First Time at Spannabis
First time at Spannabis
What is Spannabis? Well as you could assume, Spain + Cannabis = Spannabis. It’s known as Europe’s largest and oldest cannabis trade fair and exhibition celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year, and this will be the last year in Barcelona. I had never been before but had a friend go last year and tell me about it. I remembered thinking, a weed event in Europe? Count me in. But I didn’t really know what to expect.
Nonetheless, I organized my trip less than 2 weeks before departure since I am always last minute. I was going to Barcelona for 5 days, by myself with no set plans except going to Spannabis.
I got to Barcelona that Thursday, while the event was Friday-Sunday. Thursday I explored the city, enjoying all Barcelona has to offer.
Let’s talk about Spannabis itself. The event started on Friday, and was off to a shitty start as it was down pouring rain and I’m embarrassed to say how long the wait was to enter, in this rain. However, I won’t forget that time in line, as I found myself next to a group of Germans around my age, and a little grandpa. Well this grandpa talked endlessly on cannabis culture, and how he cultivates his plants in Germany, and how he’s coming to the event to see the competition and ranting on how the industry is headed in the wrong direction. I realized then that this event would be more than just smoking a few joints.
So I finally get to entering the venue, and it’s what I anticipated off rip, vendors selling their merch, food and drinks vendors, and a few options of halls to choose to enter. The main hall with “SPANNABIS” written largely on it, was triangular and looked like the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
I enter the Spannabis Louvre and within 5 seconds was given a free tote bag from a seed company. First impression? Awesome, but where do I go? This was the main hall and there were maybe like 6 different paths I could start with. I should probably add, weed is not legal in Spain. Which gets you wondering, how is this possible? I wondered the same thing. Anyways, back to Spannabis. The first hour I was inside, I couldn’t even find anything to buy to smoke, even though everyone around me was smoking. Every stand I went to was only selling seeds. Then I realized that along with a good time, this really is also a big networking event for companies and individuals working within the cannabis industry. It was cool to see because I had never witnessed first hand so much business within this industry. I eventually found stands selling flower, as there really were hundreds of stands to pass by. Stands selling seeds, merchandise, drinks, food, cannabis infused drinks and foods, if you wanted to buy something, you could find it. One of my smaller but favorite purchases was customizing a “Clipper” lighter with my logo from “Unbothered Tourist.” It was also surreal to buy hash holes from Fidel (@fidelytings) himself. Getting to smoke American in Spain was an awesome experience. The event was filled with Big name brands such as PUFFCO, Clipper, Smoking, and social media channels such as @goodpizzzapodcast, and once I found myself in line for a beer behind @firstsmokeoftheday.
Realistically the event was similar all three days but it was still worth passing by all three days as it’s the only time of the year in Barcelona that an event like this occurs.
Back to smoking is illegal in Spain. So how is this possible? I’m not sure how they have the permission for this event that has been going on for 20+ years.
In Barcelona, even though it is illegal to smoke in public, it is legal to join “social clubs” where it is legal to purchase and consume cannabis.
How does it work? You need to know about the club, as there are no signs outside advertising the club. If you google maps the club, it will show up and you just need to knock and enter. My personal favorite is @Terps Army, and I knew of them because I had been to their shops in Amsterdam. Otherwise my first time in Barcelona I didn’t know about this. Upon entering, you just need to pay a $15 membership which lasts a year, and you’re good to enter and go as you please and smoke within the shop. It was also cool getting to briefly meet Lorenzo (@traveltheworldforterps) who is the creator of “Terps Army”, my favorite coffee shop in Amsterdam , and now Barcelona as well.
Spannabis seemed to be more than just an event as it was more of a week longs worth of festivities. In the 5 days I was there, there were different events at different venues every night. The last event I made was an art show at @FlyClub, by @actionmattjackson and @trulyredpanda. It was cool to meet Matt, a writer and artist, who gifted me a Spannabis print, and earlier that day I found another one of his prints that he left hidden inside Terps Army. It was also cool to see Internet personality TrulyRedPanda run his own exhibit as I’ve known him for years but never seen him live in action. He gave me a couple Spannabis exclusive pieces to take with me.
All Spannabis festivities came to an end that Sunday and I was leaving Tuesday this way I had Monday to explore Barcelona outside of Spannabis.
I’m very happy I made the event as this was the last time it was being held in Barcelona, and next year it will be moving to Bilbao. I met a lot of great people and made a lot of great memories. I would definitely suggest marking Spannabis on your calendar for anyone wanting an unforgettable cannabis experience abroad.
Article by Johnny Viaggi