A cannabis social club (CSC) in Madrid is a private, non-profit association of adult cannabis users who collectively organise cultivation and consumption in a closed, members-only setting. These associations are based on the idea of shared, private consumption—not commercial sale—and are usually registered as non-profit “asociaciones cannábicas”.

In general, CSCs in Madrid restrict membership to adults (usually 21+, sometimes 18+) who are already cannabis consumers and residents in Spain, not casual visitors. You typically need valid ID and, in many clubs, proof of residency (DNI/NIE or similar), plus a referral from an existing member because clubs cannot openly advertise or accept walk-ins.

Each association has its own statutes and internal rules, so exact requirements can vary, but all are supposed to keep access closed and private, not open to the general public.

Most cannabis social clubs in Madrid follow a private, referral-based membership model. Typically, you must:

• Be an adult (18+ or 21+, depending on the statutes)

• Already be a cannabis consumer

• Be referred or invited by an existing member

• Provide valid ID, and in many cases proof of residency (DNI/NIE, or similar)

• Sign the association’s membership form and internal rules

Each club is an independent non-profit association, so exact procedures differ, but none can legally operate like an open, walk-in cannabis shop.

Yes, most clubs charge:

• An annual or monthly membership fee to support the non-profit association (rent, staff, utilities, legal, etc.)

• A separate contribution per gram or product to cover collective cultivation and running costs

Legally, this is framed as cost-sharing within a non-profit association, not a commercial sale to the public. Exact amounts vary from club to club.

Amsterdam-style coffee shops are commercial businesses open to the public where people can walk in, buy cannabis products, and consume them on-site under a regulated retail model. In Spain, and especially Madrid, this kind of public, commercial sale is illegal.
Cannabis social clubs are private, non-profit associations with no retail sales; they operate on member fees that cover cultivation and running costs, and they are not supposed to promote themselves or attract the general public.

Inside a CSC, members typically find a private space where they can socialise and, within the limits of the association’s rules and Spanish law, access and consume cannabis collectively. Clubs might offer lounge areas, educational information about the plant, and sometimes cultural or community events, all restricted to members only.

They must control quantities, keep everything within the club’s closed circuit, and avoid any activity that resembles public sale or promotion. Photography, social media tagging, and bringing non-members in are often restricted by internal rules to protect privacy and legality.

Legitimate CSCs take member privacy seriously, because they must prove they are private and protect personal data. Typically they:

• Request only necessary identification data

• Keep membership records internal and confidential

• Follow standard data protection rules (like GDPR) for EU residents

No—this FAQ is informational only and does not replace professional legal advice. Cannabis regulation in Spain, and particularly the way authorities treat cannabis social clubs, continues to evolve and can vary between regions and even individual cases.
For the most accurate, up-to-date information, check official Spanish or Madrid government sources, or consult a lawyer familiar with drug policy and association law before making any decisions related to cannabis clubs or consumption.

No. In Spain, the sale and commercial distribution of cannabis is illegal, and that includes online sales and home delivery. Any website or social media account offering to “ship weed” or deliver cannabis to your door is operating outside the law and carries significant legal and safety risks.

Cannabis social clubs in Spain, including Madrid, are based on a private, non-profit model. They are not shops, they do not sell online, and they cannot promote themselves publicly or offer any kind of delivery service. Access to cannabis happens inside the association, within the rules of the club and Spanish law.

Each cannabis social club is different, but many offer a small, curated selection of products for members, such as:

• Dried cannabis flower (different strains/varieties)

• Hashish or traditional resins

• Sometimes edibles (like pastries or gummies), depending on the club’s rules

• Occasionally extracts or concentrates, if the association allows it

The goal is not to look like a big commercial dispensary, but to cover members’ declared consumption needs within a private, non-profit framework. Availability may change depending on harvests, demand, and internal policies.

Most cannabis social clubs provide basic accessories for members, such as rolling papers, filters, grinders, lighters, and sometimes vaporizers or bongs for on-site use. However, policies vary: some clubs include these items as part of the membership experience, while others may ask members to bring their own or make a small additional contribution to cover accessories. If you prefer using your own vaporizer, bong, or specific rolling style, you can usually bring your personal equipment and use it inside the club, as long as it complies with the association’s internal rules.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and they work very differently:

• THC is the psychoactive component that produces the “high” or euphoric effect. Higher THC levels usually mean stronger psychoactive effects, which can include relaxation, creativity, but also anxiety or paranoia in some people.

• CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a classic “high”. Many users associate CBD with calming, anti-inflammatory, or balancing effects, and it can sometimes soften some of THC’s side effects (like anxiety).

Strains and products can be THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or balanced. If you’re new or sensitive, it’s often safer to start with lower THC levels or products that include CBD.

Different cannabis strains can affect you very differently because of their unique chemical profiles, which include:

• Cannabinoids (how much THC, CBD, and others)

• Terpenes (aromatic compounds that influence flavour and perceived effect)

• The overall ratio and interplay of all these compounds (the “entourage effect”)

For example, two strains with similar THC levels can still feel very different: one may feel uplifting and energetic, while another feels heavy and relaxing. That’s why clubs often provide strain descriptions, such as:

• “Relaxing / night use”

• “Daytime, social”

• “Balanced, suitable for beginners”

Listening to your body, starting slowly, and keeping notes of what works for you is the best way to find your ideal strain.

Traditionally, people talk about Indica, Sativa and Hybrid as a simple way to describe expected effects:

• Indica: Often associated with deep relaxation, a “body high,” and night-time use. Many people choose Indica-dominant strains to unwind or prepare for sleep.

• Sativa: Commonly linked to uplifting, cerebral, or creative effects and daytime use. Some users find Sativas more stimulating or social.

• Hybrid: A cross between Indica and Sativa varieties, aiming to combine or balance their effects.

In modern cannabis, many strains are actually hybrids, and science suggests that terpenes and detailed cannabinoid profiles explain effects better than the simple Indica/Sativa label. Still, this classification is a helpful first guide for new members.

Start low and choose based on your experience. If you’re new or have low tolerance, pick low-THC or CBD-rich strains, and always check potency (mild, medium, strong). Choose easy-to-control formats like small vaporizer doses or gentle flowers, not strong edibles or concentrates. Take a small amount, wait, and increase slowly if needed. Keep notes of how each strain makes you feel—this helps you find what works best. Responsible clubs in Madrid can offer general guidance, but the safest approach is to start low, go slow, and listen to your body.