Cannabis social clubs and coffee shops are establishments that sell cannabis products. Although the two titles may sometimes be used interchangeably, they are different, particularly in terms of how they operate and where they are located.
Alongside increased medical and recreational legalization in the US, an increasing number of countries are legalizing cannabis. In 2022, Asia entered the scene, with Thailand becoming the first Asian nation on the continent to legalize cannabis. In 2024, following Malta and Luxembourg, Germany became the third European Union country to legalize cannabis for personal use.
Having said that, each nation and various jurisdictions within some countries have established their own rules surrounding the acquisition and use of cannabis. They’re also setting specific rules about the amount of cannabis that can be bought and consumed, who can purchase it, and how it is specifically defined. In this blog, we’ve detailed how this can be undertaken by discussing cannabis social clubs in Spain and coffee shops in the Netherlands, where cannabis use is legalized and regulated.
Cannabis Social Clubs in Spain
In Spain, establishments that offer cannabis products are known as cannabis social clubs and are locally referred to as ‘asociaciones cannabicos‘. These places are non-profit organizations that only club members can access. As such, the public cannot gain access to these social clubs.
To become a member of these establishments, you must either request an invitation by contacting a specific club or be invited by a current member.
Further, cannabis social clubs in Spain are regulated by local government authorities. In fact, the rules can be somewhat stringent and even dictate the type of verbiage that can and cannot be used when referencing cannabis.
For example, financial terms like “get” or “pick up” may be used, but others that explicitly describe the purchase of cannabis may not be. This is because such vocabulary could be associated with drug trafficking in Spain, which is an offense.
This means that the only place that people in Spain are legally permitted to purchase cannabis is at a social club that they are members of. Selling it outside of such establishments is considered a crime.
In terms of cannabis use, personal consumption in Spain is permitted as long as it is done on private property. It is against the law to use or even possess cannabis in public, and consumers may face fines if caught.
Coffee Shops in the Netherlands
Coffee shops are stores in the Netherlands where cannabis is sold to the public. However, cannabis is only sold in small amounts for personal use, and larger quantities for commercial use are not permitted.
Coffee shops in the Netherlands must follow certain rules, and owners who do not comply with these regulations could face legal consequences. This is why authorities may visit coffee shops regularly to ensure compliance.
Some of the rules that coffee shops are required to adhere to in Amsterdam include the following:
- No entrance of minors permitted
- A valid permit is required
- A photo ID is required
- No more than 5 g of cannabis is permitted per person per day
- No more than 500 g of cannabis may be kept in the coffee shop at once
- No alcohol, cigarettes, or hard drugs are permitted on the premises
- No advertising for drugs and coffee shops is allowed
- Information about cannabis products must be provided to customers as required
The municipality of Amsterdam has permitted the opening of a limited number of coffee shops to minimize unauthorized street sales and separate ‘soft drugs’ (including cannabis) from the hard drugs market. At the same time, the local government seeks to maintain a manageable and streamlined cannabis sector, so the municipality chooses to allow only a smaller number of such coffee shops.
Are Cannabis Social Clubs and Coffee Shops Culturally Significant?
Both cannabis social clubs in Spain and coffee shops in the Netherlands hold immense cultural significance and value to communities in favor of legalizing cannabis consumption. However, significant cultural differences influence how these establishments are presented and accepted, influencing their cultural importance.
In Spain, cannabis social clubs are community-focused spaces that are seen as exclusive. These clubs are notoriously difficult to get into, but for those who manage to become members, it is a space to share a collective appreciation of cannabis.
According to members, Spain’s social clubs are hubs for social interaction and safe spaces to buy cannabis. Everything from their design and rules to unique offerings is meant to foster a sense of belonging among members. Spain’s social clubs are also known to emphasize community solidarity and personal privacy while promoting regulation and responsible cannabis consumption, which is another reason why would-be members seek them out.
In contrast, in the Netherlands, coffee shops – the equivalent of social clubs – are iconic symbols of Dutch progressive drug policies and tolerance toward cannabis consumption. Coffeeshops are places to buy cannabis and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while imbibing. These establishments – which, funnily enough, don’t sell coffee – attract tourists and locals who want a regulated and safe environment to enjoy cannabis, similar to Spain’s social clubs.
In the Netherlands, most people who use cannabis celebrate their contribution toward separating the hard drug market from the soft drug market. With coffee shops readily available, it reduces street crime and helps individuals turn toward cannabis, which is a soft drug, rather than harder drugs like heroin, cocaine, and LSD. Some go so far as to believe that the Netherlands’ coffee shops represent the Dutch values of pragmatism and freedom.
