The ruling came after a provincial high court in 2017 found out that the use of cannabis in private space should be allowed because laws against it were inconsistent with the country’s constitution. Ahead of the ruling, activists clutching banners reading "Weed are free now" and Rastafari flags gathered outside the court in central Johannesburg. 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.”

South Africa’s government’s had opposed its legalisation, arguing the drug was “harmful” to people’s the health. ALSO READ: Lagos is messing with my mental health

Underlining the decision, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo wrote in his judgment that, “It will not be a criminal offense for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption.”

The South African government had previously rejected the legalization of, ‘dagga,’ Zulu name for cannabis, considering it harmful to health and mental health. Tueday's ruling will not decriminalise the use of the drug in public nor the offences of supplying or dealing but cultivation for personal, private use will no longer be illegal for adults. The Court has given the parliament 24 months to adopt the ruling and turn it into Law as well as determine the legal quantity.
South Africa legalizes the recreational use of cannabis.