Catalan Parliament approves law on Cannabis Social Clubs

The Health Committee of the Catalan Parliament has approved the bill regarding cannabis consumer associations, also known as the Cannabis Social Clubs. It will be put to a final vote on June 28 during a plenary session. This bill explicitly recognizes the right of cannabis user associations to operate freely and regulates the activities of these associations and their clubs, as well as the rights and obligations of their members.

The purpose of this law is to establish a legal framework for cannabis associations, which are can be found in large numbers in Barcelona, consumers and their clubs, as well as the regulation of all its activities. It also oversees inspections of activities related to public health, particularly the prevention of risks associated with cannabis use.

The bill proposed by the Catalan Parliament acknowledges several key points:

• Cannabis use by adults (aged 21 or older) in private settings—whether for recreational or therapeutic purposes—is part of «the exercise of the fundamental right to the free development of the personality, the right to freedom of conscience, and the right to health of citizens.».
• A significant portion of Catalonia’s population uses cannabis. After more than half a century of political repression, the proposed law states that legal uncertainty and the prohibition of cannabis constitute discrimination and a violation of fundamental rights, which have led to the existence of the black market. This black market produces low-quality cannabis, which increases the risks associated with its use.
• The bill explains that the government has introduced a bill to amend the revised text, particularly with regard to inspections and controls related to cannabis.
• Finally, the Catalan (and Spanish) government will need to focus on technical and economic measures to establish a new local tax on cannabis, with the aim of reducing the risks and harms associated with its use and protecting consumers.

The full bill may to be here (in Catalan).

Mehdi Bautier