When I first landed in Madrid, the very first thing I did after leaving Barajas Airport was pull out my phone and type “weeds near me” into Google. Coming from the west coast of the U.S., I expected the same experience I had back home — dispensaries on every corner, or at the very least an app like Weedmaps showing me where to go.

But Madrid is not like that at all. Walking through the city, there were no neon signs, no shops on Google Maps, and no easy delivery options. At first, I thought maybe I was searching the wrong way. Then I realized that cannabis in Spain works through a completely different system.

I came across this helpful guide on weeds near me in Madrid, and it explained exactly why the scene here is so different. Cannabis clubs in Spain are private associations. They don’t advertise publicly, and you can’t just walk in without notice. Instead, you need to register in advance, bring valid ID, and book your first appointment.

That first visit is important. It’s when the club explains the rules, verifies your age, and makes sure you understand how everything works. Without an appointment, you won’t get in — and that’s a good thing, because it keeps the community safe and within the law.

I also learned to avoid anyone offering cannabis on the street. The guide made it clear that real clubs never operate that way, and it was good advice. During my first week, I was approached a couple of times in busy areas, and thanks to what I had read, I knew to say no.

Once I finally registered with a real club, everything changed. The atmosphere inside was welcoming, safe, and relaxed. It was nothing like the risky street encounters I was worried about.

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid and find yourself tempted to type “weeds near me” into Google, read the guide I linked above first. It will save you time, keep you safe, and help you enjoy the cannabis culture in Spain the right way.