Responding to a parliamentary question from Jean-Marie Halsdorf (CSV), Etienne Schneider (LSAP) said that the ministry had expected 200 patients to access medicinal cannabis under the pilot scheme. This estimate was based on data from other countries in which medicinal cannabis is available.

However, from February 2019, when the pilot began, until 30 June 2019, some 270 patients in Luxembourg were prescribed medicinal cannabis products. The difference resulted in a shortage of medicinal cannabis in the country. 

Under the pilot, specially trained practitioners can prescribe medicinal cannabis in the event of an advanced or terminal illness causing chronic pain, for cancer patients suffering nausea as a result of chemotherapy, or for multiple sclerosis to help control muscle spasms.

The government has signed an agreement with Canadian firm Canopy Growth Germany, which will begin supplying from September 2019 and should help avoid further shortages recurring in future.

During the summer, Schneider announced plans to submit a bill legalising the production, distribution, consumption and possession of recreational cannabis within two years.

In his response to the parliamentary question, he said that the potential for cannabis farms in Luxembourg would be examined in drawing up the bill.