Luxembourg: The legalization of cannabis is behind schedule

As the Luxembourg government presented its «2020–2024 National Action Plan on Illicit Drugs,» authorities confirmed that work on the proposal to legalize cannabis in Luxembourg was continuing but had been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Since the issue is «sensitive,» the government provides little information about it.

The authorities emphasized, however, that: «The new drug and addiction strategy and the associated action plan will need to […] help provide a framework for this measure in terms of information, awareness-raising, and prevention regarding cannabis in particular and addictive behaviors in general, as well as the development of the care network, particularly for young people and young users. This process must begin prior to the upcoming legislative changes, and the measures implemented must remain in place and be further developed even after the targeted regulations take effect.»

A pragmatic stance

To date, cannabis is still considered an illegal substance in Luxembourg. «Cannabis isn’t the same as it was ten years ago: it’s twice as potent, and the ways people use it have changed. Prevention and treatment methods for users must also evolve,» said Alain Origer, National Drug Coordinator, who sees this as yet another reason to plan its legalization as carefully as possible and leave no detail overlooked.

Although the COVID-19 crisis slowed down the work on drafting Luxembourg’s cannabis regulations, it has now resumed, according to the Minister of Health. A legal analysis of the Dutch model is reportedly underway.

«We want to take our time to do things right and refine this legislation as much as possible before presenting its contents,» said the minister, who doesn’t want to leave anything to chance.