In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cannabis fairs in Spain. We’ll cover the historical timeline of their emergence across the country, as well as their essential role for the entire industry. We’ll also explain what “Cannabis Social Clubs” are, how this community-based concept centered on shared production works, the key dates of its inception, its overall evolution across the peninsula, and the significant fragility that still surrounds it today.
Iberian Cannabis Conventions
Spanish cannabis fairs are large, vibrant festivals that have been bringing together industry professionals and cannabis enthusiasts since 2002, when the first edition of Spannabis was held at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about ten annual cannabis fairs held throughout the country. These events attracted incredible crowds, particularly the Spannabis, thanks to its international reputation. It attracted the industry’s most renowned companies and massive crowds of visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, China, and Israel, with the vast majority of European countries also represented. With an average attendance exceeding 30,000 visitors per day, it is easy to see that it was the premier event in the European cannabis market, where a plethora of professionals, as well as passionate experts in the field and cannabis producers, could come together.
At these festive events, you could meet a large number of industry professionals at their booths, offering a comprehensive range of services (digital marketing and communications, cannabis-related media and advertising, specialized law firms, and other specific services), as well as all the equipment needed for growing plants. Among other things, the event featured seeds, fertilizers, grow tents, lights, ventilation systems, automated control systems (watering/lighting/ventilation/CO2), various cultivation methods (hydroponics/aeroponics/NFT, etc.), pots, odor control devices (activated carbon filters/aerosols/gels and deodorizing blocks), and water treatment systems, harvesting machines, as well as furniture and supplies for proper harvest storage (cedar wood boxes, decorated glass jars, containers made of hemp or recycled materials). The sector has grown significantly over the past decade, as it truly offered the complete and practical array of tools for the “perfect budding cannabis grower.”
Spannabis was a pioneer in its field, having held more than 17 editions over the past two decades. At each event, the city of Barcelona sees a massive influx of visitors, thanks in large part to the local Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) that organize numerous events. Among other trade shows in the sector, around 2008 visitors could attend Highlife in Pamplona, Expocannabis in Madrid starting in 2010, Spannabis in Málaga, Growmed—recently renamed Cannamed—in Valencia, Expogrow in Irun starting in 2012, Expocañamo in Seville, Viñagrow in Villarrobledo, and Intercannabis in Alicante.
The total number of cannabis trade shows reflects the sector’s growth and relevance since 2010. The cannabis industry is generating significant enthusiasm at every level.
All of these events have taken place without a hitch for over 20 years, yet might we not fear that these fairs will disappear in the near future?
We are fully aware of the purpose of this type of event, which is to bring together the widest possible range of industry professionals and give the public the opportunity to meet them in person. It is also a festive occasion, featuring a wide variety of fun activities (concerts, games, etc.) to entertain the public, as well as food stands. All of this creates a positive image, but the essential role of these cannabis fairs is above all to promote, energize, and invigorate all activities in the sector, with the aim of fostering economic growth and ensuring the long-term viability of this industry as a whole.
From these few lines, we can see that we are facing a great unknown, but above all that anything is possible; that is why it is best to remain objective and wait to see how things unfold.
SPANISH CANNABIS SOCIAL CLUBS (CSC)
“Cannabis Social Clubs” are non-profit associations composed exclusively of adults. Each Cannabis Club consists of a limited number of members who share, organize, and manage the cultivation, production, and distribution of cannabis within a closed circle, exclusively for the personal use of their members and not for industrial purposes. This is a relatively fragile model of cannabis regulation found internationally in countries such as Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Uruguay, Germany, and England. The first cannabis club to emerge on the Iberian Peninsula was ARSEC in 1993 (Asociación Ramón Santos de Estudios Sobre el Cannabis), followed by the CCCB (Club de Catadores de Cannabis de Barcelona) and MACA (Moviment Associatiu Cannàbic d’Autoconsum). These three associations were Catalan; subsequently, the AMEC (Asociación Madrileña de Estudios sobre el Cannabis) was founded in Madrid, followed by ARSECA in Andalusia. All these associations are part of the history of cannabis in Spain. Numerous new cannabis associations emerged beginning in 2002 throughout Spain. This expansion followed a court ruling affirming that the personal cultivation of cannabis plants for personal consumption does not constitute a crime, provided there is no proven intent to traffic. More than 1,600 cannabis social clubs are reportedly registered throughout Spain, reflecting the scale of the phenomenon.
“Several cannabis social clubs have ended up in court”
Although much time has passed since the first CSCs emerged, this associative model remains highly fragile. Despite public opinion becoming increasingly favorable over time, this is not enough. Only genuine regulation would allow them to look forward to a more secure future. Unfortunately, many CSCs are regularly subjected to interventions by the Spanish police for a variety of reasons. This national movement has even succeeded in creating several provincial and regional federations, known as the FAC (Federations of Cannabis Associations). In recent news, several Cannabis Social Clubs have ended up in court, with convictions handed down following their respective trials. Such was the case for the AUETCG (the Asociación de Usuarios para el Estudio Terapéutico del Cannabis de Gandia), which was ordered by the Audiencia de Valencia to permanently shut down the association, along with a three-year prison sentence for the president and two-year sentences for the secretary and treasurer. The “Casa Maria” association in Pontevedra was also shut down by the provincial high court, resulting in a three-month prison sentence for its two founders. The CSC Acmefuer, located in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, was also convicted by the local provincial court; 13 of its members received prison sentences ranging from 6 to 15 months, along with heavy fines of up to several hundred thousand euros.
