German Parliament has backed a new law to allow the limited recreational use of cannabis, meaning; adults can possess small amounts for personal use but the drug remains banned for under 18s.
The law passed legalizes cultivating up to three plants for private consumption and owning up to 25 grams of cannabis by persons over 18 years.
Smoking cannabis in many public spaces in Germany will therefore become legal from 1 April. However, smoking cannabis in some areas, such as near schools and sports grounds, will still be illegal.
Crucially, the market will be strictly regulated so buying the drug will not be easy.
In total, 407 German lawmakers voted in favor of the new regulation, 226 lawmakers voted against and four lawmakers abstained from Friday’s vote.
