Luxembourg Legalizes Home Cultivation and Possession of Cannabis for Adults
Luxembourg legalizes home cultivation and possession of cannabis for adults, marking a significant shift in drug policy
Key Points
- 1Luxembourg legalizes home cultivation of up to four cannabis plants for adults
- 2Public possession of cannabis remains illegal, with fines for small amounts
- 3Justice Minister cites failure of previous anti-drug policies
- 4Next steps include state-controlled cannabis production and sales
- 5Luxembourg follows Malta as the second EU country to end cannabis prohibition
Luxembourg has taken a significant step in cannabis reform by legalizing the home cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use. The new law, passed by a vote of 38 to 22, allows adults to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, provided they are not visible from public spaces. This move makes Luxembourg the second country in the European Union to end cannabis prohibition, following Malta's lead in December 2021
Under the new legislation, while private cultivation and consumption are permitted, public use of cannabis remains prohibited. Those caught with up to three grams of cannabis in public face reduced fines ranging from €25 to €500. However, possession of more than three grams can still result in criminal charges, including potential imprisonment of up to six months or fines up to €2,500
Justice Minister Sam Tanson emphasized the need for change, stating that the previous 50-year anti-drug policy had failed. "The seeds for domestic cultivation are not yet available in Luxembourg stores," noted the Ministry of Justice, indicating that individuals will need to source seeds online or from abroad. The ministry is currently assessing the legal availability of these seeds in other countries
The legalization of home cultivation is seen as a preliminary measure towards broader cannabis reform. Josée Lorsché, the rapporteur of the judicial committee, mentioned that the next phase involves developing state-controlled production and sales channels. This plan includes the eventual establishment of regulated points of sale, aiming for a more comprehensive legalization framework
As Luxembourg moves forward with these changes, the impact on the community and the broader European landscape remains to be seen. The shift could influence other EU nations considering similar reforms, potentially leading to a more unified approach to cannabis regulation across Europe. The law is expected to be published in the official journal by the end of this week or early next week