Cannabis in Spain

History of Cannabis in Spain

• Cannabis plant genus documented on Iberian peninsula since late Neolithic.
• Intense cultivation in Spain for fiber production.
• Cannabis cultivation and use during Al-Andalus period.
• Various names used for cannabis plant.
• Pere Pau Pereda’s defense of cannabis cultivation in Catholic Spain.
• Continued cultivation in Catholic Spain post-Reconquista.

Legal Aspects of Cannabis in Spain

• Decriminalization of cannabis products for personal use and cultivation.
• Legal grey areas utilized by cannabis clubs for private collective use.
• Consumption and possession of reasonable amounts legal in private places.
• Visible cannabis plants considered serious administrative offense.
• Cannabis laws vary by autonomous community.
• Sale and importation of cannabis criminal offenses.

Cannabis Social Clubs in Spain

• Establishment of cannabis consumption clubs and user associations.
• Majority of clubs located in Barcelona.
• Actions related to cannabis, apart from sale or trade, not criminalized.
• Clubs operate as non-profit associations for members’ cultivation.
• Legal status of clubs subject to variations and uncertainties.

Cannabis Legalization Debate in Spain

• Catalonia legalized marijuana consumption, cultivation, and distribution.
• Barcelona cannabis clubs face closure in a legal setback.
• Political parties in Spain call for weed legalization for economic benefits.
• Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias sparked a controversial cannabis debate.
• Economic implications behind the cannabis legalization debate.

Cannabis Culture and Current Debates in Spain

• Barcelona’s private marijuana clubs pushing for legalization.
• Barcelona has been compared to Holland regarding cannabis clubs.
• Changes in cannabis laws over the years in Spain.
• Barcelona clamps down on cannabis tourism.
• Barcelona City Council threatens to shut down cannabis social clubs.
• Ongoing debates on the conflict between cannabis clubs and local authorities.

Cannabis in Spain Data Sources