Barcelona’s 200 cannabis clubs face closure after a legal loophole that allowed the city to become Spain’s marijuana capital was closed by the supreme court.
The asociaciónes, as they are commonly referred to, have suffered their most recent setback. A Catalan regulation that expressed that “private utilization of marijuana by grown-ups… is essential for the activity of the major right to free self-awareness and opportunity of conscience” was overturned in 2017 by a court.
The clubs have operated under a Barcelona city ordinance that dictated how they were used ever since. Nevertheless, the judges’ choice that the city specialists were not skillful to enact on issues administered by the state has now likewise been upset.
The Federation of Catalan Cannabis Associations’ spokesperson, Eric Asensio, stated, “The majority of associations assume that sooner or later they will be forced to close.” Most of Spain’s weed clubs can be found in Barcelona, which is situated in Catalonia.
After the high court shut a legitimate escape clause that permitted Barcelona to become Spain’s cannabis capital, the city’s 200 weed clubs face conclusion.
The asociaciónes, as they are commonly referred to, have suffered their most recent setback. “Private consumption of cannabis by adults… is part of the exercise of the fundamental right to free personal development and freedom of conscience,” according to a Catalan law was toppled by the court in 2017 Since that time, the clubs have worked under a Barcelona city local law that controlled how they were utilized. Notwithstanding, the judges’ In addition, the decision that the city government was unable to legislate on matters governed by the state has now been overturned.
“Most of affiliations expect that eventually they will be constrained to close down,” Eric Asensio, the League of Catalan Pot Affiliations‘ representative, said. Most of Spain’s marijuana clubs can be found in Barcelona, which is situated in Catalonia.
In spite of being basically private members’ clubs, these affiliations have arisen as the essential point of procurement for vacationers, charging an enrollment expense of roughly €10 (£8.50) that regularly goes close to the underlying buy.
First and foremost, the affiliations were exclusive hangouts where individuals could buy and smoke pot anywhere nearby. In recent years, many have abandoned this model and become retail locations for the huge quantities of cannabis that are grown in Catalonia, frequently under the control of other mafias from Eastern Europe.
However, as per the assertions of various stakeholders, including associations, city officials, and law enforcement, the presence of clubs has contributed to a notable decrease in street-level drug consumption and illicit dealing. It is important to highlight that the police do not harbor a fundamental opposition to the existence of these clubs.
In a statement released by the organization, it is expressed that the legal authorities are once again pursuing actions against the establishments without taking into account the longstanding reality of Barcelona. This city has had a history of coexistence with such substances for over three decades.
The innovative drug policies initiated by Barcelona’s associations, which prioritize the well-being and health of individuals, have served as a model for other regions across the globe. These forward-thinking policies have been successfully adopted and adapted elsewhere.
Moreover, the federation has formally made a request to join the city council’s working group, which is actively seeking a legislative solution to address this issue. Their participation in this group signifies a commitment to engage constructively in finding a resolution.
In summary
The presence of these clubs in Barcelona has, as indicated by multiple stakeholders, resulted in a decrease in street-level drug use and illegal drug transactions. The police, it should be noted, do not hold a fundamental objection to these clubs. Furthermore, Barcelona’s unique approach to drug policies, centered on individual health and well-being, has become a global model. Lastly, the federation’s request to join the city council’s working group highlights their willingness to be part of a collaborative effort to find a legislative solution.
