Doctors in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) have called for a ban on cannabis at amusement fairs and shooting festivals.
The North Rhine Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) wants the state to follow Bavaria's example. The cabinet of the southern German state decided on Tuesday to completely ban smoking weed at public festivals and in beer gardens.
The head of the KV, Frank Bergmann, spoke in favour of such a ban in NRW and told the Rheinische Post newspaper in remarks published on Friday that cannabis consumption often has a negative effect on the psyche and personality development of young adults.
The NRW state government is still examining which rules should be implemented in the most populous federal state, according to a spokesman for Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann.
Carnival ride operators and amusement fair entertainers also want clear rules. "I am in favour of a ban on cannabis at public festivals. Nobody wants to sit in a marquee where joints are smoked and bystanders get high," showman Oscar Bruch told the newspaper.
"It will be difficult for the police to enforce such a ban, but it would still send out a signal."