Helga Bucher works at High Class Social Club in Barcelona, one of the hundreds of private consumption lounges that have cropped up in the city despite cannabis being illegal in Spain.
Barcelona has become a hotspot for private cannabis consumption lounges, even though cannabis remains illegal in Spain. These clubs operate in a gray market, attracting both locals and tourists from across Europe. One such lounge is High Class Social Club, where budtender Helga Bucher works.
How Cannabis Lounges Differ from U.S. Dispensaries
Helga explains that Spanish cannabis lounges are very different from dispensaries in the United States:
“It is not like a dispensary United States. One of the most important rules is we cannot say the word ‘buy’ or ‘sell.’ Everything is ‘interchange.’”
Instead of direct sales, guests purchase credits that they can use within the club. This language is intentional and reflects the legal limitations under Spanish law.
Rules and Membership
Visitors must follow strict rules when entering:
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Guests must arrive together — no one can wait outside the club.
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A valid photo ID is required (passport for tourists).
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Guests have their photo taken for club records.
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Cannabis cannot legally leave the premises.
“If you take your weed with you, it is your responsibility,” Helga adds.
What to Expect Inside a Cannabis Lounge
High Class Social Club is described as large, modern, and welcoming:
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Comfortable furniture, tables, and social spaces.
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Stations with papers, grinders, and accessories.
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Coffee, soda, and snacks available.
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A menu with options such as flower, hash, and edibles.
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Social activities like movie nights.
Helga often gives first-time visitors a tour to help them feel comfortable.
“High Class is big, beautiful, and really modern, with fancy sellers. They are a little bit lost, so we make the tour, show where the soda is, where the coffee is, where we do movie nights, and have a station with papers and grinders. Then we explain all the edibles or hash we have, and then we show the menu.”
Most guests must stay at least 20 minutes, though many choose to spend the day working, socializing, or relaxing in the lounge.
Cannabis in Spain’s Gray Market
Since cannabis is not legal in Spain, these clubs operate under loopholes in private membership laws. The products available depend on the gray market, though some lounges collaborate with brands to provide more variety.
Despite the restrictions, lounges like High Class have become an important part of cannabis culture in Barcelona.
Highlighting Budtender Voices
Helga is among many budtenders featured in Oaksterdam University’s Budtender’s Guide: A Reference Manual for Cannabis Consumers and Dispensary Professionals. The guide provides real-world insights from professionals around the globe and serves as a textbook for Oaksterdam’s Budtending Certification Course.
Want to explore the world of budtending and cannabis culture? Learn more in the Budtender’s Guide and start your path with Oaksterdam University’s training programs. Explore the guide.