The second rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club’. In this case, Fight Club and Spanish Cannabis Clubs have a lot in common. Now whilst I may not be as handsome, ripped and god damn charismatic as Mr. Pitt, I still have some rules to lay down to you all today. The Spanish Cannabis Club is a phenomenon and beautiful creature that must be respected and cared for. That is why we’re going to be working through the 5 rules of Spanish cannabis clubs. Oh, and don’t worry, they won’t all be ‘do not talk about Spanish cannabis clubs’. That would be a bit dull, wouldn’t it? So, have a light stretch, flex your muscles and prepare for the best bun of your life.

Cannabis legalization

Before we delve into the 5 rules of Spanish cannabis clubs, it’s important to first take note of how places like Spanish cannabis clubs are able to exist. Despite the fact we’re living in the futuristic, flying-car years of 2021, cannabis is far from legal everywhere. Whilst many countries have more recently become aware of the medicinal benefits of CBD and even THCA, recreational marijuana is still a long way away from being legalized everywhere. Unfortunately if you’ve been spoiled by the green-flowing streets of Amsterdam and California, then your views on cannabis legalization may be slightly skewed. Of course once cannabis is legalized, coffeeshops are able to open up, but without the legal shift, cannabis clubs are all but a dream. But let’s take a look. We’re going to have a quick-fire exploration to see which places around the world do and do not allow for the enjoyment of beautiful Mary Jane.

Cannabis around the world 

Obviously it would take a lot longer than a magazine article to fully explore every nation’s cannabis views, but we’ll just check in on a few major hotspots. These countries have been randomly selected by Brad Pitt himself.

USA

Of course Brad Pitt would choose his own birth place as one of the countries to talk about - bloody narcissist. Well, to be fair, America is a hard one to nail down due to the fact that it's made up of 50 states; all with varying views on cannabis. In Texas, for example, high-THC weed is illegal both recreationally and medicinally. However, in California it’s the polar opposite, both recreational and medicinal marijuana is legal. There are many dispensaries where tourists and locals can purchase marijuana.

England

England is always a depressing one to look at so I’ll make it quick. Before 2018 there was practically no hope whatsoever - with even medicinal cannabis not getting a look in. However, since 2018, medicinal cannabis has been made partially legal and CBD products are filling the shelves of many major street shops. Whilst the UK is far from having any cannabis bars, they are potentially on a long but definitive road to one day opening some.

Netherlands

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, they sit on their high horse smoking a well-earned joint. Everyone who loves cannabis knows how well they’re doing. Amsterdam is the ganja capital of the world, with coffeeshops flowing like water, and the government makes 400 million Euros annually from weed sales. However, there have been rumors that tourists may be banned from coffeeshops in the near future due to anti-social behavior. In other words: all the English people visiting Amsterdam every summer and throwing a whitey.

Jamaica

Jamaica, the birthplace of weed and music icon Bob Marley, is very lenient towards marijuana. Rightfully so. Since 2015, cannabis was decriminalized and the laws now allow for locals to have up to 5 plants for personal use. Dispensaries are also dotted around to quench all your cannabis needs.

North Korea

Who could have guessed that North Korea would be included on this list? Well I said it would be random, didn’t I? Plus, it isn’t up to me, It’s down to Brad! Well, whilst very few bits of information seep through the censored borders of North Korea, there are rumors that many locals enjoy the likes of ditchweed, which is basically wild cannabis. If North Korea ever chill out and try out some basic human rights, maybe they could be a weed hotspot one day.

Is Cannabis legal in Spain?

So, now we’ve created a bit of juicy global context, we can move on to Spain. What’s the deal over there? Spain is actually one of the most progressive cannabis countries in Europe now. Whilst it’s illegal to sell cannabis without a license, it is legal to buy for personal use. Although, I wouldn’t just smoke up on the streets as a tourist, it’s better consumed in privacy. Of course Spain has also become widely known for its popular cannabis clubs, which we can now explore.

What are Spanish cannabis clubs?