Both types of establishments have deeply influenced local and international perceptions of cannabis, embedding themselves into the social fabric of their communities. They have become essential elements of cannabis culture, showcasing how regulated, socially accepted venues can function within broader societal norms.
Do Cannabis Social Clubs and Coffee Shops Benefit Their Respective Economies?
It seems that cannabis social clubs in Spain and coffee shops in the Netherlands are not going anywhere anytime soon. These establishments have ingrained themselves into their respective regions’ cultural scenes and have surprisingly become key contributors to their respective economies.
According to recent statistics, cannabis social clubs and coffee shops significantly contribute to economic growth. For example, in Spain, cannabis social clubs create employment in several roles, including cultivation, security, and administration. In addition, these clubs stimulate local economies by sourcing services and products from local businesses.
To further cement their significance to the Spanish economy, it should be noted that a 2020 study revealed that the cannabis industry in Spain could generate a whopping 3 billion euros if it becomes fully regulated and more social clubs and cannabis-related services, establishments, and products are permitted and legalized in the country. However, despite their success, there have been moves toward trying to shut down cannabis social clubs, with several government officials calling for their eradication.
Likewise, in the Netherlands, cannabis coffee shops are considered economic drivers, especially in cities like Holland and Amsterdam, where tourists are eager to explore this drug recreationally in a safe environment where the products being sold can be trusted. In fact, a 2019 report indicated that 57% of tourists visit a coffee shop during their stay in Amsterdam, which boosts not only the cannabis sector’s earnings but also the hospitality, food, and beverage industries, which collectively contribute to the Netherlands economy.
In addition, as is the case with Spain, coffee shops in the Netherlands create numerous jobs, and those employed contribute significantly to tax revenues in the Netherlands, which are high compared to other countries. According to data released by the Dutch government, about 400 million euros is collected annually in taxes from the cannabis industry. So, it’s safe to assume that both the social clubs in Spain and the coffee shops in the Netherlands are driving forces behind economic growth.
What’s Better Price Wise? Coffeeshops in the Netherlands Or Social Clubs in Spain
Economically and culturally, coffee shops in the Netherlands and social clubs in Spain are on equal footing. However, from a price standpoint, many find cannabis social clubs to be better than coffee shops. On average, Spain’s social clubs charge between 7 euros and 25 euros per gram. In contrast, coffee shops in places like Amsterdam and Holland can charge as much as 5 euros to 45 euros per gram, which isn’t very affordable for the general public.
The plus side of Dutch coffee shops is that you don’t need to be a member, but in Spain, being a member of a social club gives you access to these lower prices. It’s also worth noting that cannabis edibles are priced similarly at coffee shops and social clubs but that many coffee shops in the Netherlands don’t stock them.
Regarding hashish, Spain’s social clubs are the clear winner price-wise. This is because Spain is located near Morocco, the world’s largest producer of hashish. Additionally, with its close proximity, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Spain is the world’s largest consumer of this cannabis product and that many of the social clubs sell hashish for significantly more affordable prices than the Netherlands’ coffee shops. On average, hashish costs 7 euros, while in Holland, it is 12 euros, and in Amsterdam, 17 euros.
Cannabis Social Clubs Vs Coffee Shops: Amenities and Comfort
Primarily, social clubs in Spain are believed to be more comfortable and well-ventilated than coffee shops in the Netherlands. This is likely due to the expenses coffee shops endure with the country’s high taxes on the cannabis industry.
Spain’s social clubs don’t have this problem because they are classified as non-profit organizations, so they don’t need to pay taxes. This leaves social clubs with more funding to spend on making the establishment comfortable for its members. In addition, cannabis clubs are believed to be far more entertaining than coffee clubs in the Netherlands.
If you are a member, you can access various amenities, including video game rooms, pool tables, and other adult toys and facilities, depending on the club. It is also not uncommon for cannabis social clubs in Spain to organize routine movie nights, DJ evenings, and live music to create spaces for like-minded individuals to socialize. Unfortunately, most coffee shops in the Netherlands don’t organize these types of events unless it is a special occasion.
The Wrap-Up On Cannabis Social Clubs In Spain Vs Coffee Shops In The Netherlands
Both social clubs in Spain and coffee shops in the Netherlands are worth exploring for those who have an interest in cannabis and want to dabble in the drug medicinally or recreationally. Most will find it easier to visit coffee shops than social clubs, considering memberships are often required with the latter. In addition, it’s important to note that outside of these premises, laws and regulations are surrounding its use, so it’s important to abide by them when visiting either country.
