More and more people are visiting Seville with a medical cannabis card issued in countries like Germany, Canada, or the United States. However, many are unsure how Spanish law applies in these situations and whether it’s legal to carry cannabis in public.
Can you get fined for carrying your medication? What happens if the police stop you? Are there any safe, legal alternatives for consuming medical cannabis in Seville?
In this guide, we’ll answer all those questions with clear, up-to-date, and verified information. Because even though Spain has a more tolerant stance than other countries, carrying cannabis on the street is still a legal gray area — even for therapeutic use.
Is it legal to use marijuana in Spain with a medical prescription from another country?
The million-dollar question. And the answer is no, coming to Seville with a foreign medical cannabis card doesn’t automatically mean you can consume cannabis freely. In Spain, the legal status of cannabis remains ambiguous—especially when it comes to therapeutic use authorized in other countries.
Has Spain legalized medical cannabis?
Not exactly. In Spain, cannabis is not legalized as a general-use medication. However, since mid-2022, the Spanish Congress approved limited regulation for its use in certain medical treatments, under hospital supervision only. This means there is no official dispensary system like those in some European or North American countries.
Instead, Spain applies a partial decriminalization of personal consumption in private spaces. In other words, it’s not legally permitted, but it is also not considered a criminal offense under certain conditions.
What does Spain consider “Therapeutic Use”?
Therapeutic use in Spain is only recognized within a controlled medical context, with a prescription from a Spanish doctor and administration in healthcare settings (such as hospitals). There are no pharmacies that sell cannabis, and there is no legal recognition of home-based or self-managed therapeutic use.
Therefore, carrying cannabis for medical reasons—even with a foreign prescription—is not automatically legal under Spanish law.
Does Spain recognize medical cannabis cards from other countries?
No. Even if you have a valid medical card from Canada, Germany, or California, it has no legal validity in Spain. There is no international agreement allowing mutual recognition of medical cannabis certifications, unlike what exists for some traditional medicines or prescription treatments.
This doesn’t mean you’ll be treated like a criminal, but it does place you in a legal gray area if you’re carrying cannabis in public spaces.
What happens if police stop me and I’m carrying medical cannabis from another country?
As mentioned earlier, carrying cannabis in Seville with a medical prescription from abroad does not automatically protect you under Spanish law. So what happens if you’re stopped by the police and they find cannabis on you?
What typically happens during a routine police stop
In Spain, if police find you carrying a small amount of cannabis (considered for personal use), the most common outcome is:
- Seizure of the cannabis.
- An administrative fine, even if you’re not actively consuming.
Under the Citizen Security Law, this fine can be as high as €601 — and yes, it can still apply even if you have a foreign medical prescription and you’re not using the cannabis in public.
The reality is that the source of your cannabis or the medical reason for using it doesn’t change the fact that public possession is prohibited under Spanish law.
What are your rights when interacting with police?
You have the right to:
- Be informed of the reason for the ID check or search.
- Remain silent if you choose.
- Ask for the officer’s identification if needed.
- Challenge the fine later through legal or administrative channels.
That said, keeping a calm and respectful attitude can make a big difference in how the situation unfolds.
Does showing a foreign medical cannabis card help?
In practice, showing a foreign medical cannabis card might help explain your situation, but it does not guarantee that you’ll avoid a fine or get your cannabis back.
Some officers might show empathy — especially if you’re carrying a small amount and calmly explain your case — but the card has no legal validity in Spain. So, unfortunately, it’s not a legal shield or get-out-of-jail-free card.
Are there legal differences between tourists and residents in Spain?
One of the most common questions among people visiting Seville with medicinal cannabis is whether being a tourist or resident makes a legal difference. While the law is the same for everyone, how it’s interpreted — and the practical consequences — can vary.
Does the Law distinguish between tourists and residents?
From a legal standpoint, Spain does not explicitly distinguish between residents and tourists when it comes to cannabis possession or use. Everyone is subject to the Citizen Security Law, which penalizes possession in public spaces — even for personal, medicinal use.
However, the real-world application can differ:
- If you’re a resident, it’s easier to justify membership in a legal cannabis club and show that your use is private.
- If you’re a tourist and caught with cannabis on the street, you’ll most likely receive an administrative fine, regardless of your country of origin or whether you have a foreign medical prescription.
What the citizen security law says
Spain’s “Gag Law” (Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana) imposes financial penalties for cannabis possession in public spaces, even if you’re not actively using it. There’s no medical exception is recognized unless the prescription is issued in Spain by a local doctor.
In short: being a tourist doesn’t protect you from a fine, and your foreign medical cannabis ID has no legal weight. That’s why — as we’ll explain later — the safest legal option for medicinal users visiting Seville is to join a private cannabis club that operates within the law.
