Cannabis Culture in Spain: History and Trends

Spain is a country with a rich and diverse cannabis culture. From its ancient history to its modern laws and trends, cannabis has played an important role in the social, political, and economic life of Spain. In this article, we will explore the history, laws, and trends of cannabis in Spain, and how they have shaped the cannabis culture of this beautiful nation.

History of Cannabis in Spain

Cannabis has a long history in Spain, dating back to the ancient times. According to some historians, cannabis was introduced to Spain by the Phoenicians around the 5th century BC. The Phoenicians were a seafaring people who traded with many cultures around the Mediterranean Sea, including the ancient Greeks and Romans. They used cannabis for various purposes, such as medicine, food, fiber, and ritual.

Cannabis was also brought to Spain by the Moors, who invaded and ruled most of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 15th century AD. The Moors were Muslims who came from North Africa and the Middle East. They brought with them their culture, religion, science, art, and agriculture. They cultivated cannabis for its seeds, oil, fiber, and resin. They also used cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Cannabis remained popular in Spain even after the Reconquista, when the Christian kingdoms expelled the Moors from their lands. Cannabis was widely used by peasants, farmers, sailors, soldiers, artists, writers, and intellectuals. Some of the most famous Spanish figures who used cannabis include Miguel de Cervantes (the author of Don Quixote), Francisco de Goya (the painter of The Third of May 1808), and Salvador Dali (the surrealist artist of The Persistence of Memory).

Cannabis was also an important crop for the Spanish economy. Spain was one of the main producers and exporters of hemp in Europe until the 19th century. Hemp was used for making ropes, sails, canvas, paper, clothing, and other products. Hemp was also a source of income for many farmers and workers.

However, cannabis faced some challenges in Spain in the 20th century. The first anti-cannabis laws were passed in 1928 under the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera. These laws prohibited the cultivation, trade, and consumption of cannabis and other drugs. The laws were influenced by the international conventions on drug control that were promoted by the United States and other countries.

The anti-cannabis laws became stricter under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975). Franco was a conservative leader who suppressed any form of dissent or opposition. He banned cannabis and other drugs as part of his moral crusade against communism, anarchism, liberalism, and democracy. He also persecuted anyone who used or possessed cannabis or other drugs.

The situation changed after Franco’s death in 1975. Spain transitioned to a democracy and adopted a new constitution in 1978. The constitution guaranteed civil rights and freedoms for all citizens. It also allowed for regional autonomy and cultural diversity. Cannabis became more accepted and tolerated in Spain as part of its social and political changes.

Trends of Cannabis in Spain

Despite the legal challenges and risks, cannabis is very popular and widely used in Spain. According to a 2019 report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Spain has one of the highest rates of cannabis use in Europe. The report estimates that 22.6% of Spaniards aged 15-34 have used cannabis in the last year, compared to the European average of 15.4%.

Cannabis use in Spain is also influenced by some social and cultural trends that shape its consumption patterns and preferences. Some of these trends include:

• Cannabis clubs: Cannabis clubs are one of the main features of cannabis culture in Spain. They are private associations that provide a space for their members to access and consume cannabis legally and safely. They also promote cannabis education, activism, and socialisation among their members. There are over 1,000 cannabis clubs in Spain, mostly concentrated in big cities like Barcelona or Madrid. However, they are not easy to find or join, as they operate discreetly and require an invitation or referral from an existing member.
• Cannabis tourism: Cannabis tourism is another trend that attracts many visitors to Spain. Many tourists come to Spain to enjoy its cannabis culture and products, especially from countries where cannabis is illegal or more restricted. They visit cannabis clubs, attend cannabis events or festivals, or explore cannabis-related attractions or activities. Some of the most popular destinations for cannabis tourism in Spain include Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada, Ibiza, and the Canary Islands.
• Cannabis products: Cannabis products are also evolving and diversifying in Spain. Besides the traditional forms of cannabis, such as flowers or hashish, there are also new products that cater to different tastes and needs. Some of these products include edibles (such as cookies or brownies), oils (such as CBD oil), concentrates (such as wax or shatter), vapes (such as cartridges or pens), or topicals (such as creams or balms). These products offer different ways of consuming cannabis with different effects and benefits.
• Cannabis strains: Cannabis strains are also becoming more varied and sophisticated in Spain. Thanks to the advances in breeding and genetics there are many different strains of cannabis available in Spain, each with its own characteristics and effects. Some of the most popular strains in Spain include:
  • GG4: This strain is a potent indica-dominant hybrid that produces a staggering THC level of 30%. It offers a powerful body-buzz and narcotic high that lasts for hours. It also has a sweet, fuel, citrus, and pine flavour.
  • AK-47: This strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a fun, enjoyable, and social high that is suitable for sunny days out and parties. It also has a spicy, pine, skunk, and citrus flavour.
  • Critical: This strain is an indica-dominant hybrid that offers a well-balanced high that targets the body and mind together. It also has a sweet and earthy flavour.
  • OG Kush: This strain is a legendary indica-dominant hybrid that originates from California. It offers a relaxing, euphoric, and uplifting high that is ideal for stress relief and mood enhancement. It also has a pine, lemon, and earthy flavour.
  • Royal Gorilla: This strain is another indica-dominant hybrid that boasts a high THC level of 27%. It offers a balanced high that stimulates the mind and relaxes the body. It also has a sweet, sour, and earthy flavour.

  Cannabis culture in Spain is vibrant and diverse. It reflects the history, laws, and trends of this beautiful country. Cannabis lovers in Spain can enjoy cannabis in many ways, such as joining cannabis clubs, attending cannabis events or festivals, or exploring cannabis-related attractions or activities. Cannabis in Spain is also a source of income, education, and activism for many people.

  We hope you enjoyed this article on cannabis culture in Spain. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!

  Thank you for reading and happy medicating!