Australian Capital Territory becomes 1st jurisdiction in the nation to legalise recreational marijuana use

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has become the first jurisdiction in the nation to legalise recreational marijuana use.

The ACT has almost 400,000 residents and comprises the city of Canberra and surrounding areas.

The new law is set to come into effect from January 31, 2020.

Lawmakers in the territory passed a landmark bill yesterday allowing adults to possess up to 50 grams of the drug and to grow four plants at home.

Personal cannabis use remains prohibited elsewhere in Australia, but medicinal use was legalised in 2016.

The territory's law could be overturned if challenged at a federal level.

Recreational cannabis use is legal in countries including Canada, Spain, Uruguay, and several US states including California.

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