Before today, possession of marijuana in South Africa got you up to 15 years in prison. And dealing weed could net you up to 25 years behind bars, according to OkayAfrica. Now all that has changed, because the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court, has declared the substance legal, the BBC reports.

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"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," Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said following the Tuesday judgment.

Don't get it twisted, though, South Africa's not about to become a cannabis free-for-all. It will still be illegal to use marijuana in public and will still be illegal to distribute it. The ruling is for personal use only. The country's parliament has 24 months to codify the ruling into a law, according to the court. During that time period, private users will be protected under the court ruling.

Scenes from outside the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. @TeamNews24
pic.twitter.com/cK1rHCH39D

— Iavan Pijoos (@iavanpijoos) September 18, 2018

South Africans were elated by the wonderful weed (known as "dagga" in the country) news, and took to Twitter to express their joy.

Rastas outside the Constitutional Court have already started growing their first #dagga plant. @TeamNews24
pic.twitter.com/RA0CASqwQ2

— Iavan Pijoos (@iavanpijoos) September 18, 2018

What a time to be alive in South Africa ???? weed is legal!

— Olivia ❤️ (@SimplyRisque) September 18, 2018

Weed is now legal in South Africa!!! pic.twitter.com/WfugXGfike

— Delinquent So-Mya (@Lwazi_Somya) September 18, 2018

So September the 18th will go down in South Africa as a national weed independence day #Dagga ????????????????????

— SMASH ???????? (@Mandla_Sms) September 18, 2018

The Cannabis Development Council of South Africa was also pleased with the ruling, and wants the government to go one step further by dropping existing possession charges against residents.

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Now, check these out:

6 Reasons It's Time That All Of Africa Legalizes Cannabis

3 Black Women, Tired Of The Whitewashed Weed Industry, Created 'Cannaclusive' To Rep For People Of Color

Black Lawmakers Look To Add Diversity In The Medical Marijuana Industry

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo

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