The Bundestag has decided on the controlled liberalisation of cannabis in Germany, reports Tagesschau.

Possession and cultivation of the drug is to become legal on 1 April, with numerous provisions for adults for personal use, as stipulated in a law passed by the coalition. 407 MPs voted in favour, 226 MPs voted against and there were four abstentions. The law is expected to be passed by the Bundesrat on 22 March.

Adults aged 18 and over will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. Three cannabis plants and up to 50 grams of cannabis for personal use will be legal in one’s own home. Smoking pot in public spaces is to be banned in schools, sports facilities and within sight of them – specifically within 100 metres around the entrance area.

Non-commercial “cultivation associations” for adults, in which up to 500 members residing in Germany grow cannabis collectively and supply it to each other for personal consumption, are also to be permitted – with a maximum of 50 grams per member per month. An initial assessment will be available no later than 18 months after the law comes into force, including an evaluation of its impact on the protection of children and young people.

Following the Bundestag’s decision, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expressed optimism that cannabis legalisation would also clear the final hurdle in the Bundesrat. He is confident that the Bundesrat will see “that we are solving a problem that we have had for so long and which also directly affects the federal states,” he said.