According to the text, which has not yet been debated and voted on by parliament, individuals from the age of 18 will be able to purchase and possess up to 25 grams of cannabis, as reported by France Presse and DPA, cited by Agerpres.

Germany will thus have one of the most liberal legislations in Europe, following in the footsteps of Malta and Luxembourg, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 and 2023, respectively, notes AFP.

The coalition led by social democrat Olaf Scholz, along with the Greens and the Liberals, made this legalization one of the flagship projects of its mandate, even though the initial plan went much further. Faced with reservations from the European Union, Berlin had to revise its approach.

The reform also faces criticism from the opposition, police unions and judges who believe it will not put an end to drug trafficking, despite being one of its objectives.

According to this bill, it will be possible to cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use.

The new legislation envisions the creation of non-profit associations whose adult members - limited to 500 - can cultivate the plant for personal consumption, under the supervision of public authorities.

These "Cannabis Social Clubs," as they call themselves, will have regulated activities: they will only be able to supply members, with a maximum of 25 grams per day and a maximum of 50 grams per month. For young people aged 18 to 21, the limit will be somewhat lower: 30 grams per month. These clubs will be subject to inspections by public authorities.

Cannabis consumption must take place outside these clubs, prohibited within 200 meters of them, near schools, playgrounds, sports fields and youth associations.

Federal German Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach intends to launch a major awareness campaign among young people about the dangers of cannabis, which are "particularly harmful when consumed during a period of growth".

"For young people (under 18), consumption remains prohibited, and for young people (up to 21 years old), it is limited", he reminded in a press release.

He described the cannabis legalization bill, approved by the Cabinet on August 16th, as a "turning point".

The law is a "turning point in a failed drug policy", the minister said during a press conference in Berlin.

"No one should misunderstand the law. Cannabis consumption will be legalized. However, it remains dangerous", noted Lauterbach, according to a joint statement from his ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture, cited by DPA.

The purpose of the bill, he explained, is to combat the black market and reduce drug-related crime, the trafficking of toxic substances and the number of consumers.

In turn, Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir spoke of an "important step toward a progressive, realistic drug policy".

The bill, which must be adopted by parliament, may undergo changes as the Bundestag will debate it after the summer break. The German parliament's upper house, the Bundesrat, is also prepared to discuss it.