Barcelona Orders Dozens of Cannabis Clubs to Close

Barcelona city authorities have decided to close 30 cannabis clubs, the latest step in a campaign to eliminate them from the city, a move that has sparked controversy and opposition both locally and internationally, underscoring deep divisions over drug policy.

The inspections of cannabis clubs, carried out by the Urban Guard, began in late 2023, when the city’s vice president and security commissioner, Albert Batlle, announced his intentions to close more than 200 cannabis clubs. “We want to do this in full compliance with the law and without haste,” Batlle said, adding that his goal is to close all of them.

As a result of these inspections, the city of Barcelona has begun sending out notices to cannabis clubs, informing them to cease operations. So far, 30 clubs have received such notices, and it is expected that this campaign will cover the majority of such establishments in Barcelona. Clubs have 10 days to file appeals, after which a decision will be made whether the closure will be temporary (for a period of six months to two years) or permanent.

Lack of regulations in Barcelona

The 2021 Supreme Court decision that invalidated a 2016 local law regulating cannabis clubs left these establishments without any legal protection. The city of Barcelona reminded clubs that after the ruling, they can only “provide information, develop and disseminate research, and organize meetings and seminars” on cannabis.

Without clear regulations, cannabis clubs have found themselves in a state of legal uncertainty. Many have continued to operate, allowing people to consume and purchase cannabis inside their premises, although some have begun to restrict access to marijuana. The city inspections that led to the current closures were designed to make sure the clubs were operating in compliance with the new guidelines, which were not clearly defined.

Reactions and controversies

Reactions to the city’s decision were mixed. CATFAC, a federation of cannabis clubs, expressed strong opposition to the court’s approach to the issue, emphasizing that it does not solve the real problems.

“We oppose the court route in this case and we know that it will not solve the problem,” CATFAC representatives said. Many in the cannabis industry expressed outrage, emphasizing that cannabis clubs that have been cooperating with the authorities for years and are involved in harm reduction programs are being treated on an equal footing with those that may be more problematic.

International organizations and academics from 53 countries have sent an open letter to Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni calling for an end to “regressive policies” that undermine global progress on drug policy. “Cannabis social clubs prioritize human rights and public health over criminalization,” the letter reads. “They allow for the communal consumption of [cannabis], separating users from the illegal market and its risks.”

The importance of cannabis clubs

Cannabis clubs play a key role in public health and harm reduction related to cannabis use. They allow for controlled and safe consumption, separating users from illegal markets and their associated risks. The Barcelona model has gained international recognition, inspiring countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Malta and the Czech Republic to implement similar solutions.

Despite pressure from local authorities, many of these countries have adopted the Barcelona model as inspiration for their own cannabis club regulations. Proponents of the model emphasize its role in minimizing the risks associated with the illegal drug market and in promoting public health through controlled and safe cannabis consumption.

Conclusions and a look at the future

Barcelona’s decision to close cannabis clubs raises many questions about the future of these establishments and, more broadly, the future of drug policy in the city. As the situation evolves, finding a balance between legal regulation and the needs of public health and human rights will be crucial. The next steps by Barcelona’s authorities and the public’s reactions will have a significant impact on the future of cannabis clubs in the city and potential changes to the law in this area.

On the one hand, the city authorities argue that their actions are aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and protecting residents from the negative social and legal consequences associated with cannabis consumption. On the other hand, critics emphasize that the closure of cannabis clubs could lead to an increase in the illegal drug market and limited access to safe and controlled cannabis consumption, which could have negative consequences for public health.

Continued monitoring of the situation and dialogue between authorities, cannabis club representatives and society will be key to finding solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved in this issue. As other countries continue to explore cannabis regulation, Barcelona can learn from their experiences to create more balanced and effective drug policies in the future.

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(Featured image by Enes via Unsplash)

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