Let’s try to clarify a somewhat controversial topic: which and how many types of cannabis there are. Without going into too much technicalities, we can say that there are 2 main schools of thought:
The first claims that cannabis is of a single type at its origin, but that its composition varies mainly based on factors linked to the territory in which it grows. So let’s talk about the composition of the soil, the climate the region has and the temperatures to which the plant is exposed. These differences would therefore be responsible for the different types of cannabis existing on the market
The second, however, usually distinguishes the types of cannabis into 3 macro-categories, each with very distinct characteristics both from a genetic point of view and from the point of view of the effects of the plant.
The three major categories of cannabis
CANNABIS INDICA: this type is certainly one of the most powerful. In fact, the THC levels of this plant, depending on the cultivation method used, can reach percentages of around 25%. The plants that generate this type of cannabis are very resistant even to cold temperatures, it is no coincidence that it is mainly grown in Nepal. The effect of this plant is mainly relaxing. The use of this type of marijuana is recommended at night, to promote sleep and help calm the stress caused by an intense day of work.
CANNABIS SATIVA: the varieties of this plant develop in environments with tropical climates, therefore characterized by humidity and frequent showers. The cannabis sativa plant reaches very large dimensions, ranging from 1.5 meters in height up to measurements around 4 meters. As regards the effects of this plant, the THC concentration is approximately around 2%. This makes it a plant little used in the medical field, with mainly daytime use. The effect is in fact defined as more “cerebral”. In fact, cannabis sativa activates some receptors of the mind based on the concentration and quantity taken, which can therefore give effects of a creative nature up to actual almost psychedelic states.
CANNABIS RUDERALIS: we also include cannabis ruderalis in this list, but we immediately specify that the latter is not suitable for the production of marijuana due to its low THC content. This plant, which grows in the Russian steppe, is used to combine it with other plants to increase its robustness. In fact, this variety of cannabis is very small and characterized by a woody bark, which makes it more resistant than other types of cannabis.
Difference between marijuana and hemp
After this brief but fundamental distinction, let’s move on to distinguish the common names used to indicate the different types of cannabis. The term “marijuana” refers to all types of cannabis that contain more or less high percentages of THC depending on the variety. The term “hemp”, however, usually indicates a specific strain of cannabis sativa which has no traces of THC, but which is instead rich in CBD.
Having made this clarification, the different types of cannabis within the 3 categories listed above are infinite and all have effects that differentiate them, as well as taking on particular and very specific names. However, the most famous strains are hybrids between indica and sativa: to name a few, we mention Gorilla, Amnesia Kush, Cheese and Gelato. Each of these hybrids is derived from the combination of specific plants, with the aim of obtaining defined percentages of THC and CBD in the composition of the final product.
During the reopening period, Spanish cannabis clubs and cannabis associations are working hard to ensure safety.
After a long period of closure due to the lock down brought about by Covid 19, the government is slowly preparing the reopening. The institutions have launched a series of regulations regarding cannabis club safety that must be respected.
Reopening safely is the final goal and to achieve it all the entities involved are moving carefully.
Cannabis clubs, specifically, are subject to all the rules established for places open to the public. Seriousness and maximum attention are paid to the application of these rules in order to make the opening as safe as possible for members and staff.
Each entity takes careful action to apply the rules established by law. Therefore the reopening will continue without contributing to a new wave of the virus.
By doing so, members will be able to once again have recourse to cannabis which they had been denied in this long period.
Cannabis clubs: reasons for an announced closure
The closure of cannabis clubs due to Covid-19 was an announced closure. In fact, cannabis clubs and restaurants have been assimilated in terms of safety. With a view to slowing the spread of the virus, all non-essential activities have been suspended. In this way all those who habitually used cannabinoids were left without supplies.
This is a choice that says a lot about the ambiguity with which cannabis is treated in Spain. In fact, if it is allowed to cultivate and use it privately, its sale and public consumption is absolutely prohibited. The birth of social clubs, within this regulatory framework, is seen as a violation of the norm.
Cannabis consumers, even those who use it for therapeutic purposes, have been left without supplies for a long time with the only option being to turn to the black market. In fact, cannabis was not included among the essentials, like tobacco and alcohol.
A safe reopening
As the restrictive measures slowly eased, cannabis clubs were also able to reopen. Clearly, regarding safety, cannabis clubs must follow all the rules relating to sanitization and distancing.
Every place open to the public must scrupulously apply rules that make it safe for both patrons and employees.
The state has passed a series of regulations that cannabis clubs scrupulously implement. Aside from the frequent sanitization of the premises, let’s see what’s new for accessing cannabis clubs.
You have to ask for an appointment.
Each appointment has a limited duration which must be respected to grant access to all customers
At the entrance you must have a mask and valid identity document. Anyone with symptoms related to Covid 19 cannot access
Maintain an interpersonal distance of 2 meters Wear gloves and wash your hands frequently or use a hydroalcoholic gel.
