumption and transport of an amount of up to 3 grams will no longer be considered a crime, but will be classified as a misdemeanor.
For home growers, the growing location for their four plants will be limited to their usual place of residence, indoors or outdoors, on a balcony, terrace or garden.
Fines would be reduced to just €25 for possession of less than 3 grams, down from the current €251 and €2,500. “Above three grams, nothing changes; you will still be considered a trafficker,” Tamson said. “Nor does anything change for drivers: there remains zero tolerance.”.
A state-regulated production and distribution system is planned to guarantee product quality and ensure that revenue from sales is invested "primarily in prevention, education, and medical care in the broad field of addictions," government sources said.