Hundreds of Marijuana Clubs Open in Spain

Spain is becoming a global destination for marijuana tourism.  Roughly 300 marijuana clubs have opened in Barcelona and surrounding areas with no signs of slowing down,. Barcelona officials are not condoning the businesses either.

It seems that these new marijuana entrepreneurs are operating off a decade old loophole.  An old law in Spain allows anyone to grow and use marijuana in private as long as they are doing so in regards to operating a nonprofit business.  So individuals are permitted to join together and open marijuana clubs the same way your mom might start a wine-of-the-month club and invite all of her friends to sit around and drink and gossip in private.

Over the last few years, these clubs have been popping up all over Barcelona, specifically in heavy tourist areas.  While a lot of the clubs will refuse walk-ins off the street, many will offer “memberships” where you can gain entry by paying a little over $20.  The type of club you might encounter will vary from spot to spot.  Some are reminiscent of a fraternity house, with pool tables and a couple of televisions, while others are more upscale offering live music, full restaurants, and even pilates classes.

Experts say that one reason for the massive boom in club openings is that the younger generation is seeing it as a way to find good jobs. In the meantime, Spanish authorities have put a 1 year moratorium on any new marijuana clubs from opening.