In total, 26 of the Netherlands’ 38 largest local authority areas support some form of government legalised or organised marijuana production, Nos television says.

The 12 other councils areas are either opposed to organised cultivation or have not yet made up their minds, the broadcaster said.

Councils are trying to remove the grey area in law which says possession of small amounts of cannabis will not be prosecuted but the supply and cultivation is banned.

Justice minister Ivo Opstelten already said he opposes legalising marijuana cultivation but has pledged to update parliament on the situation by the end of the year. At the moment, 18 different plans for organised production have been submitted to his department, Nos says.

Experts estimate cannabis cafes, known as coffee shops, spend a total of €600m on marijuana a year.