BERLIN - The German government gave the go-ahead yesterday to relax rules on cannabis use by the seriously ill from early next year if they have no other treatment options.

Dried cannabis flowers and cannabis extracts will be available in pharmacies on prescription and the public health system will cover the cost, according to the draft bill that is expected to come into force next year.

Other countries that allow cannabis use for medical purposes include Italy and the Czech Republic. Some U.S. states have decriminalised cannabis completely. Portugal has decriminalised all drugs for personal use, but does not allow cannabis use for medical purposes.

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