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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Luxembourg: Most users report no consumption increase post-legalisation Raphaëlle Dickes, Carla Schuller RTL Friday 28 Mar 2025 The National Health Directorate has published its initial assessment of Luxembourg's cannabis landscape following the 2023 decision to partially legalise recreational use. The review comes nearly two years after new regulations took effect in July 2023, permitting adults to grow up to four cannabis plants at home and consume privately, while reducing penalties for small-quantity public possession. Read also: Growing cannabis at home: Everything you need to know about the new cannabis law According to the ILRES study conducted between September and October 2023, 46.5% of residents aged 18 to 64 reported having used cannabis recreationally at least once in their lifetime. More recent usage figures show 14.2% of participants had consumed within 12 days prior to the survey, while 8% reported use in the preceding 30 days. 16% of consumers tried cannabis for the first time after legalisation, though researchers emphasise this correlation does not establish causation. Nadine Berndt, head of the national drug observatory, noted the reported usage rates slightly exceed European averages but mirror figures from neighbouring France. She highlighted methodological considerations, explaining the invitation-based survey likely attracted respondents with prior cannabis experience. Berndt also suggested the legal changes may have fostered more open discussions about consumption, potentially influencing self-reported data. Demographic trends and behavioural shifts in cannabis use The survey reveals distinct consumption patterns, with men and individuals under 35 significantly overrepresented among cannabis users. Notably, the data shows no meaningful variation in usage rates between different regions or nationalities. Approximately 16% of respondents reported starting cannabis use only after the partial legalisation, while 4.5% of existing users indicated they had increased their consumption since the law changed. Berndt emphasised these groups remain minorities. Most participants expressed little likelihood of increasing future consumption, while non-users generally reported no greater inclination to start using cannabis post-legalisation. Shifting patterns in drug support services Youth and Drug Support services have observed increased help-seeking behaviour for cannabis-related issues since the policy change. Director Ute Heinz views this trend positively, suggesting the legal shift has reduced stigma and encouraged more individuals to seek assistance. Many previously hesitated to admit using illegal substances, Heinz noted, but the changed legal framework appears to have made people more comfortable coming forward. Despite the legal allowance for home growing, only 11.5% of consumers reported cultivating their own plants in autumn 2023, with most expressing no plans to do so. Berndt cautioned that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions about the policy's impact on overall consumption or cultivation rates, emphasising the need for ongoing research. Plans call for triennial studies to monitor trends, with findings informing prevention strategies and future drug policy recommendations. https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2289391.html
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