ICBC Barcelona: How is cannabis regulated in Spain?

For a cannabis enthusiast, Spain is a real playground. The European nation has long been home to an incredible cannabis community.

Barcelona is particularly fantastic for cannabis enthusiasts, with around 70 % world-renowned cannabis clubs located in the region. Food, culture, beauty and cannabis combine to make Barcelona one of the world's best cannabis destinations. cannabis tourist destinations in the world.

Spain has a unique public policy and regulatory approach to cannabis, some elements of which are better than others, particularly from the point of view of patients and cannabis entrepreneurs.

Current legal status

Cannabis is currently decriminalized in Spain for personal use. A person caught in possession of a personal quantity of cannabis is liable to a fine of up to 200 euros. However, in many parts of the country, application of the law is flexible, and the definition of a «personal» quantity of cannabis is unclear.

Commercial cannabis is totally illegal, with the exception of a handful of licenses for the medical cannabis industry. All medical cannabis produced under the limited number of licenses is for export. The only other nationally recognized commercial cannabis models are those for cannabis research.

That said, hundreds of cannabis clubs operate in Spain, and at one point, the cannabis clubs operating in Barcelona were considered legal by local authorities. A court ruling overturned Barcelona's policy of allowing cannabis clubs, leaving the entire industry in limbo. Spain's unregulated market is thriving, but its regulated industry is severely hampered by current policy.

Future reforms?

Europe has recently seen its first nation to legalize cannabis for adult use after Malta's legislators passed a reform measure late last year. Several other countries, including’Germany, the Luxembourg and theItaly, are expected to legalize cannabis sooner than expected.

All this puts pressure on Spain to take its rightful place as an international leader in the cannabis industry and policy. The best way to find out more about what's on the horizon in Spain is to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference B2B event. to be held in Barcelona on March 10, co-sponsored by Bhang Inc and Grow Glide, with an after-party sponsored by Juicy Fields. The B2B event is part of the world's largest cannabis industry superconference, alongside Spannabis.

The B2B event includes a panel dedicated to analyzing current laws and regulations, and possible reforms on the horizon in Spain. The panel will be moderated by Bernardo Soriano Guzmán, CO-CEO, S&F Abogados. Panelists will include Sergio González aka Weedzard (Chairman, 420 Movement), Iker Val (CPO, Sovereign Fields), and Ruben Valenzuela Moreno (CTO, Valenveras). Each panel member has a wealth of experience in the cannabis field and is perfectly placed to provide valuable insight into Spanish cannabis policies and regulations.

Who else will be speaking at ICBC Barcelona?

The Funniest Man in Cannabis, Ngaio Bealum, will be master of ceremonies at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Barcelona. Other speakers include:

• Jamie Pearson - President and CEO, Bhang Inc.
• Guillermo J Fernandez Navarro, co-founder of S&F Abogados.
• Nic Easley - CEO of 3C Consulting and Managing Director of Multiverse Capital
• Luna Stower - VP Business Development, Ispire
• Òscar Parés - Deputy Director, ICEERS Foundation
• Chloe Grossman - Executive Director of Corporate Growth, Trulieve Cannabis Corp.
• Roberto Algar - General Manager, Curaleaf Switzerland
• Santiago Ongay - CEO, Sabia
• Kai-Friedrich Niermann - Founder, KFN+ Law Office
• Dr. Juana Vasella - Lawyer, MME Legal Zurich
• Joan Simó Cruanyes - Cananbis Hub UPC Coordinator
• Albert Tio - Founder of Airam and President of Fedcac
• Aaron Smith - Co-Founder and Executive Director, National Cannabis Industry Association
• Lisa Haag - Founder, MJ_Universe
• Juanma Fernández - CEO, Groupe Easy CSC
• Patricia Amiguet - Founder of the Pachamama Cannabis association and President of CatFAC
• Zeta Ceti - Founder and CEO, Green Rush Consulting

Over 80 countries will be represented at the March superconference in Barcelona, which will include representatives from all sectors of the industry, as well as leading international cannabis policymakers and industry service providers. Attend the Barcelona superconference to network with international investors, entrepreneurs, industry regulators and policymakers, and take your industry to the next level.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is also organizing further events in Berlin in July 2022 and Zurich in September 2022. You can also book your tickets now and take advantage of the early-bird discount.