Denmark proposes a five-year cannabis legalization experiment

Danish officials from five political parties have proposed a plan for a pilot project of cannabis legalization. The proposal was presented to the Danish Parliament earlier this month, instructing the government to begin the legislative work that will result in a bill legalizing cannabis for five years.

According to the documentation submitted, The bill will allow cannabis to be sold at state-controlled outlets in municipalities wishing to join the program, and Danish citizens will be able to buy, possess, cultivate and consume cannabis for personal use.

Production would be legalized and take place in Denmark. Prices would be set to «meet the expectations» of cannabis consumers and be competitive with the illicit market. Purchasers would have to be at least 18 years of age and resident in the country.

Officials claim that proceeds from cannabis sales should be used for the prevention and treatment of addiction problems.

«The existing ban on cannabis has not limited the consumption or sale of cannabis products in Denmark since a ban was introduced 40 years ago,» reads the parliamentary document.

Data from 2020 show that 41 % of people under 25 have already used cannabis in Denmark. Overall consumption among 16-44 year-olds has doubled since 1994.

«Existing legislation therefore criminalizes more and more citizens, and up to half the population has actively violated it,» the document continues.

Managers mention programs implemented in Portugal, in the United States and Canada, claiming that there is no evidence that the legalization leads to increased consumption, especially among young people.

They also note other drug reform efforts in eurozone countries, including Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. Luxembourg.

Medical cannabis is now legal in Denmark as part of a four-year pilot project which started in 2018.