Spain applies a nuanced cannabis policy that falls between prohibition and legalization, creating a legal landscape that often confuses residents and visitors alike. Recreational weed is not legal, but personal marijuana use and cultivation are decriminalized when kept private, while public possession and consumption can still result in fines or sanctions. Medical cannabis exists only in a limited and evolving form, and cannabis social clubs operate within a legal gray area that varies by region. This page explains Spain’s current marijuana legality, including private use rules, public penalties, cultivation boundaries, cannabis club practices, and how Spanish law is enforced in practice. For readers who want to compare Spain’s approach with cannabis laws elsewhere, see our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Spain
1. Legal Status
- Recreational Use: Decriminalized for personal use in private spaces. Not legalized.
- Public Possession/Use: Illegal and subject to administrative fines or criminal charges.
- Medical Use: Partially legal under limited conditions, though access remains highly restricted.
2. Personal Cultivation
- Permitted in Private: Individuals may cultivate cannabis for personal use in private residences.
- No Clear Limits: Spanish law does not specify how many plants are allowed, but cultivation must be hidden from view in public areas.
- Enforcement: Tolerance varies by region and discretion of local authorities.
3. Cannabis Social Clubs
- What They Are: Non-profit associations where registered members collectively grow and consume cannabis.
- Legality: Operate in a legal gray area; more accepted in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country.
- Restrictions: Clubs must follow strict guidelines (e.g., no advertising, member-only access).
4. Medical Cannabis
- Legal Framework: Approved for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and treatment-resistant epilepsy.
- Access: Limited; not yet available through a comprehensive national program.
- Regulation: Awaiting full regulatory implementation.
5. Summary
Marijuana is not fully legal in Spain. While private, personal use is decriminalized, public use and sale remain illegal. Cannabis clubs and limited medical use exist within ambiguous legal boundaries.
