Cannabis Conference 
Spannabis Bilbao 2026
Europe’s Premier Cannabis Fair · April 17-19, 2026
Europe’s largest cannabis expo makes a historic move from Barcelona to the Basque Country
Spannabis 2026 marks a historic turning point for Europe’s largest cannabis expo. After 22 consecutive years in Barcelona at Fira de Cornella, Spannabis relocates to Bilbao for its XXIII Edition. This is not a routine venue change—it reflects fundamental shifts in Spain’s cannabis landscape that every serious industry professional must understand, arriving just months after Spain legalized medical cannabis through Royal Decree 903/2025.
Fira de Cornella, Spannabis’ longtime home, is being demolished for urban redevelopment. But the relocation runs deeper than real estate. Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has adopted an increasingly hostile stance toward cannabis culture, with over 30 Cannabis Social Clubs shuttered in 2024 alone. The Basque Country offers what Barcelona no longer can: regulatory stability and genuine support for harm-reduction cannabis policy.
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The Basque Country offers what Barcelona no longer can: regulatory stability and genuine support for harm-reduction cannabis policy.
Spain ranks as the 7th largest cannabis producer globally, with 18 AEMPS-licensed facilities generating approximately 36 tonnes annually. With 80% of production destined for Germany and the UK, Spanish cultivators are critical nodes in Europe’s medical cannabis supply chain. Spannabis 2026 is the first major European expo after Spain’s medical cannabis milestone.
Spannabis Bilbao 2026 at a Glance 🇪🇸
Dates April 17-19, 2026
Location Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), Barakaldo, Spain
Expected Attendance 25,000+ visitors, 500+ exhibitors
Official Website spannabis.es/bilbao
Confirmed Last verified: December 24, 2025
Bilbao
43.26°N 2.93°W Who Should Attend Spannabis 2026
Spannabis 2026 attracts a diverse mix of industry professionals and enthusiasts. If you fall into any of these categories, this event belongs on your calendar:
Cultivators and Master Growers scouting Champions Cup genetics
EU-GMP manufacturers and processors targeting European supply chains
Cannabis Social Club operators learning from Basque Country models
Genetics and seed companies showcasing breeding innovations
Compliance professionals discussing Royal Decree 903/2025 implementation
Industry investors evaluating Spain’s EU-GMP export infrastructure
Why Spannabis 2026 Matters Now
The Basque Country operates approximately 200 Cannabis Social Clubs under clearer interpretations of Article 83 (2016), with regional authorities supportive of harm-reduction frameworks. For CSC operators and their partners, this shift represents more than geography; it signals where Spain’s cannabis-tolerant culture is consolidating.
Royal Decree 903/2025, enacted October 7, 2025, legalized medical cannabis in Spain. Hospital-only dispensing through specialist physicians creates a regulated pathway that will inevitably expand. Spannabis 2026 is the first major European expo after this legislation, expect intense discussion about implementation timelines, patient access models, and cultivation licensing expansion.
Spain produces 36 tonnes annually (7th globally), with 18 AEMPS-licensed facilities. Roughly 80% of production exports to Germany and the UK, making Spanish cultivators critical nodes in Europe’s medical cannabis supply chain.
INCB World Drug Report 2024 / AEMPS DataPlanning Your Spannabis Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book by February 2026. Bilbao is smaller than Barcelona and hotels fill fast for 25,000+ attendees
- Stay in Barakaldo for walking distance, or central Bilbao with Metro Line 2 access
- Metro Line 2 to Ansio station drops you at BEC’s north entrance
- The Basque Country’s pintxos bar culture makes evening networking delicious
📆 Schedule Overview
- Friday: 11:00-20:00 | Champions Cup Awards at 7PM
- Saturday: 11:00-20:00 | Peak exhibition day
- Sunday: 11:00-19:30 | Final networking hours
- VIP packages offer priority access and exclusive sessions
✈️ Getting There
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) is 13km from BEC
- 20-minute taxi or bus to venue from airport
- EU Schengen zone – check visa requirements for non-EU attendees
- Download the Spannabis app before arrival for schedules and networking
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Arrive Thursday April 16 for booth setup
- Bring multilingual materials: Spanish, English, German
- Use official Spannabis app for meeting scheduling
- Pre-schedule buyer meetings through exhibitor portal
Spain’s Cannabis Regulatory Landscape
Key Regulatory Topics at Spannabis 2026
- Royal Decree 903/2025: Spain’s new medical cannabis framework with hospital-only dispensing and specialist physician requirements
- Cannabis Social Clubs: Article 83 guidelines and the Basque Country’s ~200 clubs operating under clearer harm-reduction frameworks
- AEMPS Licensing: Requirements for cultivation, production, and EU-GMP certification for Spain’s 18 licensed facilities
- EU-GMP Export: Cross-border compliance for medical cannabis products destined for Germany, UK, and other EU markets
Understanding Spain’s regulatory framework is essential for anyone attending Spannabis 2026 with business objectives. The emphasis on EU-GMP certification and AEMPS compliance requires comprehensive documentation systems that many cultivation and processing operations find challenging to implement.
