Germany announces plan to legalise cannabis for recreational use

Minister says legalisation could set precedent for rest of Europe, though plan is still subject to EU approval

Germany wants to make it legal for adults to purchase and own up to 30g of cannabis for recreational use and to privately grow up to three plants, the country's health minister has announced, saying the intended outcome could set a precedent for the rest of the European continent.

If this law comes to pass, it would be the most liberal project to legalise cannabis in Europe, but also the most regulated market", the Karl Lauterbach said at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday. It could be a model for Europe."