Is weed legal in Barcelona? Partially. Cannabis is decriminalized for personal use and allowed within private cannabis clubs, but public use and sale are illegal. These clubs operate in a legal gray area and are limited to members over 18.
Medical cannabis is legal for certain conditions, mainly in the form of Sativex. If you’re considering cannabis tourism in Barcelona, make sure to understand the local laws before you travel.
Top things to remember
- Cannabis is decriminalized in Spain for personal use in private spaces, but public consumption and sale remain illegal.
- Cannabis clubs are legal but regulated, requiring membership and compliance with strict guidelines; tourists can join with proper ID.
- Bringing cannabis across borders is illegal, and using or carrying it in public can result in fines of €500 or more.
Overview of Cannabis Laws in Barcelona
Cannabis in Barcelona exists in a legal gray area. Possession and consumption are decriminalized, but only when done privately. Public use or carrying marijuana openly can result in fines from €600 to €30,000, depending on the quantity and situation. While criminal charges are rare for small amounts, police can and do confiscate cannabis and issue administrative penalties.
Barcelona’s most notable feature is its cannabis clubs. These private, non-profit associations legally grow and distribute cannabis exclusively for their registered adult members. However, following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling, the legality of these clubs is under pressure. Despite that, many clubs remain open as of 2025, though they operate cautiously.
CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are widely available and legal across Spain. In contrast, THC-rich cannabis is only tolerated under strict conditions and is not legally sold in shops. Importantly, laws apply equally to tourists and residents: visitors must follow the same rules, including joining a club to access cannabis legally.
Medical Marijuana Status in Barcelona
Medical cannabis is legal in Barcelona under limited and highly regulated circumstances. The region of Catalonia began a therapeutic program in 2005, focusing on the use of Sativex, an oral spray derived from cannabis. This treatment is used in hospitals and specialized pharmacies for patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, and chronic pain.
To qualify, patients must be diagnosed with a qualifying condition and receive approval through participating hospitals or clinics. The program is not widely available and is managed through selected healthcare facilities, making access fairly restricted.
Tourists do not have access to medical cannabis in Barcelona. The system is only available to residents under the supervision of medical professionals, and it is not available over the counter. If you’re visiting and require medical cannabis, it’s advisable to travel with your medication legally prescribed in your home country and carry proper documentation.
Buying Cannabis in Barcelona
Cannabis is not sold in dispensaries or pharmacies in Barcelona. Instead, the legal method of access is through cannabis social clubs, which operate as non-profit associations. These clubs grow and distribute cannabis solely for their registered adult members. There is no open sale. Instead, members make voluntary donations to receive a set amount of product.
Tourists can join, but the process requires a valid ID and either an invitation from a current member or a club-issued referral. Some clubs accept members starting from the age of 18, while others require a minimum age of 21. Annual membership fees typically range from €20 to €50, and each visitor must register individually.
Prices for cannabis vary, usually falling between €8 and €15 per gram, depending on the strain and club. Clubs also offer a range of products like pre-rolls, hash, edibles, and concentrates. Most are cash-only and operate without signage, requiring visitors to ring a bell to enter.
Where You Can and Can’t Use It
Cannabis use is only legal in private spaces in Barcelona. You can consume weed inside a registered cannabis club or your private residence. Public consumption is strictly prohibited and can lead to fines starting at €500, even for small amounts.
In terms of accommodation, some Airbnbs may allow smoking, but always confirm with the host. Hotels typically ban smoking altogether. It’s also worth noting that the smell of cannabis may lead to complaints or further issues in shared housing or rentals.
You are allowed to carry cannabis in small amounts if you’re coming from a club, but possession is only tolerated in private. Avoid drawing attention, especially in tourist-heavy areas or public transport. Follow our safe cannabis travel guide in Barcelona and stay discreet and respect the local laws on where you can legally light up.
Travelling there with Weed
Bringing cannabis into Spain is illegal, regardless of the amount or your country of origin. Border authorities treat it as a controlled substance, and attempting to travel with weed could lead to confiscation, fines, or even arrest depending on the situation.
Barcelona’s airport uses standard EU security procedures, which include bag scans and random inspections. Even if you’re carrying cannabis legally in your home country, this does not apply in Spain. The same rules apply when leaving—do not attempt to take cannabis out of the country, even if it was obtained legally at a club.
If caught with cannabis at customs, you could face legal consequences ranging from administrative fines to criminal charges, especially if the amount suggests trafficking rather than personal use.
Law Enforcement and Risks
Police in Barcelona are generally tolerant toward private cannabis use, but they strictly enforce laws on public consumption, possession in public spaces, and unlicensed sales. Getting caught smoking on the street may result in fines or confiscation, even if you bought the weed legally from a club.
Arrest is unlikely for small possession amounts unless you’re openly using or carrying cannabis in a suspicious context. Still, it’s best to avoid confrontations with law enforcement and to be respectful if approached.
Watch out for common scams targeting tourists, especially offers to buy weed in public places or from strangers. These are often illegal and can lead to both legal trouble and poor-quality or unsafe products. Stick to legal clubs, carry small amounts discreetly, and follow club rules.
Cultural Attitudes
Cannabis in Barcelona is relatively socially accepted, especially among younger crowds and locals familiar with the cannabis club model. There’s a long-standing community presence, and the city is known internationally as a hub for cannabis tourism, though authorities are now trying to curb its visibility.
That said, public use is still frowned upon, especially by older generations and in family-oriented or conservative neighborhoods. Discretion is key: using weed openly may attract negative attention or complaints, particularly in residential areas.
Barcelona also has a vibrant cannabis scene, with events, associations, and advocacy groups working to protect cannabis culture. The atmosphere inside clubs is generally relaxed, respectful, and welcoming to international visitors who follow the rules.
Useful Local Tips
In Barcelona, cannabis is often referred to as “hierba” (herb) or “maría”, and joints are commonly called “porros”. You might hear locals use these casually among friends, especially near club areas.
Some cannabis-friendly events occur throughout the year, such as Spannabis, one of the largest cannabis expos in Europe, held annually in nearby Cornellà. While open to professionals, it draws tourists and locals alike. A few weed-friendly coworking spaces and cafes also exist, but these do not function like cannabis cafés in Amsterdam.
As for 420-friendly stays, options are limited, and platforms like Airbnb don’t openly advertise this. If you’re looking for cannabis-permissive lodging, your best bet is to book an Airbnb with an outdoor terrace and message the host directly for clarification.
Final Advice / Disclaimer
Cannabis laws in Barcelona can change with little notice, and legal interpretations vary between regions and authorities. Always check current local regulations before your trip or club visit, especially as the city’s leadership continues pushing for tighter restrictions.
For now, cannabis clubs remain the safest way to access weed legally in Barcelona. But to avoid trouble, keep your use private, carry small amounts, and never consume in public. When in doubt, ask the club staff. They’re usually well-informed and happy to guide responsible tourists.
Travel smart, be discreet, and show respect for local laws and customs.