Health minister Paulette Lenert indicated that a state-controlled cultivation for medical cannabis is expected this year, according to radio 100,7. Photo: Shutterstock.

Health minister Paulette Lenert indicated that a state-controlled cultivation for medical cannabis is expected this year, according to radio 100,7.  Photo: Shutterstock.

A legal framework for state-controlled cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes can be expected later this year while recreational growing legislation will be left for 2023.

Health minister (LSAP) is visiting Lisbon on 20 and 21 June to get a look at Portugal’s liberal drug policy. She indicated that a state-controlled cultivation for medical cannabis is expected this year, according to radio 100,7. The plant’s use for medical purposes was authorised in Luxembourg in June 2018, after a unanimous adoption by parliament. Approved products are sold through the country’s hospital pharmacies. and in July 2021 secured a new supplier. The new legislation would pave the way for state- controlled cultivation allowing the government more security in the supply of medican cannabis.

With a growing demand for the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes the government will tackle the legislative framework of state-controlled cultivation of the plant for its more popular use. Under the government plans, a household with at least one adult will be able to grow four cannabis plants at home from seeds, although they must be hidden from public sight. Consumption at home will also be allowed.

Cannabis is the most-used recreational drug in Luxembourg. Around 7.3% of 15 to 18-year-olds in a report said they had consumed cannabis in the last month. More than a third of 15 to 34-year-olds said they had tried cannabis at some point in their life.