Germany to present legal cannabis proposal

Germany's government plans to press ahead with plans to decriminalize cannabis despite legal concerns, having received positive feedback from the European Commission, reported dpa.

"We are now also using this to develop the new proposals. In the next few weeks, these will be presented," Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said in Brussels on Tuesday.

The country's ruling coalition agreed to make the controlled distribution of the drug to adults for consumption possible in licensed shops, added Lauterbach, who presented a white paper explaining the initiative in October, but not yet a draft law.

However, critics say the plans are likely to violate both EU and international law.

"Since then we have somewhat changed the original key points paper," Lauterbach added, without giving details. The proposal he will present would conform with European law while achieving his government's goals, according to the minister.

These include, for example, reducing drug-related crime and increasing protection for young people, and ensuring easier access to pure products.