Social Clubs
Private Social clubs remain the hub for cannabis consumers, innovators, and entrepreneurs of all stripes to socialize, gather, and exchange ideas (and try the latest flavors). The majority of social clubs locally owned, but the last few years has seen a wave of new clubs that are owned by and cater to non-locals. While some of these cater to tourists, many of them are for non-Spanish living in Barcelona- I found myself at a club + art gallery with French hip hop playing through the speakers, and a menu that stocks almost exclusively French growers and products.
A lot of incredible growers, phenohunters, and hash makers in Spain are opting to stay in the gray market rather than make the transition. There are many local groups that are looking to establish themselves and their brand with the Barcelona club scene.The low pay, bad experiences, and lack of autonomy found at many medical cannabis companies has made it more attractive for those with career cannabis aspirations to stay in the gray space.
Because most growers are small-scale (max 20 lights),you can find true premium quality at shops throughout Barcelona. While you do see popular US strains like Gelato, Apple Fritter and Wedding Cake, almost every shop has a haze on their menu, and old school Moroccan dominates over rosin or anything else dabbable. Because cultivation space is so limited, phenohunters and production growers work hand in hand. As a result, there are many clone-only selections with cult-like followings in Barcelona such as La Bomba, Grape Gas, and White Rainbow.
While Spain remains THE place for cannabis culture in Europe, the international presence is unmistakable. From Morocco to the UK, Lebanon to Ukraine, grower, hash makers, and cannabis entrepreneurs from all walks of life who have descended Barcelona, and they are bringing the heat.