Spanish cannabis clubs, unlike Amsterdam coffee shops, are private. You can’t just walk in like a usual cafe. You have to have a membership. Once you’re a member you have access to the club and can consume cannabis there, without fear of prosecution. Spanish cannabis clubs first opened in the 1990s and now there are around 500 cannabis clubs in Spain, with almost half of them existing in Barcelona. Spanish cannabis clubs are holy places and are thus treated as such. There are many rules one must abide by if you want to become a member. We’ve summarized them in 5 key rules. Take note. Otherwise, as Brad Pitt would say, you might be fighting a losing battle.

The 5 rules of Spanish Cannabis Clubs

Here it is. The 5 rules of Spanish cannabis clubs. If it helps to read these out in Brad Pit’s voice then, by all means, go ahead.

You have to be a member!

The first rule is crucial. You have to be a member. Don’t just go walking in with your mates and think you won’t be thrown out because you most definitely will. To be a member you don’t necessarily have to be a resident in Spain but you do need a Spanish residential address. Obviously if you’re not a resident, you won’t have one of these, but hotels and hostels can work. Some cannabis clubs are stricter than others so you may be accepted in one place, but rejected somewhere else. A loophole could be to be recommended by an already existing member; preferably a Spanish resident. I know it all sounds a bit complicated, but the exclusivity makes it all the more satisfying when you finally get in there.

Don’t smoke weed on the street!

As previously mentioned, the reason why cannabis clubs exist is that they allow for a safe place for people to enjoy the wonders of cannabis without the fear of being persecuted. Therefore, if you’re found to be smoking outside a cannabis club, you’re not protected by the club and - in fact - you’re putting that club in danger of being shut down. Even selfishly, if you’re found to be smoking on the street in Spain you could be charged 500 Euros or, if found twice, up to 30,000 Euros. So, again, I definitely wouldn’t recommend smoking weed on the street.

Don’t ask to ‘buy’ weed

Although all of these 5 rules are extremely important, this one is most definitely up there with one of the most crucial. Never ever ask to ‘buy’ weed inside a Spanish cannabis club. Spanish cannabis clubs are not shops. They are members’ clubs. They cannot legally sell you cannabis, instead you contribute to the club with your membership fee and receive it that way. That does not mean you can’t get cannabis there, of course you can. But instead use words like ‘have’ or ‘get’, which are non-financial terms. For example, ‘excuse me, can I get some weed?’, or ‘can I hear about some of the strains you have?’ are ideal phrases to use. They don’t know if you’re an undercover cop or not do they? It might sound ridiculous but these places have existed for so long and will be able to exist in the future due to their strict policies. And, like Fight Club, it makes it all the cooler when you’re inside.

Don’t ask questions

If you’re not a member you shouldn’t ask any questions to those working there or other members. If people are found to be promoting the cannabis club then that is also, by law, illegal. Furthermore, you shouldn’t ask questions to street promoters about cannabis clubs either. If they’re out and about promoting weed clubs then they are already not abiding by the laws and probably don’t have your safety in their minds. It’s common to use the internet to research cannabis clubs and to apply for membership - so do that!

Bring your I.D

The last, but by no means least, rule of Spanish cannabis clubs is: bring identification. When you become a member they will take a lot of information from you, including needing to see your I.D, but that does not mean you shouldn’t bring it every time you’re there. By all means, you may not need it, depending on which club you attend, but it’s good etiquette to always have it there for them to see. It would be a majorly rookie move to not have it on you if they wanted to see it.

Now go out there and enjoy spanish cannabis clubs

The 6th rule of Spanish cannabis clubs, which may not have made the list but I’ll include regardless, is...enjoy yourself! It might seem all a little bit strict and stressful, but, really, once you’re in there smoking on a joint you’ll realize how amazing it is to smoke in peace and safety. Some of the best Spanish cannabis clubs are genuinely like fortresses. You’ll never want to leave. So, enough from me, book your ticket to Spain and find out for yourself.