The Spanish government has yet to consider regulations regarding the export and supply of recreational Cannabis, but there are a number of measures awaiting debate in the Spanish Congress. This lack of clear regulatory direction has created a social and political buy marijuana seeds legal uproar, with many marijuana advocates arguing that legalization is the only way to create a sustainable industry. The Spanish government is currently awaiting the results of a recent study that looked at the potential health benefits of cannabis for patients.
The Spanish government is not yet ready to approve exports of recreational Cannabis, but it has granted cultivation licenses to one of the world’s largest poppy-growing companies, Medalchemy. This company supplies all medical cannabis produced in Spain, including edibles, and exports to other countries. This decision makes sense, as Spanish patients still lack access to medical cannabis infrastructure, and it is not necessary to import recreational cannabis to meet these needs.
In April 2021, a barometer survey was conducted to see how much people favored legalization. Results showed that ninety-one percent of Spanish citizens support the legalization of medical marijuana, and fifty-seven percent argued for recreational use. Despite these results, the price of recreational cannabis in Spain is considerably cheaper than in most of the rest of the EU. However, due to a lack of legal oversight, the quality of products can vary widely.
While access to medical marijuana is illegal in Spain, there is no legal distinction between hemp and marijuana. If it contains more than 0.2% THC, it is marijuana. If it does not, it is hemp. In Spain, however, it is illegal to transport or sell recreational cannabis outside of private clubs. However, it is legal to consume marijuana in private clubs. However, a private club must have a recommendation from a club member.
Although the government has yet to adopt any type of medicinal cannabis program, there are several companies in the country that are licensed to grow the plant for recreational use. These companies are often referred to as “cannabis clubs.” Some lastest about cannabis of these clubs are private, and therefore can only be found through word of mouth. Other clubs only accept Spanish citizens and are strictly referral-only. The members of marijuana clubs don’t bring their own cannabis, but purchase it on-site.
The cannabis industry has been hailed as the “business of the century.” This sector is growing at such a rapid pace that companies have even listed their shares on a Spanish stock exchange. And the resulting cannabis stocks are worth more than many of Spain’s Ibex-35 companies. Because of the immense potential of the industry, large corporations are jockeying for position in the Spanish cannabis industry. Listed on a stock exchange, the plant is already worth more than half a billion euros, so the export and supply of recreational cannabis will be a hugely lucrative business.
In Europe, cannabis regulation may best develop along the lines of multi-level governance. Multi-level governance involves multiple actors on different levels, which encourages greater citizen participation, allows initiatives to be developed at the local level, and avoids top-down solutions. This model is one that can potentially work, but it will take political will to make it happen. The European Union will have a greater chance of making it happen.
While the importing countries are still working to implement the regulations regarding the supply and export of cannabis, the demand for marijuana has grown exponentially in recent years. Demand isn’t only based on the volume of cannabis exported, but also on the products that are available. Some have even exported medical cannabis for research purposes. However, the majority of cannabis exports have been for medical use. Furthermore, these countries have a stable political environment, with peace agreements with the FARC. The WTO estimates that it takes 10 days to establish a business in Colombia.
While cannabis is illegal in Spain, it is not illegal to cultivate small amounts for personal use. While possession of a small amount is a misdemeanor, sale and trafficking of large amounts can lead to imprisonment. Despite being illegal, cultivating cannabis is not punishable, but it is regulated in Spain, as well as being a dangerous substance. A small amount of cannabis is permitted in licensed coffee shops.