Luxembourg's new government will not fully legalize cannabis

The new government coalition in Luxembourg will not see the initial cannabis legalization project through to completion. The alliance, composed of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party, has decided to maintain the first «light» phase of legalization, with the decriminalization of cannabis consumption and regulation of home cultivation for adults. However, full legalization of cannabis production and sales will not proceed.

A two-pronged legalization

The first phase of legalization, focused on decriminalizing public possession and authorizing home cannabis cultivation, was successfully approved this year. Luxembourgers are now allowed to possess up to three grams of cannabis in public, and each household can grow up to four plants for personal use.

However, the second part of the plan, which aimed to legalize the recreational purchase and sale of cannabis, was abandoned by the new coalition government, thus aligning with the recently approved coalition agreement.

The The first part of the legalization has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and legal concerns within the European Union. The decision to split the project into two parts had allowed for the approval of the initial phase.

The coalition agreement now emphasizes the government's commitment to maintaining the legalization of domestic cultivation while acknowledging the importance of observing neighboring countries' positions on full cannabis legalization. The agreement highlights that while personal cultivation will remain legal, full legalization will not be pursued.

The decision not to move forward with the commercial aspects of cannabis legalization has led some to question the reasons behind this choice. The new coalition does not see the need to take this step.

The advances of the German neighbor, with a two-phase legalization here as well, will perhaps push Luxembourg to full legalization later on.