By DANIEL ADLER-GOLDEN

This article kicks off a weekly column exploring the ever-evolving cannabis scene with Dan Adler-Golden of Compound Genetics and Node Labs. We’ll be diving deeper into the work of Compound and Node, as well as other key players from around the globe, all of whom are influencing the future of cannabis cultivation, consumption, and culture in the city. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the intersection of local and global cannabis cultures, and the innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Road To Spannabis: Dan's Dispatch (1/16/25)

As we count down the weeks to Spannabis 2025, the anticipation is building for what is bound to be one of the most exciting events in the European cannabis scene. Over the next eight weeks, I’ll be traveling across Europe, immersing myself in the rapidly evolving cannabis culture, and visiting farms that are raising the bar in the production of high-quality, flavorful, and aromatic hand-trimmed flower.

Europe's cannabis landscape is changing fast, but there's a distinct challenge on the horizon: while some consumers are flocking for exotic, designer strains, there’s still a massive untapped market for the classics. Many growers haven’t yet introduced strains like Blue Dream, OG Kush, or Sour Diesel to the European market. While Germans and others in the region are familiar with “modern” cannabis, the rich, pungent flavors of old-school strains have yet to make their mark. My mission? To find the farmers who are pushing for that classic, American-inspired flavor profile and bring those sought-after genetics to Europe. Along the way, I’ll be meeting breeders and collectors, hunting for lost cuts like the “Riri” Sour Diesel, and visiting social clubs to witness firsthand the blending of international flavors and local passions.

It’s an exciting time to be in the European cannabis space, and I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you. Stay tuned for more dispatches from the road as I uncover the talent, passion, and vision driving Europe’s cannabis revolution.


Quick Dispatch from Barcelona (1/17/25, 5 PM)

I’m checking in from the heart of Barcelona, where the energy is palpable even as the workday winds down. People are still hard at it, but the mood is light, and the after-hours vibe is taking over. Laptops are out, joints are lit, and conversations in multiple languages are swirling in the air, creating the unique hum that only a place like this can offer.

I’m hanging out at one of the city’s hottest social clubs, and it’s clear that Barcelona has truly become the cannabis capital of Europe. The crowd is diverse, as always—locals and travelers from around the world coming together for a shared love of the plant. As I take in the scene, the buzz around the pool table is almost as lively as the one around the cannabis menus. From seasoned consumers to curious newcomers, the atmosphere is welcoming, and everyone seems eager to connect, share, and enjoy.

As for the menu, it’s a true reflection of Barcelona’s growing influence in the cannabis world. Strains are clearly categorized into “mostly sativa” and “mostly indica,” with a healthy mix of European-grown varieties alongside popular U.S. strains like Sherbanger and OG Kush. What’s really striking, though, is the growing appreciation for classic American strains—a movement that’s been slow but steady in the city. There’s still a noticeable absence of hash holes on the menu, but overall, the selection is evolving rapidly, offering something for everyone.

This blend of international strains alongside local offerings shows that Barcelona is embracing diversity in its cannabis culture, balancing tradition with the latest trends. It’s a testament to the city’s central role in Europe’s cannabis evolution, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into this fusion of cultures as the weeks roll on.

More to come, stay tuned for updates from farms, breeders, and the latest in Barcelona's ever-changing cannabis scene. We’re just getting started! the city’s role as a cannabis hub in Europe. 

A version of this article was originally published on the Compound Genetics blog, read here.

Learn more about Compound and Node on their websites and on IG. Compound, Node. Websites: Compound, Node