Police Sweep Targets 35 Cannabis Shops
Barcelona’s Guàrdia Urbana has inspected 35 grow shops across the city in a crackdown targeting cannabis-infused sweets and similar products. The operation follows a newly enforced ban from Spain’s Health Ministry aimed at tightening control over cannabis derivatives sold as consumer goods.
Benito Granados, a spokesperson for the local police, stated that the goal was to “understand what is being sold at the moment in the market.” The inspections involved not only law enforcement but also 25 experts from the city’s Public Health Agency.
Hidden Dangers in Innocent Packaging
Authorities warn that many of these products appear harmless—often packaged like regular sweets—but can pose serious health risks. Granados noted that unsuspecting consumers, particularly tourists, may be unaware of the psychoactive contents.
The Clinical Toxicology Unit at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona reported that poisonings linked to cannabis-infused edibles have doubled over the past two years, reaching 24 cases in 2024 alone. Of these, 58% involved middle-aged female tourists who had purchased the sweets as souvenirs.
New Regulation Closes Legal Loopholes
Until recently, these cannabis-laced products were legally sold due to regulatory gaps. Spain’s Health Ministry has now moved to address this issue with stricter rules on substances used in edibles, especially those involving lab-modified cannabis compounds.
The broader concern isn’t just about legality but public safety—especially as cannabis continues to shift from a recreational substance to a wellness trend with blurred boundaries.
Cannabis in Medicine: A Continuing Debate
The ongoing investigation also revives discussions about cannabis in medical contexts. Though long used for pain relief and relaxation, experts urge caution when cannabis is consumed in less controlled forms such as edibles or vapes, where dosage and effects can be unpredictable.
Explore More Cannabis Coverage on The Cannex
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Stay informed as we continue to track the evolving landscape of cannabis use, policy, and public health.