Related: Complete Guide to Spanish Cannabis Licensing🏛️ Understanding Spain’s Cannabis Social Clubs
Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) are private, non-profit associations where adult members collectively cultivate and share cannabis in a closed, regulated environment. Unlike Dutch coffeeshops or North American dispensaries, CSCs operate on a shared consumption doctrine—not as retail businesses, but as member cooperatives focused on harm reduction and quality control.
Key Facts for Spannabis Attendees
- ✓ Legal Framework: CSCs operate under Article 368 of the Spanish Penal Code, which permits private consumption among closed groups of identified adults.
- ✓ Basque Advantage: The Basque Country’s 2016 Article 83 provides clearer regulatory guidelines than other regions, with ~200 registered clubs operating under harm-reduction frameworks.
- ✓ Membership Required: You cannot walk in off the street. Most clubs require a referral from an existing member, valid ID (passport for visitors), and a 24-48 hour waiting period.
- ✓ Fees & Payment: Annual membership typically ranges from €15-€50. Bring cash—most clubs do not accept cards.
- ✓ On-Site Only: Cannabis must be consumed within the club premises. Public consumption can result in fines of €300-€600.
- ✓ Why Bilbao? While Barcelona faces aggressive crackdowns under Mayor Collboni (30+ closures in 2024), the Basque Country offers a more stable regulatory environment for CSC culture.
💡 Did You Know?
If Spain fully legalized recreational cannabis, researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona estimate the country could collect €3.3 billion annually in taxes and social security contributions—while regularizing over 100,000 jobs in cultivation and distribution.
📍 Finding a Club Near Spannabis
Bilbao has several established CSCs operating legally under Basque regulations. Resources like ShivaMap provide directories of registered clubs. Always contact clubs in advance and be prepared to demonstrate you are an existing cannabis consumer.
Note: Laws and enforcement can change. This information is for educational purposes only.
Operational Challenges Facing Spanish Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in or expanding into Spain encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Cannabis Social Club Compliance
Navigating the legal gray space under Article 83 while maintaining non-profit status, member documentation, and calculated production limits
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EU-GMP Certification
Building pharmaceutical-grade quality management systems that satisfy AEMPS auditors and enable export to Germany and UK markets
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Multi-Jurisdiction Export
Managing varying documentation requirements for cross-border shipping to different EU member states with unique import regulations
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Medical Program Implementation
Preparing for Royal Decree 903/2025 requirements including hospital pharmacy supply chains and specialist physician networks
What to Prepare Before Spannabis
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- AEMPS authorization letters (if applicable)
- EU-GMP certificates and facility credentials
- Business cards (200+ for three days)
- Company capability deck on tablet
- Product samples documentation (import rules vary)
- Meeting confirmations and contact details
❓ Questions to Ask Vendors
- What’s your current EU-GMP certification status?
- Which markets do you currently supply?
- What’s your cultivation capacity for 2026-2027?
- How do you handle batch tracking and compliance?
- What’s your MOQ and lead time for orders?
- Do you support multi-jurisdiction reporting?
📊 What to Compare
- Genetics: THC/CBD ratios, terpene profiles, yields
- Extraction equipment: output, solvents, EU compliance
- Compliance software: multi-jurisdiction support
- Cultivation technology: automation levels, energy efficiency
- Laboratory testing: accreditation, turnaround, scope
- Distribution partners: geographic reach, cold chain
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Spannabis Bilbao 2026.
Is Spannabis a B2B-only trade show?
No. Spannabis welcomes industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The exhibition floor attracts 25,000+ visitors, while the World Cannabis Conference focuses on B2B topics.
What is the age requirement?
All attendees must be 18+. ID verification occurs at entry.
Can I re-enter with a single-day ticket?
No. Single-day passes don’t permit re-entry. Purchase a 3-day pass (EUR 45) if you need flexibility.
This is the first year in Bilbao. What’s different?
BEC offers 10,000 sqm indoor + 2,000 sqm outdoor space with Metro Line 2 access. The Basque Country’s stable CSC environment contrasts with Barcelona’s recent crackdowns.
What is the Spannabis Champions Cup?
The Champions Cup (XX Edition) is a prestigious cannabis competition. Awards ceremony Friday 7PM. Winners gain significant genetics sourcing interest.
Is ICBC Berlin the same week?
Close! ICBC Berlin runs April 13-15, immediately before Spannabis (April 17-19). Many professionals attend both sequentially.
Software Solutions for European Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into European markets increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating EU-GMP compliant documentation and managing multi-jurisdiction regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at Spannabis often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to AEMPS reporting requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and export destinations.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Spain use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability, EU-GMP documentation, and AEMPS regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.