Cannabis laws are continuing to loosen across the United States and around the world. When Germany legalized marijuana in 2024, many expected other European nations to follow suit. Now, Spain has become the latest country to reform its cannabis policy — though under notably strict guidelines.
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Government officials approved a royal decree regulating medicines derived from cannabis. Proposed by the Spanish Ministry of Health, the new rule will allow patients with specific qualifying conditions to access prescribed products. This includes people with epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis, according to the Spanish paper Sur in English.
The report also noted that the medicines will face potency limits. Products containing more than 0.2 percent THC will incur higher taxes, with rates rising on a sliding scale according to potency.
Health Minister Mónica García said the goal is to “ensure the effectiveness of treatment by specifying precise and safe doses.” The government will also maintain a registry of medical cannabis patients and approved products.
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It’s unclear what cannabis medicines will be allowed under the new rules. Given the restrictive nature of the law, it’s likely patients will be given extracts, oils, and tablets—not smokable flower. The products will be available through Spain’s hospital pharmacy services.
Despite the limits, pro-marijuana advocates praised the ruling. Carola Pérez, president of the Spanish Observatory of Medicinal Cannabis, told The Daily Mail the decision is “historic.”
“All of us patients who were waiting for regulation are celebrating,” she said.
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Spain is known for its tolerance of marijuana sales and consumption in approved social club settings. However, if people exit these safe zones with cannabis, they could be subject to arrest.
The new medical cannabis framework is unlikely to affect Spain’s social club scene. Instead, it will create a regulated pathway for patients to access THC under medical supervision.
The measure still requires approval from Spain’s full Congress, but its passage appears likely. If enacted, it would mark another step forward for the therapeutic use of cannabis in Europe.
