Luxembourg to become first European country to legalise cannabis for recreational use

  • Coalition parties have confirmed that cannabis will be legal for recreational use in Luxembourg
  • Only residents will be able to legally purchase
  • Decision comes after a petition gained enough names to be discussed in Parliament
  • More details are expected to be announced next week

Luxembourg is to become the first country in Europe to fully legalise cannabis for recreational use.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by the three coalition parties which make up Luxembourg’s Parliament: Democratic Party (DP), Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) and The Greens (déi gréng).

While cannabis will be available for commercial distribution, only residents of the country will be permitted to purchase the drug, with severe penalties being put in place against anyone who sells to minors or near schools.

Addiction prevention will also be a part of the government’s new policy.

A Parliamentary debate to legalise cannabis came after a petition, which called for legalisation and for the permission to set up Amsterdam-style coffee shops, reached the required number of signatures.

Petitioners used Canada’s recent legalisation efforts as an example of how legalisation can benefit a country’s society and economy.

Details regarding more information on the structure of legalisation are expected next week, once the coalition agreement has been finalised.

Luxembourg will become the first country in the EU to fully legalise cannabis.

How long before we see similar measures implemented in the UK?

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