BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Green Party health expert Janosch Dahmen has defended the planned partial legalization of cannabis as an "overdue paradigm shift". "There can be no simple 'business as usual'," the member of the Bundestag told the German Press Agency on Wednesday. "We need to adapt cannabis drug policy to social reality in order to combat the black market and protect children and young people in particular." As a doctor, father and politician, he is very concerned that the prohibition policy of the past has massively increased the risks associated with cannabis. The aim is to make consumption and access safer for informed adults by preventing the distribution of contaminated substances. This could be achieved by creating legal alternatives through limited home cultivation and growers' associations.

Tino Sorge (CDU), health policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told dpa: "In terms of health, family and domestic policy, the law is a historic mistake. The traffic light brings cannabis close to children and young people and acts like a state drug dealer." This is irresponsible. He appealed to undecided members of the traffic light coalition to vote against the law in the Bundestag this Friday.

The leading health committee approved the legislative plans on Wednesday with several amendments, according to committee circles. Home cultivation and possession of certain quantities are to be permitted for adults from April 1. Clubs for non-commercial cultivation are to become possible on July 1. Numerous rules and regulations are planned for practical implementation./sam/DP/mis