Luxembourg legalizes the cultivation and consumption of cannabis at home

It's official: Luxembourg deputies greenlit a law that allows limited cannabis cultivation and consumption at home.

38 MPs voted for the bill and 22 against it. 

The repressive drug policy is an "absolute failure", said Justice Minister Sam Tanson (Dei Greng) at the end of the debate. For this reason:

"We must dare to take a different path" and "look for solutions".

Her party colleague José Lorchet noted:

"It's not about trivializing or promoting cannabis, "this bill" is about fighting drug-related crime and the sale of cannabis on the black market."

She added that this would also lead to better product quality, because those offered on the illegal drug market are "more harmful to the health of the user".

People will be able to grow up to four plants in their home or usual place of residence. Cannabis plants can only be grown from seed and must not be visible from public areas. So no cannabis plants on balconies or windowsills. It remains prohibited for minors.

Penalties for outdoor consumption

Anyone who consumes recreational cannabis or cannabis products outside their home risks a fine of 25 to 500 euros. The same applies to anyone who possesses, transports, or acquires up to three grams of recreational cannabis or its by-products for personal use.

Anyone who buys, possesses or transports more than three grams of cannabis in Luxembourg risks a much higher penalty. The law foresees a prison sentence of eight days to six months and a fine of 251 to 2,500 euros.

MP Dan Biancalana from LSAP underlined: "The consumption ban has not stopped people from using cannabis. The fact today is that a purely repressive approach has so far remained a failure". In 2019, 23% of Luxembourgers between the ages of 15 and 64 said they had already consumed cannabis.

Our press team visited the leading cannabis store in the city of Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, called "Sativa Box", which exclusively focuses on legal products that are strictly regulated and under the control of the European legal framework.

A long-time cannabis fanatic, advocate, and activist, Nuno Marques, and Chris are part of the Sativa Box team, and their role is to educate people about cannabis and introduce them to its many benefits.

"This news made me very happy, I've been waiting for it and working hard for cannabis, a wonderful plant, for 33 years. This plant has many benefits for both the human body and our planet. It is the only plant that is fully exploited. For example, one hectare of industrial hemp produces 25% more oxygen than one hectare of forest, which also ensures twice the supply of cellulose. While trees take 20 years to grow, hemp only takes 4 months. Hemp paper can be recycled up to 10 times, while wood pulp paper can only be recycled 2 times. Growing hemp can save millions of hectares of forest every year," explains Nuno.

"Dosing hemp oils is key when it comes to CBD oil, and it's important to know the right dosage for each user, as this is the only way to experience the true effects of this amazing plant," adds Chris.

The cosmetic products in this store are completely natural, without artificial colors, fragrances, additives, parabens, and sugar. Outstanding technologists participate in their production, ensuring high quality and product safety. All recipes are designed in cooperation with experts in order to achieve the best possible result.

CBD is a form of hemp that does not contain psychoactive substances.

"This form of CBD has many positive effects and is completely natural. For example, creams to relieve skin irritation. Some customers consume tea to stimulate digestion or use the oil to relieve pain," says Chris.

In addition, Nuno and Chris also offer products aimed at patients prescribed medical cannabis as therapy.

"Here we have the equipment you need to use cannabis. Since many patients are elderly, the machines can be a bit complicated, so we provide support and maintenance. Our customers are patients suffering from arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions. Medical hemp helps them manage their symptoms without the use of chemicals," explains Chris.

"These products are fully regulated and legal, and are often popular with older people, as many other drugs can be too strong," adds Nuno.

Sativa Box aims to educate and support all small entrepreneurs who want to engage in agriculture, as well as those who have not engaged in this business before. They offer products that can be used to grow plants at home in the garden or even in the apartment. They also use these products for cultivation such as tomatoes and strawberries.

"This plant provides the opportunity to learn a lot about the nature that we have moved away from, and then to eat something that we have planted ourselves. It gives great satisfaction. Also, we plan to offer trainings in schools, where students could learn what is plants need to grow," explains Nuno.

 

The latest products in the Sativa Box are cakes, ice cream, and the highest quality seeds for growing.