The Minister of Health is optimistic that at least one concept on the legalisation of cannabis may soon be presented to the government council.
The pilot project on the legalisation of cannabis in Luxembourg is expected to arrive at the government council " in due course," according to Paulette Lenert. In an interview with RTL, the Minister of Health said the controlled public sale of cannabis is likely to follow Germany's example in being authorised within the framework of an experiment, so as not to violate international rules.
Lenert is optimistic that the government will soon be able to present updates on the concept to the government council. The goal of the project is to prove there are other ways to treat cannabis, with better results than the current policy, which has not borne fruit. Lenert declined to confirm whether a bill on cannabis legalisation is likely to be tabled before the parliamentary elections.
Amendments for home-growing in the works
The Ministry of Justice is currently working on amendments to the bill following four formal objections lodged by the Council of State last month. The bill will seek to decriminalise limited possession of cannabis, and authorise the cultivation of four plants at home where possible. The coalition government has pledged to ensure the first phase of the planned legalisation will be put to a vote in the Chamber prior to October's elections, but it is a race against time.
Germany's cannabis plan a "positive" for Luxembourg
Lenert confirmed the government was consulting other countries on the matter. Germany's recent announcement is a boon to Luxembourg, leading the way in terms of legalisation, she added.
On Wednesday, the German Ministries of Health and Agriculture presented a watered-down plan to legalise cannabis. After talks with the European Commission, the German government has reconsidered its plans for the full legalisation of cannabis. As part of a first phase, home cultivation of a maximum of three plants will be permitted. In addition, "cannabis social clubs" will be created, with the ability to provide members with small amounts of cannabis at no profit.
Finally, possession of a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis will be decriminalised. The controlled sale of cannabis within the framework of a pilot project, will only be possible in test regions. The pilot project will be scientifically supported and is expected to last around five years, according to German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. European ruled prevent the plan from going further.
