Luxembourg: Towards a «temporary pilot project» before the legalization of cannabis

It was a lively debate that lasted more than three hours. For the first time in over a year, the legalization of recreational cannabis was back before the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg. And the government of the Grand Duchy has provided some details on its implementation to the 60 members of the Krautmaart.

First of all, despite the delay in the schedule, the legalization of cannabis «remains a priority» for the coalition government. Those were the words used by the Socialist health minister. Paulette Lenert also told lawmakers that the government will present its proposal in July. A potential THC limit was specifically mentioned before Parliament.

The Luxembourg government, led by Liberal Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, will likely proceed cautiously. Cannabis shops won’t suddenly appear overnight on the streets of Grund, the historic center of Luxembourg’s capital. Instead, the Grand Duchy is moving toward a «temporary pilot project», according to the Green Party health minister.

Luxembourg's neighbors fear legalization

A way to buy time and appease neighboring countries. France, Belgium, and Germany are pressuring their neighbor not to create a «Luxembourg version of Amsterdam.» The government had even had to send the former deputy prime minister lay the groundwork with the French daily newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain. Just yesterday, the health minister had to fight off the possibility of «drug tourism», as mentioned by the opposition leader, Christian Wiseler.

The president of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) is the main proponent of this legalization. His main argument? The danger to Luxembourg's youth. «It will be very difficult to say that cannabis use is legal and, at the same time, say, ‘For heaven’s sake, don’t use it, because it’s bad for you.’ Young people won’t understand why it’s off-limits to them.», ", he declared from the podium.
This debate before the 60 members of parliament also sheds light on the political groups« voting intentions. The CSV, with its 21 members, will almost certainly vote »no.” But it is likely to stand alone. Indeed, the Democratic Party (12 seats) should vote in favor of their prime minister's campaign promise. The Greens (9 members of parliament) will vote in favor, as will opposition parties such as the Pirate Party (2 seats) and La Gauche (2 seats). The Socialist Party (10 members of parliament), however, appears to be making its vote contingent on a «frame» submitted for legalization.