In Barcelona, the office is ideally placed to monitor international developments and develop our regional network.
Spain, Europe’s fifth-biggest economy, offers a talent pool with a rich depth of cannabis knowledge and expertise, whilst also being home to a burgeoning market of cultivators, manufacturers and research labs.
Cannabis Cultivation in Spain
Spain is home to a warm climate, with relatively low labour costs and an advanced agricultural and pharma industry, giving it the potential for cultivation leadership in mainland Europe. However, only two commercial licences have been reported to have been issued. One licence holder, local narcotics producer, Alcaliber, has partnered with Canopy Growth for cultivation. Given the increased value of licences in neighbouring Portugal (Tilray recently invested €26.5 million into a medical cannabis operation), it should only be a matter of time before Spain allows for wider cultivation projects.
Spanish Medical Cannabis
At present, Spain has only allowed licensed pharmaceutical preparations such as Sativex and does not yet allow the prescription of medical cannabis. However, given the legislative changes observed in other advanced European economies, such as the UK, Italy and Germany, and pressure from minority opposition parties, Spain is expected to develop a medical cannabis system in the short term. Spain’s ageing population will provide an interesting opportunity as the healthcare system sees an increasing patient flow.
Spanish Cannabis Culture
Spain has long had a culture of recreational cannabis use due to the legality of private consumption. The trend is reflected in the third highest prevalence levels in Europe (9.5% annual use in adults aged 15 – 64). This has led to a thriving home grow, seed production and cannabis social club scene, with the latter particularly focussed on Barcelona (albeit in a legal grey area). Although the current prime minister recently rejected the possibility of following Canada’s full legalisation of cannabis, political pressure has mounted and local experts expect Spain to be part of the first wave of EU countries to fully liberalise recreational use.
Expertise: Strong national pharma industry, internationally recognised cannabis research centres, social acceptance and high consumption levels have led to a pool of world-class cannabis researchers and other professionals, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, the two centres of the Spanish cannabis movement
Exactly how and when the market opens up is by no means certain, but given the momentum across the continent, Spain is a likely contender for short-term medical legalisation and mid-term recreational legalisation. As and when such opportunities arise, Prohibition Partners is ideally placed at the forefront of the European and international market.
Prohibition Partners Barcelona office is centrally situated at Ramon Turró 100, Floor 2, Room 9. To get in touch with our team, Head of Consultancy Barbara Pastori can be contacted: Barbara@prohibitionpartners.com
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In Barcelona, the office is ideally placed to monitor international developments and develop our regional network.
Spain, Europe’s fifth-biggest economy, offers a talent pool with a rich depth of cannabis knowledge and expertise, whilst also being home to a burgeoning market of cultivators, manufacturers and research labs.
Cannabis Cultivation in Spain
Spain is home to a warm climate, with relatively low labour costs and an advanced agricultural and pharma industry, giving it the potential for cultivation leadership in mainland Europe. However, only two commercial licences have been reported to have been issued. One licence holder, local narcotics producer, Alcaliber, has partnered with Canopy Growth for cultivation. Given the increased value of licences in neighbouring Portugal (Tilray recently invested €26.5 million into a medical cannabis operation), it should only be a matter of time before Spain allows for wider cultivation projects.
Spanish Medical Cannabis
At present, Spain has only allowed licensed pharmaceutical preparations such as Sativex and does not yet allow the prescription of medical cannabis. However, given the legislative changes observed in other advanced European economies, such as the UK, Italy and Germany, and pressure from minority opposition parties, Spain is expected to develop a medical cannabis system in the short term. Spain’s ageing population will provide an interesting opportunity as the healthcare system sees an increasing patient flow.
Spanish Cannabis Culture
Spain has long had a culture of recreational cannabis use due to the legality of private consumption. The trend is reflected in the third highest prevalence levels in Europe (9.5% annual use in adults aged 15 – 64). This has led to a thriving home grow, seed production and cannabis social club scene, with the latter particularly focussed on Barcelona (albeit in a legal grey area). Although the current prime minister recently rejected the possibility of following Canada’s full legalisation of cannabis, political pressure has mounted and local experts expect Spain to be part of the first wave of EU countries to fully liberalise recreational use.
Expertise: Strong national pharma industry, internationally recognised cannabis research centres, social acceptance and high consumption levels have led to a pool of world-class cannabis researchers and other professionals, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, the two centres of the Spanish cannabis movement
Exactly how and when the market opens up is by no means certain, but given the momentum across the continent, Spain is a likely contender for short-term medical legalisation and mid-term recreational legalisation. As and when such opportunities arise, Prohibition Partners is ideally placed at the forefront of the European and international market.
Prohibition Partners Barcelona office is centrally situated at Ramon Turró 100, Floor 2, Room 9. To get in touch with our team, Head of Consultancy Barbara Pastori can be contacted: Barbara@prohibitionpartners.com
