Catalonia has adopted a law authorizing and regulating clubs of cannabis consumers
The autonomous regional parliament of Catalonia has adopted a law (118 votes in favor, 8 against and one abstention) authorizing the cultivation, consumption and transport of cannabis for adult use. Catalonia is the second most populous region in Spain, the law will regulate 7,5 million inhabitants.
A first in Europe
In Spain, the law penalizes the consumption of cannabis in public. But it remains silent on private consumption, which is suddenly tolerated. The Parliament of Catalonia in Spain, which operates autonomously, will regulate the cultivation, consumption and transport of cannabis for adult use. This ambitious and daring decision marks the first time in Europe. This is the first time that an adult use system of this nature has been established. This effectively allows cannabis to be a legal product in the region.
Cannabis clubs
Although these new regulations are for the benefit of Catalans who enjoy cannabis, marijuana tourism is not allowed. Due to this regulation, the new rules will state that anyone who applies to be a member of a cannabis club will have to wait 15 days before participating in the club's marijuana culture.
New regulation says cannabis clubs can not produce more 150 kg of dried marijuana per year. Each crop will require approval by an agronomist. This is to determine if the amount grown is consistent with the amount consumed for each cannabis club. In addition, social clubs for cannabis consumption are estimated between 700 and 800 in Catalonia ...
“We didn't want to do something half-way,” said Alba Vergés, chair of the Parliament's Health Committee.
Vergés refers to the famous “backdoor law” that existed for decades in places like Holland and Amsterdam. Where the sale of marijuana was legal. But culture was always driven by the black market… This is why the authorization of culture appears in this historic decision of the Catalans.
Anyone over the age of 21 year old can buy up to 60 grams per month. And those who have 18 and 21 years are only allowed 20 grams per month. But the amounts do not apply to those who use marijuana for medical purposes. In addition, these new regulations do not allow the consumption of alcohol in clubs or (marijuana) foods of any kind.
The Catalan government is aware that this new decision can be contested in the constitutional court by the federal government in Spain. The Catalan Parliament has declared publicly that Catalonia holds the legal right to authorize this legislation.
