Barcelona
Ah, Barcelona, the city where you can get lost in the Gothic Quarter's streets, only to emerge, sun-drenched on the sands of Barceloneta. It’s a place where every nook and cranny has a story, the more artsy sections involving Gaudí, Picasso, or your friendly neighborhood cannabis club. The weed scene here is as complex yet bright and colorful as the mosaics in Park Güell. Pack your bag let's travel to Barcelona’s finest places to get some sweet green 🍃.
Visiting Park Güell is like stepping into a dream. Or is that just the edibles kicking in? 🎨🍃
Let’s jump to the late '80s and early '90s, a period when Barcelona was buzzing with the excitement of the upcoming 1992 Olympics. The 90s marked the beginning of a change in the perception of cannabis in Barcelona. As society began to question old and repressive policies, the first cannabis associations emerged as a response to the need to provide a safe space for users and break with the black market of canna in the city. Under a membership structure and a focus on self-management, these clubs offered quality cannabis to their members while promoting education and responsibility in its use. This era marked the city as a growing hub for artistic and cultural renaissance 🎭. Think of these early clubs as the speakeasies of cannabis—a response to the legal grey area.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, when Barcelona's cannabis culture starts to come to life. The city, with its laid-back vibe and a strong emphasis on social cohesion, became a fertile ground for the sprouting of cannabis clubs.
By 2017, Catalonia (Barcelona's home region) took a bold step forward, passing a law that formally regulated cannabis clubs, setting the stage for a cannabis boom in the heart of Barcelona.
Currently, cannabis clubs in Barcelona operate on a membership basis. They're non-profit spaces where cannabis is grown and “shared” among members. An annual membership fee is around 20 euros, and the cost for a gram of canna will cost you around 10-15 euros, depending on the strain.
These clubs, operating under a non-profit model, create a communal space where members can share and enjoy cannabis legally, within the confines of a tightly regulated system. These clubs have evolved into cultural hubs, offering a variety of experiences from yoga sessions infused with CBD to workshops on sustainable cultivation practices.
We gotta let you know that this local law dances 💃🏽🕺 in a delicate balance with Spain's national laws, where the sale and trafficking of cannabis remains illegal. This creates a uniquely Catalan approach to cannabis culture, centered around these clubs that operate in legal limbo, accessible only to members and often hidden in plain sight.
In Spain, the deal with marijuana is pretty specific:
Selling or buying marijuana is illegal. ❌
You can’t possess marijuana in public spaces. ❌
Public consumption is a no-no. ❌
But, here's the part we like:
Individuals can grow up to two plants in private. ✅
Joining a social/cultivation club is the insider’s way to get green🍃. You can consume canna within these clubs legally. ✅
Barcelona's cannabis narrative isn’t without its hang-ups. While the clubs have flourished, they navigate a complex legal landscape that reflects broader debates on cannabis policy in Spain and beyond. The question of legality remains patchy, with clubs operating in a semi-legal status that requires careful navigation of local and national laws.
As we explore Barcelona's cannabis culture, it's essential to recognize the city's role as a pioneer in defining a social model for cannabis use that prioritizes community, education, and responsible consumption. This model offers a glimpse into a future where cannabis can be used by society in a way that's both meaningful and mindful. These clubs are a beacon of collaboration and inclusivity in the global cannabis conversation.
Pro tip: It’s illegal to carry cannabis in public and fines can go above 1000 EUR 😱 depending on how much you’re carrying. The police can’t however check your underwear 😉🩲. So pack it up when transporting between locations!
Best Cultivation Clubs in Barcelona
Dr. Dou Social Club
Started in 2014 and nestled in the heart of Raval, Dr. Dou is not just a club; it's a movement. 😎🌱
Location: Carrer Doctor Dou, 7 local 2 08001 Barcelona
Review: Dr. Dou Social Club. It's like stumbling upon a secret hangout in Barcelona's Raval, where the entrance is guarded not by a bouncer, but by a little dude rocking an artisanal mustache and a doorbell that feels like it's whispering, "Are you cool enough?".
Keep an eye out
This location is easy to stroll past if you're not on high alert (if you’ve found the Paella place you’re close), once you enter, it's a whole new world 🌍.
Upon walking into the club you’ll be greeted by friendly staff. If you’re new they’ll guide you through everything you need to know about joining the club.
Note at this location:
You need to be 21 or older to join this club. Only members can enter with their club card and ID.
Membership is 20 EUR a year for which you get a card that provides entry into the club. You’ll need to bring your ID and card every time you want to come in.