Bring your own smoking items
These are virtuous behavioral rules that serve to maintain the social distancing necessary to avoid a resurgence of the epidemic.
This way it will be possible to reopen safely and enjoy the many benefits of cannabis again.
The sanitization of cannabis clubs is a fundamental element to take into consideration now that, as the lock down has been eased, they reopen to the public.
Already in early April, the “Podemos Cannabico” group had asked for the reopening of cannabis clubs that had been closed to contain the epidemic. Pro-cannabis groups have repeatedly called for cannabis clubs to be listed as essential businesses. They called for access to cannabis to be granted to those who regularly used it for therapeutic purposes. During the lock down, in fact, cannabis clubs were assimilated to venues such as bars and restaurants and suffered from closure for the entire period.
The solution for those who used cannabis was to turn, with great difficulty, to the black market or to self-produce their own weed. Two solutions not without difficulties or risks. The reopening finally normalizes the situation. But reopening also means paying close attention to the sanitization of cannabis clubs. In fact, in order to reopen, each club will have to follow strict hygiene rules established for all commercial services. These are rules established to ensure the safety of members and avoid further spread of the virus.
Security measures
In fact, frequent sanitization of cannabis clubs must be provided in order to guarantee stringent hygiene standards. Each room must be sanitized several times a day with hydroalcoholic solutions capable of reducing the viral load of Covid-19. Each location must also provide for the sanitization of fabrics with specific products. Particular attention must be paid to sanitizing the premises between one member and another.
But if the premises are required to adopt containment hygiene standards, the customers will have to do the same and will be subjected to a series of rules.
A decalogue to respect
The sanitization of cannabis clubs must go hand in hand with the acquisition of virtuous attitudes on the part of members and staff. Here is a list of measures that clubs implement to reopen safely:
Cannabis associations and clubs will have to place sanitizing product dispensers for the public.
Where possible, dividing barriers must be positioned between the tables.
The staff will use individual protection as in all other activities open to the public. They will wear masks and gloves and use sanitizing gel.
Staff will also have to sanitize the area between one member’s visit and another.
Members will be able to access cannabis clubs only after making an appointment.
The club will ensure that there is a reasonable amount of time between members to avoid overlaps within the premises
Each appointment will be made at least one day in advance.
Members will not be able to stay at the club for more than the necessary time allowed by the appointment.
The presence of multiple members at the same time will not be permitted. The openings will depend on the number of appointments made the previous day.
These are important measures to allow reopening in complete safety. Each club will thus finally be able to resume dispensing cannabis to those who have been deprived of it until now.
Barcelona’s cannabis clubs reopen after the Covid emergency. Finally, the easing of measures due to the fight against the epidemic allows access to social clubs. Regular cannabis users can resume their habits and they can do so safely.
During phase zero of the Spanish lockdown, cannabis clubs were closed and it was impossible to obtain supplies of marijuana. Everyone who used cannabis for medicinal purposes suddenly found themselves in great difficulty. Since Spanish law does not allow the transportation of cannabis, it was not even possible to keep social clubs open for purchasing. Since March 14, the sudden closure has made it impossible to obtain supplies of cannabis except by resorting to the black market. A choice which, in addition to being completely illegal, also raised questions about the quality of the products purchased.
The security and control of purchasing within a cannabis club are in no way comparable with the black market. The fact that cannabis clubs are reopening has finally restored a situation of legality for those who cannot do without cannabis. Those who use it for therapeutic purposes or just for recreational purposes can return to supplies in complete safety.
Cannabis club, sudden closure and difficulties.
When the Spanish government decreed a lockdown on March 14, the country paralyzed. Cannabis consumers did not have time to accumulate supplies and the flow of tourists suddenly stopped. Cannabis clubs, like other businesses, have faced, and are still facing, a time of great difficulty. Now that cannabis clubs are reopening they have to face the biggest challenge: giving members security and making them feel at home again. The social distancing rules to contain the virus are very stringent rules that clubs must apply to give customers safety.
Returning to the pre-Covid situation is still out of the question, but with all the necessary precautions it is possible to reopen in complete safety.
A reopening with caution and in complete safety
The cannabis associations, in agreement with the government, have established a series of rules to be adopted in order to guarantee a safe resumption of activities. Now that cannabis clubs are reopening, the rules will be very important and it is desirable that all members follow the instructions provided.
Access by appointment
Use of the mask inside the premises
Frequent hand washing or use of hydroalcoholic solutions
Respect for arrival time and time allowed for stay
The operators, for their part, are required to guarantee the necessary hygiene standards within the premises:
Sanitization of the premises
Frequent ventilation
Cleaning of the counter and consumption areas between one customer and another
Presence of disinfectant gels available to members
It is clear that these are intuitive and immediate hygiene solutions, as well as easy to implement. Each club is doing everything in its power to reopen, guaranteeing safety and preventing a new spread of the virus.
In this way, cannabis consumers can return to supplies without fear of controlled and quality products.
The reopening of the Cannabis club has finally brought some relief to those who were regular marijuana users who found themselves in difficulty during the lock-down.
