The head of an organisation that represents German police officers has called for consumption of cannabis to be “completely decriminalised” across the country.

André Schulz, head of the Association of German Criminal Officers (BDK), which has around 15,000 police detectives as members, said on Monday that he did not think the current ban on the drug would remain in place in Germany for much longer.

"The prohibition of cannabis has historically been seen as arbitrary and has not yet been implemented in an intelligent and effective manner,” Mr Schulz told the German newspaper, Bild. “In the history of mankind there has never been a society without the use of drugs; this is something that has to be accepted,” he added.

Since last March, some patients in Germany have been allowed to get medicinal marijuana from their doctors. But using it for recreational purposes remains a criminal offence.

Mr Schulz argues that this stigmatizes people and “allows criminal careers to start”. Instead, he argues, the country should focus on helping addicts to recover, protecting children and young people, and promoting responsible drug use.

"There are better options in drug policy than relying largely on repression," the 47-year old chief inspector said.