Cannabis around the world: PART I

A look at weed shopping in Europe

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Happy 420.

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It is April 20, 2023 as I write this piece and Cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018.

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So in celebration of this magical day let’s take a cannabis-infused journey around the world?

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The world of cannabis is rapidly expanding due to changing regulations. We are now seeing outdoor markets, cafes, and private clubs offer an exciting array of cannabis products.

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Living in Canada we are accustomed to cannabis being readily available, so it can be a bit of a shock when we go abroad.

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Canada is one of 40 countries with legalized cannabis either fully or partially and for medical and/or recreational use.

‍This has created a whole new world of opportunity for tourists and cannabis tourism providers around the world to offer truly localized and unique *enhanced* experiences.

Whether you are a regular cannabis consumer, or you are looking to add a lil spice to your vacation, there are unique experiences waiting out there for you.

So grab your passport and let's explore the cannabis shopping scene in Europe.

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Background

Whenever I travel, I assume that I will not be smoking weed as part of my trip.

My philosophy is if a joint stumbles into my hands then: as a gracious guest to the country, I will honor my host, and try the local green.

I don’t typically go searching for cannabis but on my most recent trip to Europe I experienced first-hand what the changing regulations look like in three countries.

Prior to departing Canada, I assumed it would be a dry trip, so I smoked as much as I could during my layover in Toronto and hoped for the best during my trip.

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Cannabis in Europe

Cannabis culture in Europe has a long and storied history. For centuries, the plant has been used for its beneficial properties, and in recent years, attitudes toward cannabis have been rapidly changing.

The plant is now legal for medical use and/or decriminalized in several European countries. This has created a whole new opportunity for a blooming cannabis tourism industry. With budding enthusiasts from all over the world flocking to Europe to experience the unique cannabis culture.

The cannabis legal space is continuously changing, recently we are seeing traditionally lenient countries like the Netherlands and Spain, tightening their stance on consumption and cracking down on its use.

So let’s talk about my recent experience stumbling upon buds in Europe.

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Spain

I had a brief stopover in Barcelona before hopping on my flight to Ibiza, it wasn't long enough to bother going through security for a cigarette and definitely no time to find weed. But I did enjoy tapas and a beautiful Rioja before my flight.

I didn't do any research or planning for this trip and booked the flight and hotel just before leaving Canada, but I assumed it would be easy to find weed in Ibiza. I didn't actually look for weed for the first couple of days, I stumbled upon a joint at the water party at El Pardis and the next morning I was motivated to find some bud.

So before we begin, here are the most recent formal rules for Spain; It is legal to cultivate and smoke cannabis for your own personal use. It is illegal to sell or traffic cannabis. It is also illegal to smoke cannabis in public places, but there are “cannabis clubs” where members can go to smoke cannabis. Cannabis available for purchase is CBD only, and can not have THC.

Remember regulations change regularly so be sure to look online and ask knowledgeable locals.

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Social Clubs

I started my online search looking for dispensaries near my hotel. The search showed that in fact there was a social club right across the street from my hotel. Rather than look any further I took my sandy feet across the street to see what it was all about.

When I got to the address, the building had caution tape and was boarded up.

According to the store owner next door the club had been shut down a few weeks before. He told me that I would need to go to Santa Eulalia, in the city center, to find any cannabis social clubs.

Here is more information about the social clubs, for those that are curious.

Based on my initial research, I didn't feel safe entering my credit card number online to an unverified source and then taking a taxi to an undisclosed location where I would be able to smoke cannabis. I would be more inclined to do it if there was one available near my hotel, but it seemed like too much of an excursion for a solo trip.

If you do check out the social clubs in Spain, let me know about your experience and I can update the post.

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My friend Charlie

What I did find though after leaving the now barricaded social club was a familiar hiking trail.

Sense memory kicked in and I found myself at a secluded beach area where I had smoked many years ago. There were some young Ibizians- actual locals! They were smoking on the beach, so I chatted them up to ask about where to buy, how to buy, where you can smoke, etc.They answered my questions, asked me where I was from and gave me a nub of local Ibizan green, some papers and filters to carry me on my way.

When I got back to my hotel I didn't have my grinder or roller. It was about 32 degrees and my hands were so sweaty from the heat. Also in humid climates like that the weed tends to be fluffier, so when you start to bust it apart instead of breaking up it just expands.

After many failed attempts, I eventually rolled up the joint and blazed up just before sunset and in that moment I felt like I was floating.

Here is my glorious ibiza j.

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All in all I would give it a 10/10 experience.

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Vending Machines

After lucking into bud at the beach, I assumed that would be the end of my weed adventures for my Euro trip.

