4 Plants per Household: Luxembourg Legalizes Cultivation and Consumption of Cannabis

The Parliament of Luxembourg has given the green light to the cultivation and recreational consumption of cannabis in private settings. As a result, each household will be allowed to have four plants as long as they are not visible from the outside. Public use remains prohibited.

According to the official website of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies, the law was passed with 38 votes in favor and 22 against. Supporters hope that this measure will reduce drug trafficking and protect consumers from counterfeit cannabis.

"The legal basis for non-profit associations and funds dates back to 1928. The purpose of bill 6054 is to establish a legal framework that meets the needs of today," the statement said.

Adults will be permitted to grow up to four plants at home or at a fixed location. The plants must be grown from seeds and should not be displayed in public spaces. Bill 8033 also includes penalties for non-compliance with the rules established by the reformed legislation.

"Our drug policy, which we have been implementing for 50 years, has been a failure," said Sem Tanson, the Minister of Justice from the Green Party, in the Chamber of Deputies.

A more lenient approach to private use is intended to be just the first step. "The second phase is the development of state-controlled production chains and state-controlled sales of cannabis," explained Josée Lorsché, also from the Green Party. This way, Luxembourg will be able to monitor the quality and quantity of the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis.

Those caught using cannabis in public places risk fines ranging from €25 to €500. Possession of more than 3 grams can lead to criminal proceedings with a maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment or a fine of €2500.

The law, proposed by the social-democratic government coalition, has faced sharp criticism from the opposition. They argue that this law will not achieve its intended goals and that Luxembourg is allegedly violating international treaties.

It is worth noting that on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on lawmakers to legalize medical cannabis to help Ukrainians overcome "pain, stress, and war trauma." He emphasized the need to develop psycho-physical rehabilitation in the country.

Last week, the Council of Ministers in Albania also voted in favor of approving a bill legalizing the production of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes.

Cannabis has already been partially legalized in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Norway, Greece, Australia, and Georgia.