Spain Moves Toward Medical Cannabis Regulation

Home | Canna Law Blog | Spain Moves Toward Medical Cannabis Regulation On May 13, the health committee of Spain's Congress of Deputies approved a proposal to create a subcommittee that will consider other countries' experiences with medical cannabis. The subcommittee's findings could pave the way for medical cannabis legalization in Spain. According to a recent poll, approximately 90% of Spaniards would favor such a move. Spain currently lacks a medical cannabis program at the national level. Two cannabis medications, Sativex and Epidiolex, have been approved by the regulator, but only for specified ailments; use to treat other conditions must be approved by a medical tribunal, subject to variations among localities. Moreover, costs can be prohibitive. The proposal to establish the subcommittee was tabled by the PNV (Basque Nationalist Party), which has emerged as a curious standard-bearer for medical cannabis. In keeping with its reputation as a conservative party, it is not calling for adult-use cannabis legalization, insisting on a focus on health issues. Meanwhile, it is expected that the leftist Unidas Podemos will soon unveil a cannabis bill. Consistent with Podemos' platform, it is expected that the draft legislation will provide for recreational cannabis legalization, under extensive government supervision. Going forward, the fate of legalization will largely hinge on the ruling Socialists. The government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has demonstrated a lack of enthusiasm for even medical cannabis legalization, affirming that "available evidence is insufficient to recommend widespread use [of cannabis] by patients with specific conditions." However, at regional levels of government, Socialists appear more inclined to support legalization, at least with regard to medical cannabis. Moreover, a recent poll suggests that 50% of Spaniards are in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis, at least under some conditions. It is reasonable to assume that the figure amongst Socialist voters is higher. As such, we may yet see the Socialists throw their support behind a legalization bill. Check Out Our Cannabis Law Services Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn E-mail Comment Fred Rocafort Fred leads Harris Sliwoski’s intellectual property practice and is the coordinator of the firm’s international team. Much of Fred’s practice consists of helping cannabis businesses protect their brands. He also works with entrepreneurs and companies entering the Web3 space, a new frontier for IP law. Prior to joining Harris Sliwoski, Fred worked overseas for more than a decade, in both government and private sector roles. Fred is a regular contributor to the award-winning China Law Blog and Canna Law Blog. Fred began his career overseas as a U.S. consular officer in Guangzhou, China, where he advocated for fairer treatment of American companies and citizens in China and for stronger intellectual property rights enforcement. After entering the private sector, Fred worked at a Shanghai law firm as a foreign legal advisor and later joined one of the oldest American law firms in China, helping foreign companies navigate the Chinese legal environment. He also led the legal team at a Hong Kong-based brand protection consultancy, spending most of his time out in the field, protecting clients against counterfeiters and fraudsters in Greater China, Southeast Asia and Latin America. In addition to his IP work, as a native Spanish speaker, Fred works closely with different Harris Sliwoski teams on Latin America and Spain matters. Fred also provides advice to cannabis industry participants and other businesses on import and export transactions. Fred is an ardent supporter of FC Barcelona—and would be even in the absence of Catalan forebears who immigrated to Puerto Rico in the mid-1800s. Harris Sliwoski Attorney Read more posts [email protected] Read More International Cannabis Law, Medical Marijuana Related Posts September 25, 2026 DEA Enforcement in a Changing Cannabis Landscape: Rescheduling, Hemp, and What Comes Next September 17, 2026 The Supreme Court May Decide if Cannabis-Related Residency Requirements are Unconstitutional September 16, 2026 A $31.8 Million Cannabis-Related Verdict That a Federal Court Wouldn’t Enforce September 15, 2026 Jason Adelstone Moderates Federal Cannabis Policy Discussion at IgniteIt Denver September 11, 2026 Medical Marijuana in Schedule III Survives Its First Major Challenge September 10, 2026 How to Acquire a Colorado Cannabis License September 4, 2026 The Intoxicating Hemp Products Ban Was Delayed a Month. Now What? 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