Germany has thus become the latest country in a small group that has legalized this drug, at least partially. The law allows the cultivation of up to three plants for private consumption, possession of 50 g of cannabis at home, or 25 g in public, as reported by The Guardian.

The decision taken by the ruling tripartite coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz followed a heated debate about the advantages and disadvantages of easier access to this drug.

"We have two goals: reducing the black market and better protecting children and young people", said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach at the beginning of a noisy debate in which the opposition accused him of promoting drug use, according to News.ro.

Christian Democratic politician Tino Sorge stated: "Are you seriously claiming that by legalizing more drugs, we will limit drug consumption among young people... This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard".

But Lauterbach countered that this is equivalent to "burying our heads in the sand". Cannabis consumption has not only skyrocketed among young people, whose developing brains are particularly at risk, but street drugs are also stronger and more impure these days, significantly increasing their harmfulness.

It is estimated that around 7 million Germans regularly consume cannabis. The government previously stated that many consumers rely on this drug for medicinal reasons, and the new law will also improve the quality of cannabis consumed by an increasing number of young people.

Doctors opposing the law change have warned that it will jeopardize the health of young people by making the drug more accessible, thus increasing the risk of addiction.

The coalition of Social Democrats, Greens and the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) agreed in November to continue the amendment after including it in their power-sharing agreement.

Adults will be allowed to cultivate up to three plants and possess small amounts of cannabis from April 1, and three months later, it will also be available in non-profit clubs established to cultivate and distribute cannabis.

Cannabis consumption for those under 18 will continue to be prohibited.

Opposition came from some of the 16 German states, which will be responsible for overseeing the law's implementation, including the conservative Christian Social Union-led state of Bavaria in the south, which called on the government to reconsider.

Some of Lauterbach's fellow Social Democrats also issued warnings, especially regarding the use of cannabis around schools and kindergartens. In turn, the minister stated that the legislation will prohibit smoking cannabis within 100 meters of educational institutions.

Police authorities have declared they will have difficulties enforcing these rules. But Lauterbach says that monitoring the black market is equally challenging.

The legislative change makes Germany the third European Union member state to legalize cannabis for personal use, following Malta and Luxembourg.

Supporters of using this drug for medicinal purposes have expressed hope for a positive influence from the decision of the largest European economy, which could pave the way for other countries to follow suit.

Observers around the world will closely observe the practical implementation of the law in Germany.