Shortage of medical cannabis in Luxembourg

Supplies of medical cannabis are at an all-time low in Luxembourg. The country is facing a shortage, the exact cause of which has not been disclosed by the Ministry of Health. Luxembourg currently sources its supply from Canada, whose Medical cannabis companies are flourishing in Europe.

More than 120 people are currently being treated with medical cannabis. The Ministry of Health has stated that it has «prioritized continuing to supply patients already undergoing medical cannabis treatment, so as not to expose these patients to a disruption in their treatment.» By April, 7 kilograms had already been prescribed. The substance is available in certain Luxembourg pharmacies in the form of dried flowers, oil, or medication.

The medical marijuana will not be prescribed to new patients until further notice: «It has been recommended that no new treatments be initiated until the cannabis supply stabilizes and inventory returns to normal. Therapeutic alternatives are available for patients who are not currently being treated with medical cannabis.».

This country allows medical cannabis prescription for patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain. The government also intended to extend these prescriptions to people living with HIV.

Luxembourg has legalized medical cannabis in June 2018, following a unanimous vote by Parliament. It is therefore not surprising that supply issues have arisen barely a year after the law was passed. It will likely take some time for inventory levels to adjust to demand, and this coincides with the two-year evaluation period for this medical program.

However, this supply issue will need to be resolved if Luxembourg wants to legalize recreational cannabis, as he hinted at it last May.