In a revealing national poll conducted by ILRES for the Luxembourg Health Ministry, nearly half of the country’s adult population has reported trying cannabis at some point in their lives.
This figure—46.3%—underscores just how integrated cannabis has become in Luxembourg society, despite lingering taboos and regulatory changes. The survey, carried out online with 3,115 participants in October 2023, has ignited new discussions around policy effectiveness and public sentiment.
Legalisation Hasn’t Sparked the Usage Surge Some Feared
Since Luxembourg’s 2023 reform allowed adults to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household, many expected a sharp rise in consumption. However, the anticipated boom never materialised.
Just 14.2% of respondents said they had used cannabis in the past year, and only 7.8% had done so in the last month. These numbers suggest that while curiosity and historical use remain high, recent or regular use is less widespread than feared by critics of the policy shift.
Home Growing: A Minority Practice, Despite Being Legal
The option to grow cannabis at home legally has seen only modest uptake. Among those who have used cannabis recently, just 11.5% reported growing their own. Of this group, most started cultivating only after the law changed.
Their motivations were largely rooted in personal responsibility—wanting to know the source of their product, reduce reliance on the illegal market, and cut costs.
These home growers also appreciated the convenience and perceived safety of their homegrown supply. But it hasn’t been without challenges. Concerns were voiced about the difficulty of cultivation, potential exposure to minors, and whether easier access could inadvertently lead to increased use among vulnerable groups.
Public Perceptions: Divided by Use and Non-Use
When it comes to beliefs about cannabis, a divide becomes evident between those who use it and those who don’t. According to the ILRES survey, users are significantly more likely to believe that cannabis:
- Helps reduce feelings of depression and anxiety
- Improves sleep and promotes relaxation
- Enhances social experiences
- It may have potential benefits for serious illnesses
Conversely, non-users expressed more skepticism, with heightened concerns about potential dependency and links to mental health disorders such as psychosis or schizophrenia.
This contrast in perception signals not just differing experiences but also a possible gap in how information about cannabis is distributed and understood across the population.
Complex Views Signal the Need for Balanced Education
What this survey ultimately illustrates is the complexity of public attitudes toward cannabis in Luxembourg. While usage is high historically, recent use is more measured.
Legalisation hasn't significantly altered overall consumption habits, but it has made it easier for a small segment of the population to move away from illicit sources. Meanwhile, public health perceptions vary sharply, often along the lines of personal experience.
Personal Perspective
Reading through the findings of this survey, I found myself reflecting on how societal norms evolve. Luxembourg's cautious yet progressive steps toward legalisation suggest a society testing its limits while trying to maintain public health and safety.
The fact that nearly half the population has tried cannabis is telling—not just about interest in the substance but about how stigma around it may be waning.
From a journalist's perspective, I see this as an important cultural moment. The data doesn't scream crisis nor celebration, but instead calls for continued observation, open dialogue, and above all, education grounded in evidence.
Whether one agrees with the liberalisation of cannabis laws or not, it's clear that the country is navigating a path that balances personal freedom with social responsibility.
