Danish Lawmakers Propose Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

Lawmakers from five political parties in Denmark have developed a plan to pilot the legalization of recreational cannabis use for adults. The proposed plan is modeled after the program in Christiania, a semi-autonomous district in Copenhagen where the ban on cannabis has been lifted.

Details of the Proposal

According to the provided documentation, the plan suggests opening state-controlled zones in various cities across the country. In these zones, citizens would be allowed to buy, possess, grow, and use cannabis for personal purposes. Retail outlets would also be established in these areas, accessible only to Danish citizens aged 18 and older. These outlets would be staffed by specially trained personnel knowledgeable about cannabis, including its associated risks.

Pricing would be set to “meet consumer expectations” and compete with the black market. Each municipality would have the authority to decide whether to participate in the program.

Rationale for the Reform

Currently, medical cannabis is legal in Denmark under a pilot program that began in 2018, but recreational use remains prohibited.

“The existing ban on cannabis has not limited either the consumption or sale of cannabis products in Denmark since the ban was introduced 40 years ago,” the document states.

Data from 2020 shows that 41% of Danes under the age of 25 have used cannabis, and overall consumption among people aged 16 to 44 has doubled since 1944.

“As a result, the current legislation criminalizes more and more citizens, with up to half the population actively breaking the law,” the document continues.

The authors also highlighted the success of legalization programs in Portugal, the United States, and Canada, noting that there is no direct evidence of increased cannabis use among youth in these countries. Lawmakers also pointed to ongoing cannabis policy reforms in other Eurozone countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Luxembourg.