While the news of cannabis legalisation in Luxembourg has travelled around the world, the country's supply of medical cannabis is still produced abroad. That should change, according to a local producer.

If it were up to Norbert Eilenbecker, a hemp producer with over 30 years' experience in the north of Luxembourg, Luxembourg could lend itself to the cultivation of medicinal cannabis. The necessary authorisations have already been requested.

Hemp production contains up to 0.3% THC, just like the CBD products available in Luxembourg. This percentage may not be exceeded. In an interview with RTL radio, Eilenbecker hopes that this figure will be revised upwards, as in Switzerland for example, to reach 1%.

He explains that such an adaptation would facilitate his work, because in the event of drought, the level of THC can quickly climb in the plant.

Currently, around 800 patients take THC or CBD products in the form of oils or flowers on prescription. Medical cannabis may only be obtained from hospital pharmacies - a requirement which is likely to remain in the future, according to a parliamentary response from the Minister of Health in May of 2023.

Medical cannabis has a much higher THC percentage, often over 10%, 18% or more.

Read more: Everything you need to know about the new cannabis law

"It's a good start"

The hemp producer still raises concerns about a few ambiguous points, even in light of the new cannabis law allowing the cultivation of up to four plants at home: "It's a good start, but improvements are still needed", comments Eilenbecker.

He believes more effective solutions could be found if all of Europe were to establish uniform regulations. Following the partial legalisation of cannabis in Luxembourg, Germany also approved a law that goes in a similar direction, albeit with varying regulations, particularly in relation to driving under the influence. In Germany, the allowable limit is up to one nanogram of THC per milliliter of blood, while Luxembourg has adopted a zero-tolerance stance during roadside checks.

Eilenbecker lamented that "hemp has long endured unwarranted hardships", burdened by "unfounded rumours" over the years. He is grateful that these discussions are now held by the general public and that there is more clarity.

Regarding legalisation, Norbert Eilenbecker remains firmly convinced that it's a positive development, asserting that "cannabis poses significantly fewer risks than alcohol."

He also offered some advice during the interview: "Individuals interested in cultivating cannabis at home might consider starting with strains featuring lower THC levels before gradually progressing to cultivating their own higher-strength varieties."