Hungary – Marijuana for medical purposes to be legalized?!

Luxembourg may be the first European country where recreational use of cannabis – also known as marijuana – will be legalized. Other European states are still hesitating; Hungary is totally against the idea.

“In the last fifty years, it turned out that the pursued policy does not work. Prohibition only made it more interesting for young people to use drugs. I hope that all of us will be able to handle the issue of drugs with openness”- said by Etienne Schneider, Luxembourgian Minister of Health.

The politician reported accordingly, after being announced that – the proposal of legalizing marijuana usage for recreational purposes within the next two years – will be soon presented to the Parliament. Furthermore, the idea is supported by the government majority as well.

According to the proposal, cannabis could be used by people over 18 years, and its production and distribution would be controlled by the state. Consumption tax should be paid by its users, and only Luxembourg residents could take the opportunity as the government does not want the country to become a center for drug tourism. Cannabis consumers at the age of 12-17 would not be punished if a little portion of marijuana (up to 5 grams) would be found, but if the liberalized rules are violated by other means – for example, they consume hard drugs, or trade with them – they can expect severe punishment. Luxembourg hopes that other European countries will follow the liberalization steps. The use of marijuana for medical purposes is already legal in the country; punishment can be expected only in case of production and trade; however, consumers have not been controlled for years.