ICEERS | July 12, 2024
In recent days, cannabis social clubs (CSCs) in Barcelona have faced a series of administrative inspections resulting in economic sanctions and, in some cases, closure orders. This situation, driven by the new mayor Jaume Collboni from the Socialist Party of Catalonia, threatens to dismantle a model internationally recognized as a safe and responsible alternative to the unregulated cannabis market.
CSCs have operated in Barcelona for more than twenty years, providing safe spaces for cannabis consumption and promoting a public health approach. Authorities allege irregularities in the clubs’ licenses and activities. This measure is perceived as a political strategy and does not respond to social demand. However, various entities and professionals warn that without comprehensive regulation, the situation could worsen.
ICEERS has consistently defended the validity and benefits of cannabis social clubs. In January, we submitted a letter to the Barcelona City Council, backed by 179 signatures of experts and representatives from 53 countries, advocating for the protection and proper regulation of these clubs. Unfortunately, our proposals were not considered, and the administrative persecution continues, contrasting with advances in other countries like Germany, where the first legal CSC has opened. This lack of response and transparency from the City Council shows a worrying trend towards prohibitionist policies that have proven more problematic than resolutive, generating more problems than those they are intended to solve.
The current situation is the result of a combination of structural and circumstantial factors: police and judicial repression, lack of support from the Barcelona Public Health Agency, the entry of commercial actors, demobilization of law firms, internal conflicts, mafia presence, and worn-out leadership, all of which have sown distrust and disorganization in the activist network. In this context, Deputy Mayor for Security, Albert Batlle, could jeopardize a reality that many considered established.
A World Pioneer Model
Meanwhile, in countries like Uruguay, South Africa, Malta, and Germany, cannabis clubs are finding a favorable legal framework. The international community interested in drug policy reform is dismayed by the actions of the Catalan council. ICEERS continues to advocate for drug policies that respect the rights of consumers and are based on available scientific evidence. However, the current strategy of the Barcelona City Council moves in the opposite direction.
ICEERS calls on the City Council to reconsider its stance and open up to collaboration with organizations like ours, which seek to promote a fairer and more progressive approach to cannabis regulation. It is vital to implement measures that ensure the operability of cannabis social clubs and protect users’ rights, aligning with best international practices and promoting a public health and harm reduction model.
Óscar Parés, ICEERS’ Deputy Director, states: “The situation is serious; we could say the perfect storm has just begun. There is a combination of structural and circumstantial factors that present a complex panorama.”
“The first modern CSC in the city opened its doors back in 2007, in the Sants neighborhood (actually, the firstborn was the CCCB, in 2001). Seventeen years after the start of activism and the social movement supporting the clubs, we are living a cruel paradox,” adds Òscar.
Additionally, ICEERS highlights how cannabis clubs not only provide a safe environment for cannabis practices but also educate their members about responsible consumption and reduce the risks associated with the unregulated market. The closure of cannabis social clubs could lead to a rise in uncontrolled cannabis consumption and sales, increasing associated risks such as adulterations and lack of supervision, which would worsen public health problems instead of solving them. This scenario underscores the need for a collaborative approach between authorities and consumption spaces themselves. Such collaboration has proven effective in establishing a sustainable model respectful of human rights, which can serve as an example for other cities in creating public cannabis policies.
Barcelona, recognized worldwide as the cradle of an exemplary cannabis regulation model, is serving as a global reference for establishing administrative paths that prioritize the right to life. Maintaining and strengthening this collaboration is essential to ensure that the city continues as a leader in drug policy, with an innovative and humane approach to cannabis regulation. Failure to protect this model could have irreparable consequences, setting back decades of social and public health advances.
Photo by levilo – Leandre on Flickr.
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