What legal alternatives do I have to consume medical cannabis in Seville?
As we’ve seen, carrying cannabis with you—even if you have a medical prescription from another country—is not allowed in Spain. However, that doesn’t mean there are no legal and safe alternatives for medical users visiting Seville. Below, we explore the most recommended options if you need to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes during your stay.
Join a legal Club: The safest and most effective option
The most suitable way to consume medical cannabis in Seville without breaking the law is by doing so inside a legally operating Cannabis Social Club (CSC).
These clubs function as non-profit private associations open only to adult members. Their main advantage is that they allow consumption within the premises, in a controlled, discreet, and secure environment.
Moreover, many CSCs are familiar with medical users, so they understand specific needs and usually provide a calm atmosphere, good guidance, and clear rules.
Not all clubs accept foreign medical cards as valid documentation, but you can explain your situation and, if you meet the club’s requirements, become a temporary member during your visit.
If you want to avoid trouble and enjoy a legal and responsible experience, the best recommendation is to join the best cannabis social club in Seville, where you’ll find a private, respectful space that guarantees privacy and legality.
Buy legal CBD products
Another legal alternative is to purchase CBD (cannabidiol) products that are authorized for sale in Spain. There are specialized stores offering oils, creams, dried flowers or vapes with very low THC content (<0.2%), which makes them legal.
Keep in mind that these products do not produce psychoactive effects and are aimed more at relieving certain symptoms (anxiety, mild pain, inflammation…), but they can be a valid option if you don’t want to join a club or are looking for a quick, legal solution.
Additional tips for medical cannabis users
Beyond choosing one of the above legal paths, we recommend following these guidelines to avoid conflicts or misunderstandings during your stay in Seville:
- ❌ Don’t carry cannabis on the street, even with a foreign prescription.
- ❌ Don’t buy from strangers or accept street offers of cannabis.
- ❌ Don’t show your medical card to just anyone: it has no legal value in Spain.
- ✅ Educate yourself before consuming: each club has its own rules and requirements.
- ✅ Be discreet: public consumption is still prohibited.
- ✅ Ask the club for advice if you need therapeutic guidance or tailored options.
What if I consume medicinal cannabis inside a cannabis club in Seville?
If you’ve made it this far wondering how to legally and safely consume medicinal cannabis in Seville without risking fines or legal issues, the best option is clear: join a legal Cannabis Social Club (CSC).
While CSCs are not designed exclusively for medical use, their legal and private structure makes them the safest, most discreet, and respectful option for foreign users who need to consume cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
Why is it safer to consume in a CSC?
Cannabis clubs in Spain operate as non-profit private associations, where both access and consumption are regulated under specific legal conditions:
- Consumption is strictly private, inside the club.
- No public sales and nothing can be taken outside.
- The environment is controlled, with clear rules and responsible staff.
- They offer a peaceful, confidential space away from the illegal market.
This helps avoid risks like:
- Fines for possession or consumption in public.
- Contact with street dealers or scams.
- Unjustified police seizures.
Can I enter a CSC if I have a foreign medical cannabis card?
Even though medical cannabis cards from other countries are not legally recognized in Spain, many clubs understand the needs of therapeutic users and allow temporary membership if the person can show:
- They are of legal age.
- Their stay in the city is short (for tourism or personal reasons).
- Their use is responsible and for medical purposes.
⚠️ Note: Each club sets its own internal policies. In some cases, showing your foreign medical card can help justify your request to join, even though it’s not legally required or officially recognized.
How does the access process work?
- Initial contact: Most legal clubs do not accept walk-ins. It’s recommended to reach out first and request membership.
- Formal registration: You’ll need to show your ID (passport, NIE, or DNI) and sign a membership form.
- Rules explained: Club staff will inform you of your rights and responsibilities, including:
- You may not take cannabis out of the club.
- What to do in case of a police stop.
- Internal rules of respect and discretion.
Conclusion
Using medical cannabis in Seville with a foreign prescription might seem straightforward, but the legal reality in Spain is more complex than many visitors expect. Spain does not recognize medical cannabis cards from other countries, nor does it allow you to carry cannabis in public—even if it’s for therapeutic purposes.
This means that walking around with medical cannabis, even if prescribed abroad, can still result in fines or police confiscation.
In contrast, consuming cannabis inside a legal cannabis social club (CSC) is a much safer, more private and respectful alternative. These clubs offer a controlled environment where responsible users —including medical tourists— can feel informed, protected and at ease.
Remember:
- Medical cards from other countries are not legally valid in Spain.
- Carrying cannabis in public, even with a prescription, may result in fines.
- The safest option is to join a legal, responsible cannabis club.