Between boom and legal grey zone
In the popular tourist region of Arona, Adeje / Las Americas, Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, the number of cannabis clubs has increased rapidly in recent years. While many visitors welcome this offer, the reality for the owners of these clubs is often delicate and uncertain. These clubs are often targeted by the police, as they are accused of infringing public health and illegal drug trafficking.
Public relations on the streets and online: Conflict-ridden advertising
A controversial factor that further complicates the situation of cannabis clubs in Tenerife is the aggressive advertising through so-called "PRs" (Promotores) who especially target tourists on the streets. In Arona / Las Americas, Los Cristianos these promoters do not only work for bars and clubs offering cheap alcohol, but also for cannabis clubs. Often they even approach families with children, which many residents and tourists consider inappropriate.
In addition to direct contact on the street, advertising has also moved to social media. Platforms such as Instagram or Google allow clubs to promote their offers and attract a wider audience through positive reviews from visitors. However, these PR strategies often attract the attention of the police, which has consequences.
Police operations: Closures and complaints for infringements
Clubs' strategies to promote themselves through PRs often also attract undercover police who pose as potential customers and then intervene in the clubs, charging them with public health offences or drug trafficking. In recent months, there have been several closures of cannabis clubs in Arona and other parts of Tenerife. The owners usually defend themselves with the help of lawyers and, in many cases, reopen after a few weeks, although they sometimes have to pay fines.
Some of these police operations have caused a great deal of controversy. In several cases, the police gained violent access to the clubs; in some cases, it appears that they used a key provided by the authorities or even broke into locked premises. There are currently nine complaints against the police for abuse of force, filed by club owners.
Lack of regulation: A system without clear rules
The rapid growth of cannabis clubs in Tenerife reveals a fundamental problem: the lack of regulation. Club owners have to operate in a legal grey area, without a clear regulatory framework. Many clubs try to adhere to the "community grow" model, growing cannabis themselves for club members. However, this is not always easy.
For some homeowners, buying cannabis on the black market is a less risky alternative to home cultivation. This is because buying on the black market is a short, one-off action, whereas cultivation requires a long-term commitment, with the constant fear of being caught and prosecuted.
The products available on the black market, however, are often of dubious quality and do not offer the same security for club members as homegrown crops, which could be controlled under stricter conditions. This opens up a dangerous gap that can have negative consequences for both owners and club members.
Court proceedings and legal consequences: Often without clear results
Despite closures and police interventions, court proceedings against cannabis clubs are rare. When they do go to court, the owners usually come out unscathed, as long as they cannot be shown to have violated their bylaws or community cultivation rules.
This trend demonstrates how difficult it is for authorities to prove infringements conclusively. At the same time, the lack of legal certainty and clear regulation means that many owners live "on the edge", trying to keep their business afloat, but always at the risk of attracting the attention of the police.
Is Tenerife the new Jamaica? A future perspective
Current developments and the continued growth of cannabis clubs in the Canary Islands raise the question of whether Tenerife is becoming a new Jamaica, a destination famous for cannabis use. However, unlike Jamaica, where certain regulations are in place, the Canary Islands lack a clear legal framework to provide security for both owners and authorities.
The case of Tenerife shows the urgent need for regulation to allow cannabis clubs to operate within an established legal framework. Clear legislation could improve conditions for club owners and members, while protecting public health. Until then, the club boom remains an unstable balance between the needs of owners and the demands of law enforcement.
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