Super Lemon Haze and Cream Caramel… the names sound eerily familiar, not of foodstuffs, but the get high quick marijuana models that go by funky names. No, the scene is not straight out of America in states like Colorado with full legalization of marijuana, both in medical and recreational terms. Far away in Europe in Spain, marijuana is illegal in both senses, much as people would have it otherwise.

In spite of the illegal status, about 265 cannabis clubs, or associations as they are locally called, manage to grow process and consume cannabis in the member’s only amity. The clubs resemble arty living rooms with television, paintings, bar facilities, games and music in an intimate togetherness. The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona! Estimates put membership at 200,000 members in a city of 1.7 million. Even in the haven of The Netherlands and perhaps several other countries, the growing and selling process may be illegal, but discrete changing of hands of small quantities is not frowned upon.

The clubs work on a no-profit basis with members contributing funds and paying a token fee. Marijuana demand may be limited to 100 grams a month. Depending upon the cannabis variety, 10 euros may fetch a tiny quantity of 2 grams. Consuming cannabis is privately done within the club premises.

Is marijuana legalization possible in Spain?

It should be expected with sound medical reasons that a demand for legalization would arise with so many recreational enthusiasts too like in many other countries. The greatest disadvantage otherwise is an even more flourishing black market with drug cartels and their violence. La Rosa Verda or The Green Rose has massive support, an initiative to loosen up the cannabis industry and make it legally accessible. Parents and teachers in Barcelona are not objecting either because school problems of tobacco and alcohol are even greater.

The greater Catalonia region in North-eastern Spain is well known for profound wine and incredible architecture. With great pride in the native language, people here are rebellious too. If cannabis is legal, it would add to the list. Most would agree as the Catalan parliament proposes to end the cannabis associated crime vortex and declare it legal. That would make it possible for the clubs to grow and consume weed in peace among them.

Tourists would be excluded; cannabis tourism is out of the question though The Netherlands may allow it. As things stand, a club member must sponsor new arrivals, unlike in the Colorado dispensaries. The proposal to make members wait 15 days to receive a cannabis supply would also effectively screen out tourists. Some lawmakers continue to oppose liberalization, believing it would only bring harm.