Weed laws and regulations in Barcelona have been a hotly disputed issue for decades. Many tourists come to Barcelona to enjoy the buds of the laid-back local culture. But there’s a lot of confusion on how to do so legally. In short, weed is decriminalized and you can smoke limited amounts of it in private properties and social clubs. Read on for more details.
In this article:
- The current state of cannabis and weed regulations in Barcelona
- How to get access to cannabis in Barcelona?
- Cannabis tourism in Barcelona
The current state of cannabis and weed regulations in Barcelona
What is the legal status of weed in Spain and Barcelona?
Weed in Spain is decriminalized for personal use but selling and trafficking it is a crime. Barcelona is traditionally known for a more relaxed and tolerant attitude towards cannabis use. However, since 2017, new laws have made it harder for people to access cannabis, by enforcing strict regulations on social clubs.
Can you carry weed in Barcelona?
Officially, it’s illegal to carry, show, or consume weed in public in Barcelona. If you are low-key about it, no one is going to pat you down for a gram or two. However, our club always recommends that you respect the law and abstain from taking weed outside the clubs.
There is no specific legal amount of weed that you can carry for personal use but possession of large amounts of marijuana (more than 100 grams) can result in criminal charges. You are allowed to cultivate up to two cannabis plants, as long as they are away from public view.
Where can you smoke weed in Barcelona?
Cannabis social clubs, of which there are more than 300 in Barcelona, are the designated locations for recreational smokers to enjoy weed in peace. Private properties such as your home, or that of your friend are also completely fine.
However, smoking in public is illegal and subject to hefty fines and confiscation of any weed found on you. As great as an idea it might seem to enjoy Barcelona’s beaches, parks, and squares with a doobie, you’d be in trouble if you get caught.
Finally, some hostels and hotels might be more 420-friendly and can have designated smoking areas where guests can enjoy cannabis. However, you need to always check what’s the official policy of the hotel and respect it. Failing to do so can get you and other people in trouble.
Can foreigners smoke weed in Barcelona?
Regardless if you are a foreigner or a local, you can access weed by becoming a member of a cannabis social club. These clubs offer discrete and cosy settings and generally welcome all newcomers, as long as they are over 18 years old and show valid IDs.
How to get access to cannabis in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, access to cannabis is available through private social clubs. Although direct sales are forbidden, loopholes in the law allow people to pay for a membership and sponsor the club’s activities and receive certain benefits as members. The operation of these clubs is in a legal grey area and their operations remain a contested issue.
What is a social club?
A cannabis social club is a non-profit, private organization where members can grow, purchase, and consume cannabis in a social setting. These clubs emerged in response to strict drug laws and operate in a legal grey area in Barcelona. You can think of social clubs as a compromise where liberal citizens enjoy their activities in private without bothering the more conservative ones. Social clubs are also comparable to coffee shops in the Netherlands and dispensaries in the US.
How to join a social club?
To join a cannabis social club in Barcelona, the first step is to find a club that you’re interested in joining. Many clubs allow you to request membership online, but you can also ask for an invitation from a specific staff member or a friend who is already a member.
Once you have an appointment, you’ll need to attend a discovery session where you will be asked about your cannabis use and given instructions on consuming cannabis safely. It’s essential to bring a valid ID to register as a member, and you may be required to show it at every visit.
Most clubs have a minimum age requirement of 21 years, although some, including SmokeSignals, accept individuals aged 18 or over.
How much does it cost to join a social club?
The cost to join a cannabis social club in Barcelona varies depending on the club, with annual membership fees ranging from as low as 15€ to as high as 50€. It’s important to note that most clubs do not accept credit or debit card payments, so it’s best to bring cash. It’s also worth noting that the cost of purchasing cannabis from the dispensary is separate from the membership fee.
Can foreigners join social clubs?
As a foreigner, it is legal for you to join a cannabis club in Barcelona according to Spanish law. However, it’s essential to educate yourself on the rules and regulations of the clubs to avoid any legal issues. In Spain, cannabis clubs are considered private associations that require registration and a fee to enter.
There are no laws prohibiting foreigners from joining a cannabis club, but it’s necessary to ensure that the club welcomes non-Spanish residents or nationals. Most clubs accept foreign identification such as a passport or driver’s license as valid identification. It’s important to indicate your nationality or residency status when contacting the club to avoid any last-minute issues.
Cannabis tourism in Barcelona
Barcelona is a hub for cannabis tourism, offering a vibrant social club scene where visitors can legally consume cannabis. It’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis use and to act responsibly when consuming cannabis or any other substance.
How common is weed in Barcelona?
Cannabis use is relatively common in Barcelona and one of the highest in Europe, particularly among younger people and the city’s expat community. The city has a thriving cannabis culture, with numerous cannabis social clubs and a large number of cannabis-related events and activities.
How much does weed cost in Barcelona?
First, you need to reformulate your question to “How much do I need to donate to my cannabis club in exchange for weed?”
We must stress that officially cannabis clubs in Barcelona do NOT sell weed. However, they may reward their members based on donations to the club. Most informational sites suggest that a gram of weed can require a contribution of anywhere between €8-25, depending on the quality of the weed. Moreover, many clubs offer donation packages of €10, €20 and €50, and the actual amount of weed in these packages can vary.
It’s important to avoid buying weed from street vendors as the products may be unsafe, and it supports the black market, which can result in heavy fines if caught.
Can you vape weed in public?
No, it is illegal to consume cannabis or any other controlled substance in public places in Barcelona, including vaping or smoking. This applies to all public spaces, such as parks, beaches, streets, and sidewalks.
Can you smoke on balconies in Barcelona?
Smoking cannabis or any other substance on a balcony in Barcelona is technically not allowed if it is considered to be causing a public nuisance or disturbing others. However, it’s worth noting that enforcement of this law can be inconsistent, and many people do smoke on balconies without facing any legal consequences. As long as you aren’t bothering your neighbours you should be fine.
Can you smoke on the streets of Barcelona?
No. It’s illegal to smoke on the streets, in parks, on beaches, and anywhere that is not private property such as your home or a social club. You need to appreciate that the cannabis system in Barcelona relies on maintaining a fine balance between the different citizens of Barcelona. Some are more on the conservative side or are raising children.
Can you buy edibles in Barcelona?
Cannabis edibles are not legally sold in Barcelona’s cannabis social clubs, as the clubs are only authorized to distribute cannabis flowers and other cannabis derivatives such as hashish or oils. However, some clubs may offer homemade edibles or infused drinks as part of their services, but these are not subject to quality controls. Overall, edibles aren’t uncommon at all.
Do airports test edibles?
It is not standard practice for airport security to test edibles specifically for the presence of cannabis. Airport scanners cannot distinguish between edibles and other organic materials, and whether or not airport security considers edibles to be suspicious can vary. If airport security does suspect that an edible contains cannabis they will confiscate it. Moreover, you would be breaking the law and subject to fines and punishment. We always advocate staying within the confines of the law.
Conclusion
Barcelona is a popular destination for cannabis tourists due to its relaxed attitude towards personal use, but the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis can be confusing. While weed is decriminalized for personal use, it is illegal to carry, show, or consume it in public. The designated locations for smoking are private properties and cannabis social clubs, of which there are more than 300 in Barcelona. Access to cannabis is available through private social clubs, where members can grow, purchase, and consume cannabis in a social setting. If you are looking for an affordable, expat-friendly, chill cannabis club, you can get an instant invitation through our membership form.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal or health advice, nor does it promote or condone the consumption of cannabis.