Germany legalises possession of cannabis for personal use

Law allows growth of up to three plants for private consumption, holding 50g of cannabis at home, or 25g in public

Germany's parliament has passed a law allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and hold limited quantities of cannabis, making it the latest in a small group of countries and jurisdictions to legalise the drug, at least in part.

The law passed by the chancellor, Olaf Scholz's ruling three-party coalition, legalises cultivating up to three plants for private consumption, the possession of 50g of cannabis at one time at home, and 25g in public. It follows a heated debate about the pros and cons of allowing easier access to the drug.