Luxembourg’s new government coalition will not follow through on the initial plan to legalize cannabis. The alliance made up of the Popular Christian Social Party (CSV) and the Democratic Party decided to maintain the first “light” part of legalization, with the decriminalization of cannabis consumption and the regulation of self-cultivation for adults, but full legalization of the production and sale of cannabis will not move forward.
A two-part legalization
The first phase of legalization, focused on decriminalizing public possession and allowing home cultivation of cannabis, 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 purchase and sale of cannabis for recreational purposes, was abandoned by the new coalition government, thus aligning with the recently approved coalition agreement.
The first part of legalization was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and legal concerns within the European Union. The decision to split the project into two parts allowed the approval of the initial phase.
The coalition agreement now highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining the legalization of home cultivation while recognizing the importance of observing the positions of neighboring countries on the full legalization of cannabis. The agreement emphasizes that while personal cultivation remains legal, full legalization will not be pursued.
The decision not to move forward with the business aspects of cannabis legalization has led some to question the reasons for this choice. The new coalition would not see the need to take this step.
The progress of neighboring Germany, also with legalization in 2 phases, will perhaps later push Luxembourg towards complete legalization.
