Barcelona: new hope for Cannabis Clubs?

In Barcelona, Cannabis Clubs are clinging to a new hope to keep their doors open: to be governed by a «private social club» license.

Last July, the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) ruled that only the Spanish central government had the power to regulate cannabis clubs. Since then, Barcelona's Cannabis Clubs, accused by the TSJC of being spaces «likely to encourage the commission of crimes», have been in danger of disappearing.

Last October, the Guardia Civil began an inspection of the Clubs in anticipation of the closure of some of these premises.

A legal response for Barcelona's cannabis clubs

However, as reported by elDiarioAR, The CatFAC (Confederation of Cannabis Association Federations), which represents the Clubs to the municipality, has found a way to keep the Clubs open.

By registering under a «private social club» license, establishments will be able to continue their activities without meeting the previous requirements (distance from schools, ventilation, etc.).

Addressed to elDiarioAR, CatFA spokesman Eric Asensio explained that «the current scenario is a step backwards, similar to the time when this activity was unregulated in the city. We know that new premises are opening that do not comply with the requirements previously requested by the City Council».

What specific changes do cannabis associations will they have to face? They won't be able to offer cannabis visibly, display prices, or anything else that might «promote» its use.

And, while members will be able to source cannabis from the clubs, they will have to do so in a «less obvious» way.

For its part, Barcelona City Council warns that it will be stepping up controls.

«Surveillance of cannabis associations and clubs will be stepped up. As well as the capacity for inspection and administrative intervention to ensure compliance with the regulations that concern them and prevent nuisance to neighbors or public health violations,» she warned.