Spannabis is the epicenter of cannabis culture in Spain, pulling in over 25,000 people in 2024 when Barcelona became overrun with stoners, medicinal enthusiasts, experts, budtenders, and more.
However, this year, Spannabis exposed the stark difference between Barcelona’s love of cannabis and the government’s opinion on the matter. Police tried to send a clear message when raiding cannabis clubs leading up to the event.
Fortunately, Spannabis can’t be stopped, and neither can the momentum towards the end of prohibition. This year’s Spannabis celebration may have exposed the political tension between citizens and politicians, but cannabis advocates and enthusiasts have long known that it’s a natural, medicinal plant with no reason for prohibition.
Spannabis is an annual cannabis event and stage for global cannabis industry leaders that takes place in Barcelona, Spain. It’s in its 20th year and is world-renowned for its huge crowds, famous speakers, high-quality vendors, and more.
The event drew more than 25,000 people this year from March 15-17th, 2024, with little room to move depending on where you found yourself in the sea of attendees. Hundreds of vendors, ranging from top-notch seed companies to agencies to dispensaries- and everything in between, successfully served the large crowds.
As a bonus, Spannabis always happens at the beginning of spring, with stunning floral blooms surrounding participants.
Spannabis is a celebration of weed culture in Spain and around the world. Still, despite the chill vibes and pure love emanating from the event, law enforcement saw the festival as an opportunity to crack down on cannabis usage this year.
Leading up to Spannabis on March 13th, police raided over 15 weed clubs around the city, collecting fines and taking products off the shelves. This orchestrated sting was meant to send a clear message from politicians to Spannabis: cannabis is unwelcome in Barcelona.
Cannabis clubs are more densely populated in Barcelona than anywhere else in Spain, so it was the perfect place for a sting operation, especially leading up to this massive and publicized event.
The legality of cannabis in Spain is a bit confusing. The cultivation and personal use of cannabis are decriminalized, while the sale of cannabis remains illegal.
Cannabis clubs are a popular work-around to this grey legal standing because they’re technically private property.
Selling cannabis can result in a prison sentence, whereas growing cannabis somewhere in public view can result in hefty fines.
According to the Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School:
“Decriminalization is the process through which the legislature removes criminal sanctions against an act, omission, article, or behavior which is considered a crime. Decriminalization means it would remain illegal, but the legal system would not prosecute a person for the act. The penalties would range from no penalties at all to a civil fine. This can be contrasted with legalization which is the process of removing all legal prohibitions against the act.“
Simply put: decriminalization removes prosecution for consuming cannabis, whereas legalization removes all penalties and makes cannabis fully legal.
Cannabis culture is alive and well in Barcelona, especially with private cannabis clubs so readily available. Barcelona decriminalized cannabis in 2017, but the first cannabis cafe opened up in 2001 — making it well ahead of its time.
There are over 450 cannabis clubs in and around Barcelona, indicating a positive public opinion on cannabis in Spain.
And the grey legal zone isn’t stopping consumers — 74% of all cannabis seizures in Europe took place in Spain in 2021, according to the European Drug Report in 2023. The statistic also speaks volumes on the tension between law enforcement and public opinion in regards to the plant.
Cannabis culture has been going strong in Barcelona for quite some time. Cannabis clubs in 2001 and decriminalization in 2017 have allowed the culture to flourish. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the government or law enforcement is happy about it.
European citizens and global travelers continue to attend Spannabis every year, so the festivities can’t be stopped. Spannabis continues without a hitch. As a true global showcase of cannabis culture, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, it is an iconic event with 20 years of history behind it, and some police raids here and there don’t have the power to stop the event’s momentum.
Despite occasional interference from authorities, the spirit of Spannabis holds strong and serves as a testament to the resilience and passion of the cannabis community. The event brings together people from all walks of life who share a common appreciation for this special plant.
With each passing year, Spannabis grows in influence and fosters innovation, advocacy, and a sense of unity among attendees. The festival’s enduring success highlights the growing force of a culture that, despite challenges, continues to thrive and inspire people around the world.
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