Germany plans to legalise recreational cannabis

Germany's coalition government has agreed on a plan to legalise recreational cannabis use among adults.

Possession of up to 30g (1oz) for personal use would be allowed. Licensed shops and pharmacies would sell it.

The plan still requires approval by the European Commission and German parliament. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the plan could become law in 2024.

In the EU only Malta has legalised recreational cannabis.

The Netherlands has not gone as far as the German plan - under Dutch law, the sale of small quantities of cannabis in "coffee shops" is tolerated.

The German plan would also allow home cultivation of three cannabis plants per adult.

The move was envisaged in the coalition government's manifesto, announced last year. The Social Democrats (SPD) lead the coalition, with the Greens and liberal Free Democrats as partners.

Several countries have legalised limited use of medicinal cannabis. Canada and Uruguay have also legalised recreational cannabis.

In the US, 37 states and Washington DC have legalised medical cannabis, while 19 states have approved it for recreational use. That represents well over 40% of the US population.