Cash Only. If you arrive cashless no worries- there are many ATMs around. At this location, you’ll load money onto your membership card and use this to acquire snacks, swag, and of course our sweet Mary J.
The decor gives speakeasy vibes meets punk vintage flair, a hidden oasis in the urban landscape where the unexpected is the norm and every night feels like you've been let in on the city's best-kept secret.
Why does Mama like this location?
Walking into Dr. Dou is a homey experience. The first time I stepped through those mustached sliding doors I almost couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there before... In addition to the immaculate vibes and decor, the music is exquisite. I'm not just hyping up a decent Spotify playlist here—imagine the crème de la crème of house music sets, playing at just the right volume in the background. Plus, if you swing by between 6-9 pm on most evenings, you're in for a real treat with live music that ranges from DJs spinning tracks to fresh electronic beats that'll have you expanding your music choices.
You’ll want to follow them on Instagram to see when these sets are going on and who will be playing. The good music combined with the turntables, groovy lights, ample sofas, and constant visuals running on a projector in the club's heart are hard to avoid getting lost in. If you’ve ever been to the club Sisyphos in Berlin, Dr. Dou Social Club feels like its chiller cousin. The mood here is IT.
With that being said Dr. Dou has free WiFi, water, and everything you need to roll your green. Papers, filters, and grinders are spread generously throughout the venue. Mama particularly likes the couch situation. It’s like going over to your homey’s place to chill, hang out, and pass a joint around. All the little things that make you feel comfortable are there 😁.
You’ll use your membership card to get everything you’d need to elevate your experience at the club 🍃🍩☕️🥤. As you walk deeper into the venue you’ll find two bars. The first is for food and drinks, including bubbly water, coffee, wine, snacks, etc. At the other bar, your budtender is ready to help you pick out your perfect strain. The budtender will let you examine the strains you’re interested in and you select the increment of each bud you’d like. This is perfect for those looking to sample some of the different strains offered before finding the one you’d like to go all in for.
And let's not forget the piece de résistance: the events. Community events happen almost every day at this club. This space was made for creating, sharing, and experiencing canna in the vibiest way you can imagine. Even if you’re not in the mood to light up, a membership at Dr. Dou gets you more than access to just canna - it gives you the chance to join a tribe like no other in a city where it can be tough to find your place.
I can’t recommend this club enough when I’m in Barcelona. I pop into Dr. Dou a few times during the week to get ideas on paper, meet new people, and unwind in an undeniably comfortable atmosphere. In the words of those who have been “If you go, you’ll know.”
Dr. Resin Social Club
Location: Keeping it jazzy and a vibe in Les Corts in Barcelona 🎶
Address: Carrer de Guitard, 57, Les Corts, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
This club is one to bookmark
Review: Step into Dr. Resin, it’s a bit off the path and preferred by locals in Barcelona’s Les Corts district, and you might just feel like you've hit the jackpot of cultural experiences. Forget what you know about ordinary cannabis clubs; this place is a fusion of fine herb 💨🍃, good Catalan vibes, and live high-energy tunes. 🎸🎶
On most nights, sitting in the club feels like you’re heading into the venue of a sold-out concert, thanks to the regular performances and special "live sessions" they regularly broadcast on their YouTube channel.
The vibe here is distinctly upscale—think modern sleekness with a twist of artistic flair, all wrapped in a cool, clean aesthetic that echoes an upscale bar. The decor is modern yet inviting, with plush seating and pops of green that reflect the club's vibrant spirit. I would dare say this establishment feels a bit (west) Hollywood— like a VIP invite to the A-list afterparty of your dreams.
As soon as you step through the doors, you’re greeted by upbeat staff who are eager to guide newbies through the membership process. Here’s what you need to know:
Age Requirement: You must be 18+ to become a member.
Membership Fees: Choose from €20 for a six-month stint or €30 annually. Your membership card doubles as your wallet for acquiring green, snacks and merch.
Cash Only
The upstairs is your typical social club, serving drinks and good vibes. You can hop on your laptop or just hang out and relax in this area. The downstairs area of Dr. Resin is where the *magic* happens. With regular live music sessions and special events streamed online, it’s designed for those who love their beats and their vibes lively.
Why does Mama recommend this spot?
Beyond the good green and friendly faces that greet you, it's the flawless blend of hot bands and live music that truly distinguishes Dr. Resin.
This club is arguably one of Barcelona's hottest venues for jazz, funk, Latin rhythms, and a host of soul-stirring sounds. At Dr. Resin, you can either light up and lounge or head down to their basement and groove with the band. It's the ultimate spot for anyone looking to supercharge their Barcelona evenings with loud tunes, laid-back vibes, and great company.
