JUST-DRINKS: The incoming Coalition Government in Luxembourg has confirmed its intention to legalise the recreational use of cannabis in the country.

Consumer group Consumer Choice Center (CCC) said today that the measure forms part of the coalition manifesto for the next five years. The group suggested the move would prompt other European countries to follow.

“Luxembourg will become the first country in the EU to actually legalise cannabis, as the Czech Republic, Portugal, or the Netherlands either tolerate or decriminalise it,” said Bill Wirtz, policy analyst at the CCC. “This sends a strong message to other countries in the EU. The ice is broken.”

The organisation said early press statements by the coalition partners indicate that marijuana use would only be legal for Luxembourg residents.

“That would be the wrong way to go, since it is not only discriminatory but could also increase black market presence in the area,” said Wirtz. “We feel that cannabis should be legal for purchase to all adults, regardless of nationality. Doing so could help create a new tourism industry in the country.

“At the end of the day, there is no reason to treat legal cannabis more strictly than legal alcohol. If foreigners, of age, can buy legal alcohol in the country, they should also be able to buy cannabis.”

Read more here