The emergency which in Spain led to the suspension of all non-essential activities also overwhelmed social clubs, generating great inconvenience. Those who were regular consumers found themselves unable to obtain supplies. We are not just talking about cannabis for recreational use, but also cannabis for therapeutic use. Those who used it medically suddenly found themselves unable to access the therapy. In fact, Spain, in a mid-March decree, decreed a state of alarm, suspending all activities that were not considered essential. The activity of social clubs, unlike tobacconists, was not considered essential and they were assimilated to bars and restaurants. We want to overlook the choice, widely shared in Europe, to consider the sale of tobacco essential but not marijuana for therapeutic use. However, we must draw attention to the great inconvenience that this choice has generated in vulnerable sections of the population.
The reopening of the cannabis club finally puts an end to this phase of discomfort.
A sudden closure and the difficulty of finding it
When the Spanish government decreed a national state of emergency on March 14, 2020, it was a cold shower for the population. The Spaniards, although they had seen how the situation was progressing, first in China and then in Italy, were not prepared for such an initiative. Few had managed to stock up on cannabis and the difficulties were tangible.
Unlike tobacco, in fact. Cannabis has not been included among the essential things and obtaining it has become extremely complicated. There were essentially two alternatives available:
Home cultivation
Black market
Both are difficult to implement. Home cultivation, in fact, although it was the safest solution, was not practicable for those who did not already have plants or seeds. Even for those in possession of seeds, it turned out to be a solution with too long-term results. Turning to the black market, however, was even more difficult due to the very strict rules that prevented leaving the house. The rule that regulated trips to carry out essential functions did not include, as we said, the purchase of cannabis!
The reopening of the cannabis club has finally given a sigh of relief to all regular marijuana consumers.
Safety rules and social distancing
The reopening of cannabis clubs in Barcelona takes place under the strictest social distancing rules to guarantee the safety of patrons and club employees. Entry by appointment, limited access, sanitization of the premises are just some of the initiatives taken by the various clubs in the city. Staying inside the clubs is limited to a few people at a time and for a maximum time, defined by the individual clubs. Access by appointment, with strict timetables, ensures that users do not gather in compliance with the safety regulations established by the government.
Users will then have to bring all their smoking devices with them and will have to wear gloves.
These are necessary rules, similar to those adopted in all commercial establishments, which must be respected in order to benefit from the advantages of access to the clubs.
Covid-19 has proven to be a moment of great difficulty and awareness at the same time for cannabis clubs. The state of emergency, which the Spanish government decreed on March 14, 2020, forced the closure of all non-essential businesses.
Those who had not taken steps to stock up with foresight found themselves overnight without supplies and without the possibility of purchasing them. With cannabis clubs closed, only the black market, or home cultivation for the lucky few, have faced the difficulties of many.
Cannabis clubs have suffered the same treatment as recreational venues, such as pubs and restaurants. Preventing the virus, a fundamental objective, has however brought serious difficulties to those who habitually use marijuana. Covid-19 has been a real turning point for cannabis clubs and their users. A moment in which to constructively rethink the role of cannabis and clubs within society.
A reflection on what should be considered essential
The closure due to Covid-19 for cannabis clubs was an initiative that highlighted the difficulties still linked to the marijuana trade in Spain. The choice to consider cannabis as non-essential, compared to tobacco and alcohol whose purchase was permitted, is emblematic.
By considering Cannabis as non-essential, the State has deliberately ignored the voices of those who use it for therapeutic purposes. A weak section of society was not listened to and many people were left without their pain relief therapy.
In Spain there are ambiguous regulations regarding the consumption of Marijuana which cannot be sanctioned unless done in private. There is therefore no real legalization but only an evasion of the law. The emergency decisions taken by the government to contain Covid-19 have well reflected the ambiguities of the law.
The Spanish government, in its ambiguous policy towards cannabis, has failed to consider painkillers as an essential good. However, it has included substances such as tobacco and alcohol among marketable goods. A choice that makes us reflect on the role that cannabis occupies within Spanish society.
Reopening and greater awareness
The reopening after Covid-19 for cannabis clubs is really the time to rethink how they should position themselves within Spanish society. Greater awareness on the part of institutions and full acceptance of the use and consumption of cannabis is desirable.
In this phase, sector operators will have to take action to obtain more open policies and greater acceptance of the role of cannabis on both a medical and recreational level.
Whether for therapeutic or recreational use, cannabis must rise to the role of an essential good. Supply should be guaranteed for those who normally use it, just as much as, and more than, tobacco.
Only from this perspective, the post-Covid-19 reopening could bring a major relaunch to the cannabis sector seriously affected by this ongoing health emergency.
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After this brief but fundamental distinction, let’s move on to distinguish the common names used to indicate the different types of cannabis. The term “marijuana” refers to all types of cannabis that contain more or less high percentages of THC depending on the variety. The term “hemp”, however, usually indicates a specific strain of cannabis sativa which has no traces of THC, but which is instead rich in CBD.
