What is the situation with cannabis in Spain?

After Italy, we will virtually travel to Spain and take a look at its legal status regarding cannabis. Spain is also one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, so it's useful to clarify the availability of cannabis in this country. Journalistic sources indicate that in just the last 5 years, cannabis supplies in Spain have increased fourfold. What is behind such a sharp increase?

Cannabis Legalization in Spain

Spain maintains a stricter stance towards cannabis, although it depends on the type of use and processing. For example, free sale and possession of any amount of marijuana is considered a criminal offense. Cannabis production, which includes CBD products, is restricted so that these products must not contain more than 0.2% THC. This is basically similar to laws in other EU countries. The difference is that CBD oils in Spain are intended only for medical use. However, their availability is not a problem, as you can easily find them in health food stores.

Coffee Shops in Spain, How Does It Work?

As we mentioned, CBD products are not allowed for free sale in Spain, which makes it seem paradoxical that Spain is much more lenient in cannabis consumption. Of course, you should not consume it in public spaces, but in private, essentially nothing threatens you. Spain has a strong privacy regime, which means the country does not specially interfere with citizens' private lives. You can even grow marijuana at home, but no one should see it.

Cannabis Coffee Shop in Spain
Cannabis Coffee Shop in Spain
If you are in this destination and feel like a cannabis joint, you can go to a Coffee Shop or Cannabis Club. These are legal places where you can consume cannabis. Entry is only allowed if you are over 21 years old, and in most cases, if you have paid a fee. Coffee shops look like classic cafes, but operate on a slightly different principle. They are private spaces where no one sells cannabis; customers come to pick it up because it was grown for their needs. Coffee shops are in high demand because they are legally permitted places where you can easily access cannabis.

What Is Behind the Sharp Increase in Cannabis in Spain?

Stricter cannabis laws produce the opposite effect, so residents try to obtain cannabis at any cost. In such cases, illegal actions often occur. Police intervene most in southern Spain, where last year 2021 they seized around 630,000 cannabis plants. This is 18 times more compared to 2020. People claimed they were growing it for industrial purposes, but had no confirmation of this action.

With a vision of business, other parts of Spain have joined illegal cannabis cultivation, and now cannabis is grown on almost more than 570 hectares, which is a truly enormous area. For perspective, 1 kg of cannabis buds costs around 400 euros, so growers were gaining quick and easy profits.

Cannabis in Spain
Interest in Cannabis in Spain Continues to Grow

What About Traveling with Cannabis to Spain?

Let's say you're planning a vacation to Spain and want to know about traveling and transferring cannabis. First, you must check the exact legal regulations of the specific city. They may differ or contain many legal loopholes that provide more transfer options. Since you'll use public transportation and European lines to travel to Spain, cannabis travel rules are adapted accordingly. However, you can't do this without necessary documents. The most common conditions you must meet when traveling with cannabis are:
  • Completing a form (processing takes about 4 weeks)
  • Email or call regarding cannabis travel
  • If you have prescribed medical cannabis as medicine, you also need a medical prescription
If you're heading to Spain, we recommend visiting a local coffee shop rather than worrying throughout your journey about whether everything is in order. It will save you troubles and ultimately help you enjoy the country more beautifully.