BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The FDP is calling for a faster pace in the planned release of cannabis in Germany. "As the coalition for the future, we have formulated the controlled release of cannabis for consumption purposes as a goal in our coalition agreement. Accordingly, we want a bill as soon as possible," said the health policy spokesman of the FDP faction, Andrew Ullmann, the "Tagesspiegel" (Wednesday). A week ago, the Green health expert Kirsten Kappert-Gonther had already demanded a timely draft law.

One could "not wait forever for the fact that we get in advance signals from Europe, until we finally become legislatively active," said Ullmann. The way of the traffic light coalition is "legal and legitimate" and will accordingly also exist in Europe.

SPD, Greens and FDP had agreed in their coalition agreement to introduce "the controlled distribution of the drug to adults for consumption purposes in licensed stores." Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) had presented the first concrete ideas for implementation in the fall (key points). The next step would be a finished draft law. However, it cannot be ruled out that Brussels will veto the German plans in a so-called notification procedure (examination) if, in the Commission's opinion, they contradict EU and international law. The Union, which is against legalization, is counting on this./csd/DP/stk