For more than a decade, Anna (name changed for privacy) has lived with a chronic degenerative nerve condition that causes constant, often unbearable pain. “It started as a tingling in my legs, but within a few years it became a daily, burning pain that no medication seemed to touch,” said Anna.
For years, she cycled through a succession of prescriptions: opioids, muscle relaxants, and nerve inhibitors. Some dulled the pain briefly but left her groggy and unable to function at work. Others caused severe nausea and fatigue. “It reached a point where the side effects were almost as bad as the illness,” said Anna.
Her GP, recommended a specialist trained under Luxembourg’s medical cannabis programme, suggesting she might benefit from a trial of cannabis-based treatment. “At first, I wasn’t sure what to think. Cannabis still carries a certain stigma, but my doctor explained everything carefully. He had completed the official training, and it was clear that this was a legitimate, carefully controlled form of therapy,” said Anna.
After receiving medical clearance, she was prescribed a low-dose extract containing a controlled balance of THC and CBD.
Obtaining the medicine was not straightforward. “You can’t just go to a normal pharmacy, I had to contact the hospital pharmacy at CHL and make an appointment. They were very professional, but there’s paperwork, ID checks, and limits on how much you can collect at a time,” said Anna.
The law restricts dispensation to hospital pharmacies such as CHL, CHEM, CHdN, and HRS, and the prescription process must follow strict documentation rules. “It made me feel safe knowing that everything is monitored, but it also made it clear how tightly controlled the system is,” said Anna.
Within weeks of starting treatment, Anna began to notice gradual relief. “The pain didn’t disappear, but it became manageable, for the first time in years, I could sleep through the night,” said Anna.
Her doctor adjusted her dosage carefully over several months to find a balance that eased her symptoms without impairing alertness. “It was a huge difference compared to traditional painkillers. I felt like myself again, not drugged, just calmer,” said Anna.
Yet with this relief came a new anxiety: the fear of being caught driving with THC in her system. Under Luxembourg law, drivers can be penalised if blood tests detect one nanogram of THC per millilitre, even if they are using medical cannabis legally.
“That part really scared me, my doctor warned me about it during our first consultation. Even if you take your medicine at night and drive the next morning, traces can still be there,” said Anna.
She has therefore changed her habits entirely. “I don’t drive anymore on days when I take my medication. It’s inconvenient, but I can’t risk losing my licence or facing criminal charges. The law doesn’t distinguish between recreational and medical use,” said Anna.
The penalties are severe: fines between €500 and €10 000, prison terms of up to three years, and automatic licence suspension. “It’s stressful, especially when you’re just trying to follow your doctor’s advice,” said Anna.
Anna’s experience highlights a tension within Luxembourg’s otherwise progressive medical cannabis framework. While patients have access to tightly regulated therapeutic products, the law governing driving under the influence of cannabis does not currently make exceptions for those with prescriptions.
“It feels like you’re being treated as a criminal for taking your medicine, I understand the safety concerns, nobody should drive impaired, but there should be a fairer way to recognise patients who are using it responsibly,” said Anna.
Despite this, Anna insisted that the treatment has been life-changing. “Before, I couldn’t walk to the bus stop without crying from pain. Now, I can go for a short walk with my husband again. It sounds small, but it means everything,” said Anna.
Her anxiety, which had worsened during years of chronic pain, has eased too. “It helps me focus on living, not just surviving,” said Anna.
Her relationship with her medical team has been central to this improvement. “My doctor checks in regularly, and I have to renew my prescription every few weeks. The hospital pharmacy keeps detailed records, and they’re always available if I have questions,” said Anna.
Even today, with the legalities in place, Anna still fears judgment from her peers and family. “Even though my cannabis treatment is legal, I still feel that my friends and peers might label me if I came out with the information fully,”said Anna.
Still, she wishes public perception would change. “People hear ‘cannabis’ and assume it’s recreational, but medicinal cannabis is completely different, it’s standardised, prescribed, and supervised. It’s medicine, not a shortcut to feeling high,” said Anna.
She believes public education is key to reducing stigma, especially for older patients or those with terminal conditions. “I know several people who could benefit from it but are too afraid to ask their doctor. They think it’s illegal or shameful. That needs to change,” said Anna.
Anna also pointed to the importance of clear government communication. “The Ministry’s website is helpful and available in several languages, but it would be even better if there was more patient-focused guidance, like what to do about driving or travelling abroad with your medication,” said Anna.
She remains cautiously optimistic. “I don’t expect miracles, but I’m grateful. This treatment gave me a piece of my life back. I just hope that one day, the laws will better reflect the realities of medical use,” said Anna.
Her message to others in similar situations is simple: “Talk to your doctor, learn the rules, and don’t give up. There are safe and legal ways to find relief.”
For now, Anna continues her treatment under supervision, following all regulations and avoiding driving on medicated days. “It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. And after everything, progress feels like freedom,” said Anna.
