Catalonia is continuing to develop health education and harm reduction initiatives aimed at cannabis clubs and associations. Through training programmes, prevention resources and cooperation between public health professionals and club representatives, the region is promoting a more informed approach to cannabis use and the role clubs can play in protecting the health of their members.
The initiative is supported by the Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT) and forms part of a broader effort to bring practical harm reduction strategies into cannabis social clubs. One of the main programmes in this area is RdRCannabis, which provides training and educational resources for people working in cannabis associations across Catalonia.
Training Cannabis Clubs to Promote Health
Rather than focusing exclusively on preventing cannabis use, the programme aims to equip club staff with practical knowledge to reduce potential harms in environments where adults consume cannabis. Its approach draws on peer education and the concept of health agents, encouraging staff to take an active role in sharing information and promoting safer practices within their communities.
According to the Catalan Public Health Agency's announcement, a 12-hour training course took place in Barcelona from 13 to 15 May 2026. The sessions were designed for people working in cannabis clubs and associations, combining presentations, discussions and participatory workshops.
The programme covered several topics relevant to cannabis-related health risks, including the relationship between cannabis use and mental health, the effects of THC and CBD, synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, gender perspectives and good practices for reducing risks within associations.
From Education to Practical Prevention
The training is intended to help club staff recognise potential risks, communicate health information more effectively and reflect collectively on how their organisations can create safer social environments. The emphasis is on practical measures that can be adapted to the circumstances of individual clubs rather than a single approach applied everywhere.
RdRCannabis also provides educational materials and prevention resources that clubs can use to support their work. The programme encourages the exchange of experiences between associations, allowing staff to share challenges and develop strategies based on the realities of their communities.
A further element is collaboration between trained club representatives and public health professionals. The programme's working group brings together people from associations who have completed the training and want to help disseminate resources, identify emerging needs and support the implementation of harm reduction initiatives.
A Public Health Approach to Cannabis Social Clubs
Catalonia has a specific legal context for cannabis associations. Article 27 of Catalonia's Law 13/2017 addresses cooperation between cannabis consumer associations, health authorities and specialised organisations in the provision of information, professional advice and risk prevention and harm reduction measures.
Training and prevention programmes are one way to put this public health approach into practice. They provide opportunities to discuss health risks, improve communication with members and encourage a culture of care and responsibility.
However, these initiatives should not be confused with legalisation of cannabis sales or a general authorisation for cannabis clubs to operate without restrictions. Health education and harm reduction measures do not, by themselves, change the legal status of cannabis or remove the obligations that apply to associations.
Continuing the Work Beyond Individual Courses
The May 2026 course illustrates how Catalonia is developing practical training for people who work in cannabis associations. The broader RdRCannabis programme continues to provide information about its training activities and resources, including opportunities to register interest in future course editions.
For clubs, the challenge is to turn training into everyday practice: making reliable health information available, encouraging informed decisions and ensuring that potential risks are taken seriously. For public health organisations, continued cooperation with associations can help keep prevention strategies relevant to the people and environments they are intended to reach.
Catalonia's approach places education, collaboration and harm reduction at the centre of its work with cannabis clubs. While training alone cannot eliminate the risks associated with cannabis use, it can give club staff better tools to discuss those risks and support a more health-conscious environment.
