(Seth McConnell, Denver Post file)

Croatia legalizes use of medical marijuana with doctor’s prescription

ZAGREB, Croatia — Croatia has legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes for patients with illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or AIDS.

The legalization formally went into effect on Thursday, but Croatian media reported that no medicines containing THC — the psychoactive element in cannabis — have been registered in the country.

The health ministry has warned it remains illegal to grow marijuana at home and that medical marijuana can only be prescribed by doctors. Prescriptions would need to be renewed monthly.

The decision to legalize the use of medical marijuana has followed a months-long campaign by supporters of the cause in EU’s newest member nation. Several other EU countries have also allowed some level of marijuana use.