Introduction
The cannabis market in Spain has experienced notable growth in recent years. According to current research, it is expected to reach $16.6 million by 2028. However, this growth is hampered by the restrictive and asynchronous laws of the European Union, which could delay its development.
The legal context in Spain
Spain, as a member of the European Union, follows its regulations regarding the hemp industry. Farmers can grow industrial hemp as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. However, laws around CBD, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, have become stricter in recent times.
Previously, CBD products could be purchased without problems on the market. However, this changed in 2018 after the European Union confirmed the validity of the Novel Foods Regulation. This regulation establishes that foods and supplements containing CBD derived from hemp are considered novel foods, that is, those that have not been consumed significantly in the European Union before May 15, 1997.
This has led to a chaotic landscape in the Spanish CBD market, with new regulations and restrictions that have affected the availability of these products.
The current market situation
Despite restrictive regulations, it is still possible to purchase legal CBD products in Spain. To help consumers navigate this changing landscape, guides have been developed explaining what types of CBD products are legal and how to purchase them while staying within the legal realm.
In addition, information is provided on the brands operating in Spain and advice is offered on purchasing high-quality CBD products.
CBD purchasing options in Spain
There are several options to buy CBD products in Spain. Below are some of the most popular:
1. Physical stores
In almost all major Spanish cities, such as Bilbao, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, you can find stores selling CBD products. Although the ban on CBD foods and supplements has affected many businesses, there are still establishments that continue to operate and offer a wide range of legal CBD products.
When purchasing in a physical store, you can receive personalized advice from expert staff and have immediate access to selected products. However, it is important to note that prices in physical stores are usually higher due to general operating costs.
2. Buy online
Buying CBD products online offers a wide selection and more affordable prices. In addition, you can make your purchase from the comfort of your home at any time of the day. However, you have to be careful when choosing an online provider, as not all of them operate legally and safely.
It is advisable to look for reputable brands that meet quality standards and provide quality control certificates carried out by independent laboratories. Additionally, it is important to be aware of shipping restrictions and customs regulations when purchasing CBD products online.
3. Mail forwarding services
If the CBD brand you want to buy does not ship to Spain, you can use a mail forwarding service to receive the product. These services operate in different regions of the world and provide a local address to which the package can be sent. Once the package arrives at this address, the mail forwarding service is responsible for sending it to the customer’s final address.
It is important to consider the costs associated with using a mail forwarding service, such as registration fees, annual fees, and average fees per mailing. However, this can be a convenient method to purchase CBD products that are not available in Spain.
Conclusions
Despite restrictive European Union regulations, the cannabis market in Spain continues to experience significant growth. While the laws surrounding CBD have changed, it is still possible to purchase legal CBD products in the country. Consumers should inform themselves about current regulations and choose reputable brands that meet quality standards.
Whether purchasing in brick-and-mortar stores or online, it is important to ensure that CBD products are legal and tested in independent laboratories. By following these guidelines, consumers can enjoy the benefits of CBD safely and legally in Spain.
