BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The Bundestag will decide on Friday (1.35 pm) on the legalization of cannabis in Germany. The legislative plans of the traffic light coalition provide for a controlled release of the drug with numerous rules and regulations. Cultivation and possession of certain quantities for personal consumption would be permitted for adults from April 1. Clubs for non-commercial cultivation are to become possible on July 1. There has been widespread criticism of the plans, including from medical associations, the judiciary and interior politicians at federal and state level. Members of parliament are to vote on the law by roll call. It will then go to the Bundesrat, where it will not require approval.

The Bundestag is also to decide on the participation of the navy in an EU operation in the Red Sea. Germany wants to participate with the frigate "Hessen". The primary aim of the mission is to protect merchant ships from attacks by the militant Islamist Huthi. The Bundestag is also to implement two results of the mediation committee with the Bundesrat. A slimmed-down version of the Growth Opportunities Act, which has already been passed, is to be adopted once again. In addition, the originally planned compulsory motor vehicle insurance for ride-on lawnmowers, forklifts and other mobile machines that do not require registration is now not to be introduced after all/sam/DP/mis