Some of the most experienced cannabis consumers on the planet can be found inside cannabis clubs in Spain, a country that is gradually embracing the concept of social smoking.

In fact, rates of cannabis consumption in Spain only fall slightly behind the United States and Iceland, with 10 percent of the Spanish population frequently using the plant for a recreational or medical benefit.

This is according to a report by Recovery Brand, which spotlighted Spain as a nation that has overtaken the Netherlands for a prevalence of cannabis use.

Cannabis laws in Spain

Is Spain cannabis-friendly?

Well, you could say that. The sale of cannabis is still illegal under Spanish Penal Code. However, consumption is legal.

For many years, the locals have had the privilege of enjoying their weed privately.

Back in July 2015, cannabis cultivation laws were adapted to decriminalize home-growing, as long as the public are not exposed to what’s happening on private premises.

Although cannabis is not completely legal, the Spanish culture is incredibly open to the plant. Visitors who descend on the country may even notice people lighting up joints in public spaces.

This is particularly true in urban hubs like Barcelona – just one of many places where the cannabis social club culture is really picking up steam. As many as 400 cannabis clubs can be found here, including Dr. Dou Cannabis Club and Marijuana Barcelona (MBC).

There are over 700 cannabis clubs in Spain

The number of cannabis social clubs in Spain has swelled to more than 700.

Weed aficionados can express their love for the plant inside these spaces, where members are invited to relax, socialize and smoke.

Many clubs will also permit certain levels of cannabis cultivation. A membership charge is required.

While some cannabis social clubs in Spain will be catered to medical patients who use the green plant to amplify their health, others will lure in recreational users.

So, what are the rules?

Well, you must be aged 21 and above to enter the clubs. If you are not a Spanish citizen, chances are, you’re not going to get in. Despite the fact that tourists are not yet granted entry into cannabis clubs in Spain, the clubs are helping the general public to become familiar with cannabis and its benefits, which could contribute to complete cannabis legalization in the country.

How do cannabis clubs in Spain work?

Operating as private organizations, cannabis social clubs in Spain allow members to recruit fellow cannabis connoisseurs into their clubs. Private cannabis cultivation takes place on the grounds of most clubs, where members have the freedom to determine how the club is managed, what strains of weed are grown and more importantly, how it is grown.

Exposure to pesticides, toxins, and chemicals can impact bud quality and put a consumer’s health and safety in jeopardy, proving the importance of knowing how cannabis was cultivated prior to consuming it.

Buying weed inside a cannabis club is illegal. The fee paid by members is used to procure pot from the club in a legal and controlled way.

The rise in cannabis club tourism

With some of Barcelona’s cannabis clubs boasting thousands of members, it is clear that this type of tourism is on the rise.

Europe’s new attitude towards weed brings high hopes for the industry, which is raking in substantial profit.

Politicians in Europe are changing the way they think about and deal with cannabis.

A prime example is Ada Colau, Barcelona’s first female mayor. Not so long ago, she proposed regulations to prevent cannabis social clubs in Spain from being shut down.

Tourists keen to experience this “new Amsterdam” may have to wait a while until they can join club members, however.

Conservative Spain wants to put an end to cannabis clubs

Spain’s laid-back approach to cannabis tourism is grasping the attention of policing authorities, and not in a good way.

Considering the plant is still illegal, it is not surprising that the country’s conservative side are taking some kind of action. Authorities want to prevent existing clubs from expanding into shops. Nevertheless, this is not necessarily concerning members of cannabis clubs, what with the public remaining hopeful and positive about the future of Spain’s cannabis industry.

Cannabis social clubs in Spain are a common phenomenon nowadays, but the illegal behavior is not encouraged. Be wise and wary when using cannabis on foreign territory.