One question that goes aside from the legalities surrounding the use of cannabis is whether its legislation will be a new opportunity for Luxembourg’s economy. The trade confederation organised round-table talks in Kalborn to discuss the topic. Whilst the idea has piqued interest, many questions remain.
Norbert Eilenbecker has been growing hemp for nearly 25 years, albeit without psycho-active components (THC). Instead, Eilenbecker has been ensuring his plants have a lot of cannabidiol, to then make oil or tea.
Eilenbecker told participants that it is a shame that Luxembourg purchases medicinal cannabis in North America rather than North Luxembourg. He highlighted his credentials, pointing out that his farm was the first to explore CBD extracts nine years ago, being one of the first in Europe. Then, they had to stop and Canada filled the gap in the market.
Whilst those at the round-table talks understood that legalisation will bring Luxembourg new opportunities, there is a lack of concrete information: “We need security, but we don’t know what the authorities are deciding.”
Despite the huge amount of questions, traders remain significantly interested. The trade confederation’s Fernand Ernster said that many in the House of Entrepreneurship have expressed an interest in both growing cannabis and commercialising it.
Minister of Agriculture Romain Schneider pointed out that the cannabis plant could be useful in diversifying Luxembourg’s agriculture. For one, cannabis plants can be planted in water protection areas as they do not require pesticides.
Minister of Health Etienne Schneider is keen to push the project forward, announcing that the government council will work on the project in the autumn. This should then be followed by draft bills. However, the authorities will have to hold discussions with neighbouring countries to listen to their concerns of drug tourism.
Currently, the issue of cannabis legalisation requires a lot of clarification. Once further information is available, then pundits will be able to see whether it could be a new opportunity for Luxembourg’s economy.
