The use and possession of cannabis for personal use is not considered a criminal offense in Spain, but it is also not strictly legal. Instead, it is decriminalized and considered an administrative offense. This means that possession of small amounts of cannabis is generally tolerated by law enforcement, and individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis may be subject to fines but are unlikely to face criminal charges.
However, while possession and use of cannabis are decriminalized, selling, trafficking, or growing cannabis is illegal and can result in criminal charges. The cultivation and sale of cannabis are strictly prohibited under Spanish law, and penalties for these offenses can be severe.
Despite the legal grey area surrounding cannabis in Spain, there are a number of private cannabis clubs that operate openly in some parts of the country. These clubs operate as non-profit organizations and allow members to consume cannabis in designated areas.
Overall, while the use and possession of cannabis for personal use is not strictly legal in Spain, it is decriminalized and generally tolerated by law enforcement. However, selling, trafficking, or growing cannabis is illegal and can result in criminal charges. It is important for individuals to be aware of the legal risks associated with cannabis use in Spain and to exercise caution when consuming or possessing cannabis.