Government considers proposal to legalise drug

Adults in Germany are set to be allowed to buy and possess up to 20g of cannabis for recreational use without fear of prosecution, according to a leaked government paper.

Over-18s would be permitted to grow one or two cannabis plants for personal consumption but the levels of THC, the main psychoactive compound in the drug, would be limited to 15%.

Shops near schools or children’s facilities would be banned from selling cannabis, and advertising the drug would remain illegal.

The measures would bring Germany into line with several other European countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and recently Malta.

German law currently confines the legal use of cannabis to seriously ill patients who have obtained approval from their doctor and have “no therapeutic alternative”.

But police frequently drop cases involving cannabis for personal use.

The proposals from the health ministry – which could see the drug sold in shops and pharmacies – have yet to be submitted to the German parliament.

A poll last month found 56% of voters across all age groups supported the reform.