The Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) is set to host the XXIII edition of the Spannabis fair this weekend. This event will bring together 300 exhibitors and over 3,000 professionals from various countries, marking a new chapter with the capital of Bizkaia as its main venue, after more than two decades of being held in Catalonia.
The fair's arrival symbolizes how cannabis has transitioned from a marginal sphere to become part of an increasingly visible social culture. These events not only showcase products and trends but also contribute to normalizing the discussion around consumption, its uses, and regulation. Cannabis consumption in Bizkaia has become a solidified reality, with data indicating it is the most prevalent substance in addiction cases, accounting for 38% of primary consumption, surpassing alcohol.
Among young people, approximately 28% have tried cannabis, with the initiation age around 13-14 years, a critical factor in the development of potential future problems. Although youth consumption has slightly decreased, a concerning trend is observed: fewer consumers, but with more complex cases linked to mental health or social conflicts. Furthermore, consumption is increasingly integrated into both public and private spaces.
Cannabis appears as the main drug in 38% of cases attended in the substance area, and in many of these, it involves daily consumption, pointing to situations of greater dependence.
According to Fundación Gizakia, specialists and leaders in addiction in Bizkaia, which assisted over 2,300 people in 2025 (1,939 addicts and 383 adolescents in prevention), cannabis is one of the most significant substances in the problems addressed. Among adolescents, consumption is a primary reason for intervention. In this group, 69% exhibit addictive behaviors related to substances, primarily cannabis. Additionally, 42% combine consumption with other substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or even drugs like cocaine and benzodiazepines.
The private association Coconutcoffe Bilbao offers a different perspective. They argue that consumption is evolving towards more controlled and conscious forms, advocating for more natural products, free of chemicals, and with cleaner extraction processes. They note a growing diversity of profiles, from young people seeking to socialize to individuals over 40 and even 60 years old who use cannabis to reduce pain, improve sleep, or decrease analgesic use. In this regard, they focus on medicinal use, which, while not a cure, can help alleviate symptoms. They emphasize that the sector is more regulated and less criminalized, operating under rules established by the Basque Government, allowing for more controlled and safer activity.
