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South Africa’s highest court on Tuesday legalised the use of marijuana by adults in private places. In a unanimous ruling, judges also legalised the growing of cannabis for private consumption.
In his judgement, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said: “It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption.”
Pro-marijuana activists who were in court when ruling was handed down cheered and chanted “Weed are free now” as the judges ruled.
South Africa’s government had opposed its legalisation, arguing the drug was “harmful” to people’s health.
It has not yet commented on the ruling, which is binding.
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The case was instituted by three cannabis users who had faced prosecution for using the drug. They had argued that the ban on cannabis “intrudes unjustifiably into their private spheres”.
Cannabis will, however, remain illegal to use cannabis in public, and to sell and supply it.
The Cannabis Development Council of South Africa welcomed the ruling, and called on the government to drop charges against people found in possession of the drug.
Jeremy Acton, the leader of the Dagga Party, which campaigns for the use of cannabis, said the ruling should have gone further to legalise the carrying of marijuana in public.
Cannabis is referred to as “dagga” in South Africa.