A group of Spanish experts proposes a model for regulating cannabis

The Cannabis Policy Study Group (GEPCA), founded in 2014 and composed of people from diverse political, financial, and ideological backgrounds, is working in its own way toward the full legalization of cannabis in Spain.

On June 20, GEPCA published a book titled « Cannabis: From the Margins to the Mainstream. A New Regulatory Model » (Cannabis: From Marginalization to Normalization. A New Regulatory Model). The book covers several topics related to cannabis, including health, the judicial system, and cannabis-related offenses in Spain. The GECPa has also published a manifesto on cannabis regulation. Several sociologists, professors, economists, and Spanish sociologists have signed this manifesto.

The group is introducing a regulatory model based on a regulated cannabis market, including the Cannabis Social Clubs and other organizations, as well as on self-education.

Toward Full Legalization of Cannabis in Spain

Catalonia, an autonomous region of Spain, has legalized the cultivation and use of cannabis for the past month. But in the rest of the country, the use and possession of cannabis in private settings is tolerated—provided the amount does not exceed 5 grams—though it is not legal.

Drawing on the cannabis policies of countries that have legalized or decriminalized it, the GEPCA explains that the war on drugs has failed and that the benefits of cannabis can now be demonstrated. «Regulations governing medical cannabis are now a reality in Netherlands, in Uruguay, in some American states. Cannabis used for recreational purposes will be to be implemented soon in Canada. »

Furthermore, legalization will help put an end not only to violence related to drug trafficking but also to the isolation of drug users. It is worth noting that in Spain, Cannabis is the gateway to the European black market. Juan Muñoz, a professor of criminal law at the University of Málaga and a member of GEPCA, states in the local newspaper El Dia : «Current regulations increase the risks; there is nothing more dangerous than an unregulated market, such as an illegal one.»

Cannabis use has also increased in the country. Today, 9.2% of Spaniards use cannabis. Tied with Italy, Spaniards are the second-largest consumers in Europe, right behind us.

In its manifesto, the GEPCA prioritizes safety and consumer rights. It does not address at all the issues related to potential addiction—one of the concerns that prohibitionists fear if cannabis were to be legalized.

What proposals are there to legalize cannabis?

The GECPA's cannabis regulation guidelines are as follows:

• Personal consumption shall not exceed 10 grams per day
• The sale of cannabis will not exceed 25 grams per person per day
• Cultivation is limited to 6 plants per household. No permit is issued if more than five people live at the same address.
• Regulated access to cannabis through a licensing system, as is the case in the United States
• No advertising in a location not designated for the sale of cannabis
• Clear labeling and information on cannabis products that will be sold
• For concentrates, maximum THC content of 60%

The GEPCA manifesto will soon be presented to the members of the Spanish Parliament. The various political parties will be asked to review and vote on this proposal.

Mehdi Bautier