Slowly but surely, adult-use cannabis policy modernization is spreading in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where a handful of countries have now adopted national recreational cannabis legalization measures.

Globally, the first country to adopt national recreational legalization was Uruguay in 2013, followed by Canada in 2018. Malta then became the third country to adopt adult-use legalization at a national level in 2021, making it the first European country to do so.

Luxembourg became the second European nation to adopt a national measure in 2023, and the fourth country overall to approve the public policy change. At the time, Luxembourg’s legalization model was the most limited by far, and that remains true to this day. Germany, South Africa, and the Czech Republic have also adopted national legalization measures, all of which are superior to Luxembourg’s model.

Adults in Luxembourg can cultivate up to four plants in their private residences, which is the same plant limit as in Malta, and one more plant than what is approved in Germany and the Czech Republic. It is worth noting that Czechia’s law does not take effect until January 1st, 2026.

While the plant limit in Luxembourg is favorable, the possession limit is not. Adults in Malta and Germany can possess up to 50 grams of cannabis in their private residences, and soon, adults in the Czech Republic will be permitted to possess up to 100 grams of cannabis. In Luxembourg, adults can only possess up to 3 grams of cannabis.

Furthermore, there is no adult-use cannabis commerce allowed in Luxembourg of any kind, except for products that are low in THC content. Current European Union agreements limit recreational cannabis commerce in member nations to pilot trials and cultivation associations, which is unfortunate. But Luxembourg has not approved either of those legalization components. With all of that in mind, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the unregulated market continues to thrive in Luxembourg.

According to local reporting by the Luxembourg Times, the unregulated cannabis market in Luxembourg is responsible for an estimated €150,000,000 in annual sales. That is significantly more than the nation’s legal ‘cannabis light’ sector, which is responsible for an estimated €12,600,000 in annual sales, and the nation’s regulated medical cannabis sector, which is responsible for an estimated €1,780,000 in annual sales.

A petition has been launched in Luxembourg, which calls for allowing cultivation associations in the European nation. Cultivation associations are also sometimes referred to as ‘social clubs,’ and are currently allowed in Malta and Germany.

“Legally authorize and regulate Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) to allow adults to cultivate and consume cannabis in a collective, non-commercial and secure setting.” states the petition regarding its purpose (translated from French to English).

“Establishing a legal framework for CSCs in Luxembourg could: – Improve the health safety and quality of cannabis consumed; – Reduce the risks associated with unregulated self-production; – Limit the influence of the black market; – Provide a forum for awareness-raising, dialogue, and prevention around responsible consumption. Clear legislation would help prevent abuse, ensure public health objectives are met, and better support citizens in the transition to a more sustainable, ethical, and transparent model for cannabis.” the petition also states.

Until Luxembourg improves its legalization model, the nation’s unregulated market will continue to dominate the domestic cannabis industry. Luxembourg’s lawmakers would be wise to recognize that a more sensible approach to cannabis public policy is warranted, and that cultivation associations and pilot trials should be allowed.