Is Weed Legal in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria, a stunning island in Spain’s Canary Islands, is a magnet for sun-seekers, digital nomads, and partygoers. With its relaxed lifestyle and thriving nightlife, many visitors assume cannabis laws are equally laid-back. But the truth is more nuanced.

Cannabis is not legal in Gran Canaria, but small-scale personal use is decriminalised, and cannabis clubs operate in legal grey areas. Understanding what’s allowed—and what can get you into legal trouble—is essential, especially for tourists.

Is Weed Legal in Spain?

Cannabis in Spain is not fully legal, but certain activities are decriminalised or tolerated under specific conditions. These laws apply across all Spanish territories, including Gran Canaria.

• Possession for personal use in public: Illegal and punishable with fines.

• Use in private: Decriminalised—adults may use cannabis in their own home or private space.

• Cannabis clubs: Legal in structure, but heavily regulated and not intended for tourists.

So, while Spain has a reputation for tolerance, this does not mean weed is legal, especially outside private settings.

Cannabis in Gran Canaria: What You Can Do

In Gran Canaria, local law enforcement follows the national Spanish drug policy:

What’s Tolerated:

• Adults (18+) can possess and consume cannabis in private spaces (e.g. at home or in a private flat).

• Cannabis clubs exist and operate under regulation, allowing members to consume cannabis on-site or take small amounts home.

• Cultivation of a limited number of plants for personal use, in private and out of public view, is tolerated.

What’s Illegal:

• Possession in public, even small amounts, can lead to fines of €601 to €30,000 and confiscation.

• Smoking cannabis in public places—beaches, parks, streets—is illegal and treated as a public safety offence.

• Selling or trafficking cannabis is a criminal offence with serious penalties, including jail time.

• Tourists cannot legally access cannabis clubs, even if invited.

Cannabis Clubs in Gran Canaria

Cannabis clubs in Gran Canaria function under a unique Spanish legal loophole. They are:

• Private, members-only associations

• Legally allowed to grow and distribute cannabis to members, provided they operate non-commercially

• Intended to serve Spanish residents, not tourists

To join legally, you typically need to:

• Be over 18

• Be invited by an existing member

• Provide proof of Spanish residency (NIE)

• Wait through a registration or cooling-off period

While some clubs may bend the rules for tourists, doing so violates the legal framework and can put both the club and the user at risk. Police raids do happen, and if you’re not a legal member, you could be fined or charged.

Medical Cannabis in Spain (Including Gran Canaria)

Spain has not legalised full medical cannabis use, but limited cannabis-based medicines are approved for specific conditions.

• Products like Sativex (used for MS-related spasticity) are legal with a doctor’s prescription

• Raw cannabis, oils, or flowers are not legally available through pharmacies

• Tourists cannot bring medical cannabis into Spain, even with a foreign prescription—it will be treated as an illegal substance

So while Spain is inching toward regulated medical use, access remains minimal and highly controlled.

CBD in Gran Canaria

CBD (cannabidiol) products are legal in Spain if they contain less than 0.2% THC.

• You’ll find CBD oils, creams, and supplements in wellness shops across Gran Canaria.

• However, CBD flowers or buds can look like cannabis and may be mistaken for illegal weed—potentially causing issues with police if mislabelled.

Penalties for Cannabis Offences

Is Cannabis Use Safe for Tourists?

While it’s common to smell cannabis in tourist hotspots like Las Palmas or Playa del Inglés, this does not mean it’s legal or safe to use as a visitor.

• Tourists are not protected by cannabis club laws

• Police can and do fine non-residents for public use or possession

• Don’t attempt to bring cannabis into Gran Canaria—airport security is strict

• Getting caught may lead to fines, legal trouble, or a ban from re-entering Spain

Future Outlook

Spain is in the middle of ongoing cannabis reform discussions. There is political and public support for:

• Expanding medical cannabis access

• Clarifying cannabis club regulations

• Decriminalising or legalising small-scale recreational use

However, national legalisation is not yet in place, and each region—including the Canary Islands—follows the current legal structure.

In Summary:

• Cannabis is not legal in Gran Canaria, but private use and small-scale possession are decriminalised.

• Cannabis clubs exist, but tourists are not legally allowed to join.

• Public use and possession are illegal, with fines starting at €601.

• Medical cannabis access is limited, and foreign prescriptions are not accepted.

• CBD is legal under strict THC limits.

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria, use caution. The island may feel relaxed, but the cannabis laws are still firm—and breaking them can ruin your trip.