Years passed and supply problems persisted. U Luxembourg is still in front to significant problems with the supply of medical cannabis. The problem has become pressing since two of the three types of cannabis flowers have had a shortage throughout the year.
Although all categories are currently available, these disruptions highlight production bottlenecks in this relatively new sector. This situation was confirmed by the Ministry of Health in response to a parliamentary question made by Sven Clement, a member of the Pirate Party.
The Ministry of Health attributed these supply problems to recurring production problems, a challenge that has persisted since the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Luxembourg in June 2018. Despite these obstacles, the government remains committed to ensuring a stable supply of medical cannabis for patients who need it.
Future measures and bidding procedure
In response to supply disruptions, the Luxembourg government plans to launch a tender for a new cannabis distributor later this year. U current contract with the supplier must expire at the end of the year.
The Department of Health is currently analyzing potential changes to the way medical cannabis is obtained, processed or distributed. This evaluation aims to treat the root causes of bottlenecks and improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain. The ministry has not yet indicated whether it will change the current provider, which has been in place since 2021, or whether it will consider a new contract.
Historical context and political landscape
Medical cannabis has been legal in Luxembourg since July 2018, a legislative development that many hoped would pave the way for the decriminalization of recreational use. This expectation was partly fulfilled from the commitment assumed in 2018 by the DP-LSAP-Verts coalition to legalize recreational cannabis. However, the coalition only managed to pass a law which allows the cultivation of a limited number of cannabis plants at home and reduces fines for possession of small amounts.
Since then, the political landscape has changed with the new CSV-DP government, which abandon the full legalization project recreational cannabis. This situation contrasts with that of neighboring Germany, which has considerably liberalized its own cannabis laws in April of this year.