The Mexico City council may legalise cultivation of cannabis plants and the creation of private marijuana smoking ''clubs'' as part of controversial legislation to liberalise consumption.

The capital hosted a three-day forum on drug policy amid a growing debate in Latin America over the course of the region's deadly struggle against narcotrafficking, with President Enrique Pena

Nieto taking a stance against legalisation.

Esthela Damian, of the city's ruling Democratic Revolution Party, said the proposals included allowing the cultivation of three cannabis plants per person, as well as a system of co-operatives or ''non-profit, private clubs''.

The forum of experts and representatives from around the world, including the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, produced various opinions that could feed legislation the city council may debate in October.