For a cannabis lover, Spain is a veritable playground. The European nation has long been home to an incredible cannabis community.
Barcelona is particularly fantastic for cannabis enthusiasts, with around 70% of the world-class cannabis clubs located in the region. Food, culture, beauty and cannabis combine to make Barcelona one of the best cannabis tourist destinations in the world.
Spain has a very unique public policy and regulatory approach to cannabis, with some elements of this policy being better than others, especially from the perspective of cannabis patients and entrepreneurs.
Current legal status
Currently, cannabis is decriminalized in Spain for personal use. A person caught in possession of a personal quantity of cannabis is liable to a fine of up to 200 euros. However, in many parts of the country, the application of the law is flexible and the definition of a “personal” amount of cannabis is unclear.
Cannabis for commercial purposes is completely illegal, with the exception of a handful of licenses for the medical cannabis industry. All medical cannabis produced under the limited number of licenses is for export. The only other nationally recognized cannabis business models are those involving cannabis research.
That being said, hundreds of cannabis clubs operate in Spain, and at one time cannabis clubs operating in Barcelona were considered legal by local authorities. A court ruling overturned Barcelona’s policy of allowing cannabis clubs, leaving the entire industry in limbo. Spain’s unregulated market is thriving, but its regulated industry is significantly hampered by current politics.
Future reforms?
Europe recently saw its first nation legalize cannabis for adult use after lawmakers in Malta passed a reform measure late last year. Several other countries, including Germany, Luxembourg and Italy, are expected to legalize cannabis sooner than expected.
All of this puts pressure on Spain to take its rightful place as an international leader in the cannabis industry and policy. The best way to find out more about what’s on the horizon in Spain is to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference B2B event taking place in Barcelona on March 10, co-sponsored by Bhang Inc. and Grow Glide, with an after-party sponsored by Juicy Fields. The B2B event is part of the world’s largest cannabis industry superconference, alongside Spannabis.
The B2B event includes a panel dedicated to analyzing current laws and regulations and possible reforms that are looming in Spain. The panel moderator will be Bernardo Soriano Guzmán, CO-CEO, S&F Abogados. Panelists will be Sergio González aka Weedzard (President, 420 Movement), Iker Val (CPO, Sovereign Fields), and Ruben Valenzuela Moreno (CTO, Valenveras). Each member of the panel has extensive experience in the field of cannabis and is perfectly suited to provide valuable information on Spanish cannabis policies and regulations.
Who else will speak at ICBC Barcelona?
The funniest man in cannabis, Ngaio Bealum, will be the master of ceremonies at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Barcelona. Other speakers include:
- Jamie Pearson – President and CEO, Bhang Inc.
- Guillermo J Fernandez Navarro, co-founder of S&F Abogados.
- Nic Easley – CEO of 3C Consulting and Managing Director of Multiverse Capital
- Luna Stower – VP Business Development, Ispire
- Òscar Parés – Deputy Director, ICEERS Foundation
- Chloe Grossman – Executive Director of Business Growth, Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
- Roberto Algar – Managing Director, Curaleaf Switzerland
- Santiago Ongay – CEO, Sabia
- Kai-Friedrich Niermann – Founder, KFN+ Law Office
- Dr. Juana Vasella – Lawyer, MME Legal Zurich
- Joan Simó Cruanyes – Coordinator of Cananbis Hub UPC
- Albert Tio – Founder of Airam and President of Fedcac
- Aaron Smith – Co-Founder and Executive Director, National Cannabis Industry Association
- Lisa Haag – Founder, MJ_Universe
- Juanma Fernández – CEO, Easy CSC Group
- Patricia Amiguet – Founder of the Pachamama Cannabis Association and President of CatFAC
- Zeta Ceti – Founder and CEO, Green Rush Consulting
Over 80 countries will be represented at the superconference to be held in March in Barcelona and will include representatives from all sectors of the industry as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers. Attend the Barcelona Superconference to connect with international investors, entrepreneurs, industry regulators and policy makers, and scale up your industry.
The International Cannabis Business Conference is also organizing other events in Berlin in July 2022 and Zurich in September 2022. You can book your tickets now and take advantage of the early bird discount.
