Smoking cannabis in Poblenou: the beach, terraces, neighbours and where it is actually allowed
Quick answer: in Poblenou you cannot smoke marijuana on the beach, in the street or on terraces: they are public spaces and Organic Law 4/2015 punishes it with fines of 601 to 30,000 euros. Adult consumption only has a place in the private sphere, such as a home or a cannabis social club. The High Class, at Carrer de Pujades, 147, is an association for over-21s.
The rule that applies throughout the neighbourhood
Many people who smoke believe that the problem only arises if they sell cannabis or carry large quantities. This is not the case. Article 36.16 of Organic Law 4/2015 on the protection of public safety classifies both the consumption and possession of cannabis on public roads or in public places as a serious offence. The fine ranges from 601 to 30,000 euros, and there is no need for a sale to have taken place.
What the law does distinguish is the space. Private consumption by an adult is not a crime. That is why the same act, lighting a joint, has very different consequences depending on where you do it. If you want to understand better where the line is, we explain it in permitted uses of cannabis.
Where smoking is not permitted in Poblenou
| Place | Is it safe to eat? | What might happen |
|---|---|---|
| Bogatell Beach and the seafront promenade | No | Fine for consuming or possessing in a public place |
| Rambla del Poblenou and the streets of the 22@ district | No | A fine and, often, complaints from neighbours |
| Bar and restaurant terraces | No | A fine; the venue may also ask you to leave |
| Parks and squares | No | Fine for drinking in a public place |
| Within a social club, as a member | Yes, within the association’s internal affairs | Consumption is subject to the club’s rules |
The beach – the most common mistake
In good weather, Bogatell beach fills up with people from the neighbourhood, those who work in 22@ and visitors staying nearby. It is also where most people drop their guard: it feels like a relaxed, open space. However, the sand and the promenade are public places, and the same rule applies there as in any street. We go into detail in can you smoke on the beach in Barcelona?
Terraces and streets
A terrace does not cease to be a public thoroughfare simply because it has tables and chairs. The same applies to the entrance to a building, a bench on La Rambla or a corner between the buildings in the 22@ district. The fact that nobody is passing by at that moment does not change anything.
Odours and neighbours: getting on with one another matters too
Poblenou combines traditional homes with offices, studios and converted spaces. The streets are narrow in many places and the smell of cannabis easily wafts into balconies and windows. Even if there were no fines, smoking under someone’s window creates tensions that ultimately affect everyone, including those who use cannabis responsibly.
A few simple guidelines for anyone who smokes and lives in or spends time in the neighbourhood:
- No smoking in entrance halls, courtyards or communal areas of the building.
- Be considerate of your neighbours if you’re drinking at home with the windows open.
- Do not carry cannabis on you in the street: possession in a public place is also punishable.
- Avoid consuming alcohol in the presence of minors under any circumstances.
For how much you can keep at home and what the limits are, you'll find the explanation in what is the maximum amount of marijuana I can have.
Transport: how to get around after drinking
Driving after using cannabis is an offence and, in certain cases, may constitute a criminal offence. As well as the penalty, there is a risk to yourself and others. In Poblenou, you don’t need a car: the L4 stops at Llacuna, Poblenou and Bogatell, and the L1 at Glòries and Marina. If you’ve been using cannabis, make your way back by metro or on foot.
And if you’re visiting, remember that you’re not allowed to take cannabis out of Spain or carry it on a plane.
Why the club is the place to party
For an adult who smokes and lives, works or spends time in Poblenou, a cannabis social club solves the main problem: having a private space where they can consume without being exposed on the street. A club is a not-for-profit association of adults who share a crop and consume it on the premises. It operates within a legal framework and, in Barcelona, its location is regulated by a municipal town planning scheme.
At The High Class, we require members to be at least 21 years of age, to present a valid ID, and to be sponsored by another member. Members undertake to consume cannabis on the premises and not to take it out onto the street. We are open Sunday to Thursday from 11.00 to 22.30, and Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 23.00.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be fined for smoking a joint on Bogatell beach?
Yes. It is a public place and consuming alcohol there constitutes a serious offence under Organic Law 4/2015, carrying fines of between 601 and 30,000 euros.
Can I smoke on the terrace of a bar on the Rambla del Poblenou?
No. Outdoor seating areas form part of the public space, and the same penalty applies as on the street.
What if I’m just carrying a small amount on me, without smoking it?
Possession on public roads is also a serious offence, even if you are not using the substance.
Where can I smoke in Poblenou without risking a fine?
In a private space, such as your home or a cannabis social club of which you are a member.
If you meet the requirements and prefer to consume in a private space in the neighbourhood, take a look at our membership and how to get to the club.
