Czech President Vaclav Klaus has signed into law legislation that makes it legal in the Czech Republic to use marijuana for medical treatment.

Klaus gave his approval on Friday, after the law had been approved by both houses of Parliament.

It allows marijuana to be imported and later grown locally by registered firms licensed for such activity, which is currently illegal.

Patients will need a prescription from a doctor to get the drug at pharmacies, and treatment will not be covered by health insurance. Patients wouldn't be allowed to grow marijuana at home.

Medical marijuana use is legal in a number of European countries and parts of the United States. The drug is commonly used to relieve conditions such as chronic pain and cancer.