The first time I arrived in Madrid, I made the same mistake most visitors do. I pulled out my phone, opened Google, and typed “weeds near me.” Back home in the U.S., that would instantly bring up a list of dispensaries and delivery services. In Spain, I quickly realized things are very different.

Walking through the streets of the city, I didn’t see any neon signs or dispensaries. Nothing like what I was used to. At first, it was confusing. Friends had told me stories about cannabis clubs in Madrid, and I had seen plenty of reels on Instagram showing travelers relaxing with what locals call porros. But when I searched online, I wasn’t finding clear answers.

That’s when I came across this detailed guide on weeds near me in Madrid. It explained exactly why the results on Google looked so different from what I expected and how the system in Spain actually works.

Why You Won’t See Cannabis Shops on Google Maps

Cannabis in Spain doesn’t work like in North America. Here, the culture is based around private associations known as cannabis clubs. These clubs are legal, but they don’t advertise publicly. That means no flashy storefronts, no Google Maps pins, and no delivery scooters showing up at your hotel.

To become a member, you usually need to schedule an appointment, bring valid ID, and agree to the rules of the club. It’s not complicated once you know what to do, but it’s very different from the “walk‑in” culture that many tourists expect.

Why an Appointment Matters

The first appointment isn’t about paperwork — it’s about making sure you understand the rules and that the club is operating within Spanish regulations. Without it, you simply can’t join. Reading about this process before arriving helped me avoid wasting time and getting frustrated.

Avoid Street Offers

During my first couple of days in Madrid, I was approached more than once in busy areas by people whispering about “weed” or “hash.” The guide I read made it clear: avoid street deals. Not only is the quality questionable, but it can also get you into serious trouble. Real clubs never work like that.

What I Learned

Once I finally registered and stepped inside a cannabis club, I understood why people speak so highly of the Spanish system. It was safe, welcoming, and social — nothing like the sketchy encounters I had been worried about.

If you’re visiting Spain and thinking about typing “weeds near me” into Google, do yourself a favor and read the guide I linked above. It will save you time, help you avoid common mistakes, and show you how to experience the real cannabis culture in Madrid.