It is legal to cultivate and smoke cannabis for your own personal use. However, it is illegal to sell or traffic cannabis . It is also illegal to smoke cannabis in public places, but there are “cannabis clubs” where members can go to smoke cannabis.
Yes. And no. While marijuana has been decriminalized for personal use and many attitudes regarding cannabis use are lax in Spain, you have to be careful. There are some clear-cut basics of the rules regarding that use, but unfortunately, the legality of it all gets a little more complicated.
First and foremost, ensure the club you visit is considered a private space. Cannabis clubs were popularized with the law of decriminalizing cannabis products in private spaces, but it is only within the club walls that you can enjoy your marijuana socially.
The main attractions of the cannabis clubs are its private spaces. They are often labeled as:
Cannabis clubs
Coffee shops
Cultural associations
Essentially, most clubs require membership. This works with the concept that these are private spaces! They must contain their privacy by requiring membership and a valid ID.
Once you pay a fee for the membership, you will be able to pick from their selection of different cannabis products.
You will never be “buying” cannabis at these clubs. The clubs are simply sharing the cannabis with their club members in a private meeting. These associations are usually non-profit and are under strict regulations to remain that way.
If any of these clubs are ever caught to be profiting from the consumers, they will be considered to be in violation of the law.
So, when you are required to pay a fee for the cannabis, keep in mind that it is the fee to grow and maintain the plant and maintain the club’s facility, not the product itself. It’s due, not a purchase. Keep in mind how important this mindset is to the survival of the cannabis club.