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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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High Hopes, Real Results: Inside Luxembourg's Quiet Cannabis Revolution Arturo Garcia Born2Invest Friday 28 Mar 2025 In July 2023, Luxembourg was one of the first countries in Europe to legalize the cultivation and consumption of cannabis for personal use. In theory, it was a revolution. But in practice? New data shows that the changes did not turn society upside down, but they did bring concrete results. In this article, we check how many people actually grow cannabis at home and what they think about the effects of cannabis on health. How many Luxembourgers grow their own cannabis? One of the most important elements of legalization in Luxembourg was the possibility of growing up to four cannabis plants per household. This was intended to give citizens independence while limiting the black market. According to a study conducted by ILRES on behalf of the Ministry of Health, 11.5% of cannabis users in Luxembourg actually take advantage of this right and grow their plants at home . Interestingly, almost 70% of them started growing only after the change in the law, reaching for marijuana seeds available from legal sources or exchanged privately. Why do they grow their own? The answers are surprisingly rational: lower costs than at dealers or pharmacies, better quality control, no contact with the illegal market, independence from the “monopoly” of commercial companies. As Derrick Bergman , activist and chairman of the Dutch VOC, noted , “legal home cultivation is a safety valve – If companies (medical or recreational) raise prices too high or the quality is too low, more people will grow their own plants or buy from home growers.” Who uses hemp in Luxembourg and why? Legalization has not led to an explosion in users. 46.3% of Luxembourgers say they have tried cannabis, but only 14.2% have used it in the last year and 7.8% in the last month. The most popular way to consume it? The classic joint. The product usually comes from friends or from the black market. Why do people reach for hemp? Here’s what survey users most often indicated: 69.6% – for relaxation, 41.4% – to sleep better, 24.9% – to cope with anxiety or depression, 19% – due to stress related to work or study. Interestingly, many users (especially those active in the last 30 days) claim that cannabis has improved their quality of life – both emotionally and socially. Risks: addiction and mental disorders On the other hand, concerns cannot be ignored. Among non-users, as many as 48.2% believe that cannabis can lead to addiction, and 33.3% fear the risk of psychosis or schizophrenia. Cannabis use alone does not lead to schizophrenia or psychosis in people who are not predisposed to these disorders. However, schizophrenia is a genetic disease and in people whose parents suffer from it, cannabis use can accelerate the activation of the disease. The mental health examination (GHQ-12) showed that: active users (last 30 days) are more likely to experience “serious mental distress” whereas non-users are more likely to report good overall mental health It should be noted, however, that the researchers did not test the statistical significance of these differences – this is more of a signal for further analysis than a clear verdict. What does the CAST test say about the risk of addiction? The study used the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST ) to assess the risk of addiction. Results: among active users (30 days) as many as 39.7% are at high risk of addiction (7+ points), for occasional users (using cannabis in the last 12 months, but not 30 days) – it is only 11.7% . In the same group of active users, polyconsumption is also much more common : almost 70% combine cannabis with alcohol, 25% use other substances or prescription drugs. Summary: Does the Luxembourg model work? After the first months of legalization, several conclusions can be drawn: There was no increase in the number of users – the market did not explode. Home growing has gained moderate but steady popularity. Users value more control and independence . Both benefits and risks are present – ??further research, education and psychological support are needed. Can the Luxembourg model be considered a success? It is still too early to make a final assessment. But one thing is certain: legalization is not only the right to possess a plant – it is also responsibility, awareness and the need for education. __ (Featured image by Cedric Letsch via Unsplash) DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information. This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures. First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail. Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us https://born2invest.com/articles/luxembourg-quiet-cannabis-revolution/
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