Cannabis Driving Laws in Spain: What You Need to Know in 2025

Welcome to the most recent look at cannabis-driving laws across Spain. With evolving enforcement and stricter road-safety measures, it’s more important than ever to know exactly where you stand — even if you consume cannabis legally or belong to a Cannabis Social Club (CSC).

🚗 Is it legal to drive after consuming cannabis in Spain?

No — if there is any detectable THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) in your system while driving, you’re committing an offence. In Spain there is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs while driving. SpringerLink+2Cannactiva+2

Police perform roadside saliva tests to detect substances like THC. Spanishvida
If a saliva test comes back positive, a second sample may be sent to a lab for confirmation. SpringerLink
Importantly: the offence hinges on presence of drugs, not necessarily proof of impairment. Even if you feel sober — if THC is detected, it counts. Cannactiva

🧪 How drug testing works on the road

During random roadside checks, or after accidents/suspicions, drivers may be asked for a saliva sample for drug screening. Spanishvida
If the initial test is positive, a second sample may be sent for lab confirmation to verify presence of THC (or other drugs). SpringerLink
Because detection is based on presence — not impairment — even occasional use (or residual traces) can result in a positive test. Cannactiva

⚠ Penalties for driving with THC in your system

Getting caught with any detectable drugs while driving can carry serious consequences:

Fine: Typically €1,000, for a positive drug test. Cannactiva
License points: Loss of 6 driving-license points (out of 12). Cannactiva
Possibility of criminal charges: If impairment is evident, or accidents/injuries occur, the offence may be escalated to criminal level — which can lead to prison (3–6 months), or driving disqualification for 1–4 years. SpringerLink
Refusal to test: Refusing a drug test is treated like a positive result — same penalties. SpringerLink

Bottom line: the law punishes presence, not (just) impairment.

🚫 Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs), Consumption & Driving — Important Considerations

Even if you’re a member of a CSC and consume cannabis in a “legal-ish” or tolerated private setting, that does not exempt you from drug-driving laws. The zero-tolerance policy applies regardless of where or how you consumed.

If you plan to drive, the safest — and only legal — option is: don’t consume. And if you do consume: don’t drive afterward.

✅ How to stay safe (and legal) if you use cannabis in Spain

Assume that any use = potential offence. Play it like alcohol: if you smoke/use, don’t drive.
Use public transport, taxis or rideshares instead of driving after cannabis use.
If you must drive, allow significant time to ensure no detectable THC remains — but even then, there’s no guarantee.
Tourists and expats should be especially cautious: unfamiliarity + zero-tolerance = high risk.

🔮 What to expect in 2025 and beyond

The authorities continue to emphasize strict enforcement of drug-driving laws. Roadside drug-tests remain widely used and random checks frequent. eurotaller.com
The system is based on presence — not impairment — meaning detection methods, lab confirmation, and enforcement protocols remain key to outcomes. SpringerLink
Until legal thresholds or regulations change (none officially proposed at the time of writing), the rule stands: no driving if THC might be present.

✍️ Summary — What You Must Know

Driving under the influence of cannabis in Spain is strictly prohibited. The presence of THC — even if you don’t “feel” high — can trigger a positive test, leading to fines, licence point loss, or even criminal charges if impairment or accidents occur. If you consume cannabis (legal, tolerated, or via a CSC), plan ahead — don’t drive.