Canadians still can’t legally grow or sell cannabis for fun, but the government announced Thursday it will allow people with prescriptions to grow their own medical marijuana at home.
Depending on their needs, patients can grow on average two plants outdoors or five plants indoors (reasoning that the settings yield significantly different amounts). Health Canada said this “provides an immediate solution” for complying with federal court order that the government make medicinal marijuana more affordable and accessible and to those who need it, reports the Globe and Mail.
The rules change should allow sick people to grow the full amount that they are prescribed. The new regulations are probably temporary, as Canada is expected to legalize the distribution and use of recreational marijuana next year.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com