Dan's Dispatch: Your Guide to Spannabis 2025
With Spannabis just around the corner, it's time to start preparing for one of the most anticipated cannabis events of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, the festival and the many events surrounding it can be overwhelming. But fear not! I’ve put together a few tips to help you make the most of your time in Barcelona and ensure you experience the best of Spannabis 2025.
From the iconic Dab-A-Doo hosted by cannabis legend Mila Jansen to visiting the local cannabis social clubs and navigating the city’s vibrant dining scene, this year’s Spannabis promises to be unforgettable. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, community, and cannabis innovations that make Barcelona the ultimate destination for cannabis enthusiasts.
With Spannabis just around the corner, I want to share a few tips to help you make the most of what can be a very busy time in Barcelona. While the festival and surrounding events will take up much of your day, here are a few essential tips to help you experience the best of this year's Spannabis.
Can’t Miss: Dab A Doo 2025
In a scene with an increasing number of events every year, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of new cups and competitions. One can’t-miss event this year is the Dab-A-Doo, hosted by legendary cannabis icon Mila Jansen. Regarded as a sort of Mother Teresa among hash makers, Mila is a true cannabis pioneer, having been a part of the movement for over 60 years. While many people know her for inventing the Pollinator and Ice-O-Lator—revolutionizing ways to make hash—Mila started a tea house in 1960s Amsterdam, which became the hub for the emerging underground scene. It is now regarded as the precursor to the world-famous coffeeshops of Amsterdam.
What began as a birthday celebration for Mila quickly turned into a celebration of the culture, art, and shared passion for hash. While there’s traditionally been a competitive element, this year’s event will be different. "We’ve decided to switch the focus of this year's event. Instead of a competition—with all the ego, tension, and drama that can sometimes overshadow the spirit of our community—we will be transforming Dab A Doo into a celebration of life, legacy, and love.”
While this year’s gathering looks like it might be the final one for Dab-A-Doo, Mila and the crew want to make it unforgettable. "It will be about collaboration, not rivalry, and about making this year one for the history books.” Expect some of the best food and hash to delight all your senses, with legends from around the world in attendance to help celebrate.
Visiting the Social Clubs
The Cannabis Social Clubs of Barcelona are considered "private member groups,” so bring an ID/passport and prepare to become a member before being allowed to enter. Most commonly, there is a small fee for becoming an annual member, and that will allow you to visit the club as much as you like during your stay.
Loitering, loud noises, or consumption right outside the clubs is a big no-no as keeping a solid relationship with their neighbors is critical to the clubs continuing to exist. Each club may have specific rules for being inside, oftentimes including no photos of menus, people, or product.
Oftentimes they will have a small assortment of drinks or snacks available, but be prepared to leave the club for a full meal.
Getting to and From Spannabis
Spannabis itself is located a drive from the center of Barcelona, so be prepared to take a cab or get transportation to and from the event. Depending on when you decide to leave, getting a ride out of the venue can take a bit longer than expected, so plan a few extra minutes for travel when you leave, especially just after 4:20.
Dining in Barcelona
Barcelona is an amazing city for food of all kinds. From tapas to incredible fusion, Barcelona takes its dining seriously. Many restaurants in Barcelona require reservations, so be prepared to wait a while for a table if you do not have one. Many restaurants shut down for the late afternoon and don’t open for dinner service until 8 p.m., so the options are a bit more limited for those looking to have an earlier supper.
One of the main differences in dining in Europe is the tipping culture. Tipping is not expected in Spain, and oftentimes you will need to flag down a server in order to get your bill and pay, as there is no rush to get people out of the restaurant once their meal is finished. While there are almost unlimited options, a few we can’t miss are:
Dinner
La Flauta, Vinitus, Ciutat Comtal
A group of restaurants that serve classic Catalonian/Spanish tapas. While each restaurant has a similar menu with a few slight differences, none of them take reservations. The restaurants are large, and the tables move fast.
Bar Brutal
Delicious classic Spanish tapas with a huge selection of natural wines. Incredibly friendly staff with a few expats working there, they will take the time to get you the right food and beverage.
Berbena
A standout in the Barcelona food scene. Berbena is a small plates + tapas style restaurant with some wildly delicious flavors. This one is hard to recommend because it’s already hard enough to get a table.
Casual
Gigi Focacceria
Exceptional Italian sandwiches with a small but absolutely delicious menu.
True Burgers
A short walk from the HQ Club, here you can have fantastic smash burgers that can be loaded up with some incredible toppings.
Bars
Creps al Born
A lively tiki bar in the heart of Barcelona that’s open late and serves crepes. Great for after dinner, it’s a fun spot that’s open late.
Dr. Stravinsky
This isn’t a bar for classic cocktails, but a truly unique and elevated experience with a large menu of cocktails.
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