May in Madrid Spain

May is one of the best times to visit cannabis-friendly Madrid, Spain. While Barcelona may be known as Spain’s most groovy (and most cannabis friendly) Spanish beachside destination, Madrid is more metropolitan in a good way.

As the capital of Spain and located smack dab in the middle of this charming Mediterranean country, Madrid is on the rise. Everything from Spain just seems a little better these days, including the cannabis culture. Plus, the people in this pulsating metropolis are known for their warmth and generosity.

But cannabis in Spain isn’t yet fully legal. A loophole in Spanish law has, however, allowed for not-for-profit private “cannabis clubs” to flourish. Most are set up like any dispensary in California, Colorado or Washington, but also have an available smoke room as toking indoors amongst friends is perfectly fine.

Flower strains, edibles and paraphernalia can also abound at a Madrid-style cannabis club, but they are not for “sale.” The price is labeled a “cash donation” and this donation system seems to work rather well in a country that’s way into sharing homegrown plant strains.

There’s no shortage of things to do, eat, drink and smoke in Madrid. Countless tourist attractions await as well as neighborhoods bursting with Old World charm, New World music, taste bud titillating tapas and ever-flowing cava (a light, sparkling, champagne-like alcoholic beverage).

The art of performance is also unleashed in this creative city too. Dance (ballet, flamenco and modern), Broadway-style musical theatre and live theatre abound, especially in spring and through summer.

It’s no wonder Madrid—and all of Spain for that matter—should be number one on any cannabis enthusiast’s travel bucket list with a veritable feast of cultural assets along with some of the warmest people on the planet, easy-to-get smoke and some of the world’s best hotels, attractions, food, drink and weather.

Fun-Filled Facts

– Madrid has accommodations for every budget from funky apartment rentals to artsy boutique hotels to palatial resorts. But did you know this third largest city in Europe is also one of the most diverse with accommodations for romantics? Some springtime and summer visitors choose a hotel with a rooftop pool for some of the best views and vibes in the city.

– Currently, Madrid’s elegant Teatro Lope de Vega is hosting a longstanding run of El Rey Leon, which is the Spanish version of Disney’s The Lion King. Other big box musicals in town through May are the Tony-award winning Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Nuevo Teatro Alcala) and what has been called an “ambitious” Cabaret (Teatro Rialto).

If You Go

Remember, cannabis is and isn’t legal in Spain. While most cannabis enthusiasts grow their own plants hydroponically or on a balcony or in a backyard, it is still illegal to grow big crops or to sell cannabis for public (or black market) consumption. A legal provision, however, allows for private use inside a residence. (Smoking cannabis outside or in public places is not a crime, but can end up in a hefty fine of 600 euros.) Spain’s now hundreds of non-profit cannabis clubs run with very little government intervention or police busts. Locals (and travelers) must become a “member” of the club, which usually means dropping a small cash donation and signing the community ground rules paper work. Some clubs focus more on medical cannabis applications because CBD oil is legal here. At “smoking” clubs, expect to hit your flower bud purchase immediately from a community bong or buy a few papers for rolling in a living room-like setting complete with strong Spanish espresso and a THC-laced chocolate treat.

Time to Go: Spring

Weather: Mild temperatures (average low is 52°F and average high is around 72°F) with sparse showers.

Budget: $$$$$$