Reuters reports that the German cabinet has passed a bill to legalise cannabis for recreational use.

Although the bill has still to be passed by parliament, this is probably only a formality, and means that Germany will join the growing number of countries legalising cannabis/marijuana (more details on where and under what conditions it is legal here on Wikipedia).

The bill will allow adults to possess "up to 25 grams (0.88 oz) of the drug, grow a maximum of three plants, or acquire weed as associates of non-profit cannabis clubs".

The situation regarding cannabis in Germany has for decades been in limbo. In the late 1990s, the German federal government cancelled all federal legislation against cannabis, and left it to the Lände (states) to enact their own legislation; there was a period of about 3 months between the cancellation of the federal legislation and its replacement by state legislation when cannabis was legal. All states chose to make cannabis illegal, but most have chosen not to enforce those laws for possession for small quantities for personal use, although dealing and possession of larger quantities is prosecuted; the notable exception is Bavaria (where I live) which has continued to prosecute even possession of tiny amounts, and Bavaria may attempt to continue to do so despite the change of the law at the federal level.

As someone who suffers from a lot of pain (due to a back injury), this change in the law is very welcome.