I had an overnight flight out of Ibiza to Portugal, so when I left the hotel, I planned to spend some time in Santa Eulalia before catching the bus to the airport.

What luck, that the minute that I stepped off the bus from the hotel, there in front of me was a 24 hour vending machine station with all of the varieties of cannabis, vapes and condoms you could want.

You really have to hand it to Spain, they have it figured out.

Es: Lo que quieras Open 24 HRS.

En: Whatever you want Open 24 hours.

And they have condoms, nicotine vapes, weed and chicles. Open 24 hours!

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Really? What more do you need?

Now as a reminder, this is not real weed. It is CBD only so you don't get any “high” just relaxed.

Anyways, I ended up deciding on a three pack of blunts which were less than 30 Euro.

The way it works is you scan your passport and then insert your cash or use your card. It was really cool, I wish I had discovered this sooner. And now I want to bring the concept of weed vending machines around the world!

Overall, it was a really cool experience. I smoked one while in the old town, one at the airport, and one on my layover in Belfast. They were all nice tasting, I didnt really feel any effects from it  but I did enjoy the experience of smoking blunts in Spain.

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Portugal

When I arrived in Portugal I spent the first few days in a small town called Loulé. There were no dispensaries there and I wasn't really looking for weed.

Arriving in Lisbon, on the climb to my accommodations, I passed a dispensary so I made sure to check it out while I was in town.

My accommodations were 500 meters from Cannabis Store Amsterdam Lisboa Bairro Alto. Obviously it is in a great location, a lot of hostels and hotels in this area, and it is next to the metro station. You can check out more of their products on their instagram.

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They gave me a run down of the rules around smoking in Portugal. Suggesting that I dont smoke in the streets or be obvious about it, but it is acceptable. They made product suggestions and let me have a look at the different varieties.

In 2001, Portugal decriminalised the personal possession of all drugs. Cannabis is legal for medical use and CBD only products are available on the recreational market. You can readily find dispensaries that offer a variety of vapes, flower and edibles.

On the first trip I picked up a nicotine vape and the ice CBD flower. I dont have a picture of this, but it was really cool because it was covered in white powder, it looked like icing sugar or cocaine pick your poison.

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On the second trip I picked up the Escobar CBD flower.

Both were really enjoyable on the first purchase $47.17 and second trip $17.98.

They also have a wide variety of edibles and candies if thats more your flavour.

This place feels like an authentic european dispensary.

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Brussels

By the time I got to Brussels, I had run out of all the nicotine vapes, CBD weed and cigarettes….

So when I went out my first evening in Belgium I was on a hunt for whatever I could put in my mouth and smoke!

My google search showed a number of places all in the same area and they seem to sell cannabis and nicotine vapes in the same place. I decided to just walk and go to the first one I could find.

I ended up a Magic King in Brussels. This place is a trip in itself.

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It is stocked floor to ceiling with all the cannabis products and paraphernalia you can imagine in one place. There was franco rap (I forgot how much I missed that) and a steady vibe of people flowing in and out.

Magic King is Cannabis in Brussels. Started in 2019, by two brothers Gjino & Mateo you can see that they have poured their passion and love for cannabis into this venture. They both lived in Amsterdam and when Belgium legalized CBD weed, they became the first Belgian world brand of cannabis. Have a look at their site, follow their page and visit them when you are in Brussels. I love what they are doing and can't wait to visit them when we can buy real weed in Brussels.

PS: You boys are invited to our island anytime, we have real weed.

They had a full range of products. I didn't want to buy papers and worry about rolling and smoking in the rainy weather so I went with a vape.

They actually have flavored CBD vapes. I purchased one called Funky Zkittles, which had a candy and weedy taste and lasted way longer than the trip to Brussels.

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I spent $65 CAD for the cartridge and battery.

Overall, I liked the product and I used the cartridge after I returned. I did try the battery with a cartridge I purchased in Canada and the cartridge and battery melted, which ended my short lived journey using vapes.

I did go to another vape shop on my second day, and I only purchased a disposable nicotine vape but this store had disposable CBD vapes at a lower price point. For the rainy weather in Brussels vapes were better than smoking flower. For a quick 24-48 hour layover disposable vapes are probably the best option.

Final thoughts

There are a few things to keep in mind when cannabis shopping in Europe.

First, the legal landscape is constantly changing, so be sure to check the latest regulations before you travel.

Secondly, the quality of cannabis can vary widely, so ask around and do your research to find the best products.

Third, always ask locals for the most up to date rules and norms around consuming.

And finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself!

Cannabis culture is all about relaxation, so take your time, explore, and savor the experience.

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