Travel Tuesday: Taking medical cannabis to Spain

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Regulations around medical cannabis vary by country, and airline policies can differ too. Always check the latest guidance with the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), your airline, and your prescribing clinic before you travel. 

From the serene sandy beaches that line the Mediterranean coast, to mouthwatering tapas, to the impressive architecture, the colourful culture, and the sweet symphony of sangria - there’s something for everyone in Spain. So, it’s no wonder that for decades now, Spain has been a top travel destination for Brits. 

But for some, this year's trip to Español might not seem as straightforward as it’s been in the past - especially if you’re concerned about taking your medical cannabis prescription to Spain with you. 

And while for the most part (you’ll be relieved to hear) providing you do the right planning and preparation - taking medical cannabis flower (or cannabis oils or vaporisers for that matter) to Spain is not only possible, it's entirely plausible, and, it’s been an experience a number of Releaf patients have already had. 

You could be next. 

So, in this edition of ‘Travel Tuesdays’ we’ll give a rundown of the advice we give to our patients, and the steps medical cannabis users can take so that they can continue their treatment while travelling to, and around, Spain. 

Is medical cannabis legal in Spain?

If you’ve read the educational resources featured on Releaf’s Patient Dashboard, you’ll know the first step when taking medical cannabis on any trip abroad is checking its legal status in the country you plan on visiting. 

Don’t worry, we’re one step ahead: the medicinal use of cannabis is legal in Spain.

But, in order to take your cannabis-based treatments (which are classed as schedule 2 controlled substances in the UK) out of the country and into Spain, you need to contact the Embassy for approval first. 

Contact the Spanish Embassy: Request authorisation for medical cannabis

If you’d like to take medical cannabis flower, prescribed cannabis oil, or a cannabis-based vape to Spain, you need to seek approval from the Spanish Ministry of Health - or more specifically - The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS).

Their website states: 

“Travellers entering Spain with medications containing substances subject to international control must first request a permit to transport them for medical treatment. 

This request can be made by sending an email to the AEMPS’s address: estupefacientes@aemps.es.”

In this request, it’s advised you include: 

• Your travel details: The country you are coming from, and the dates you plan on being in Spain
• Your personal details: Your full name, address, date of birth and ID or passport number
• Medication information: The name of your prescribed medication(s), its presentation, preparation or formulation, and the dosage you’re prescribed.
• The prescribing Doctor’s details: Their first and last name, licence number (or GMC number) and contact details.
• Your clinics' information: The name, address, and contact information for your prescribing clinic. 

The AEMPS website also explains: 

“This application must be accompanied by documentation proving the need for treatment with substances subject to international control, as well as the prescribed daily doses.”

Which leads on nicely to our next section….

Contact Releaf: Get a medical cannabis travel certificate

At Releaf, we issue travel certificates for free to Releaf patients. These certificates state your name, date of birth, passport number, the dates, and destination you plan on travelling to, along with your flight details, your prescribed medication details, the prescribing doctor’s information, and, Releaf’s contact details. 

Requests for travel certificates can be processed within three working days of the travelling date, but really, the earlier they’re requested, the better. The only caveat to this is that travel certificates can only be created based on current prescriptions. 

So, because medical cannabis prescriptions last 28 days, when requesting a travel certificate, your planned journey should be no later than one month after your latest prescription shipping date. 

This is because if you were to request a travel certificate for a trip in 45 days, by the time you travel, the prescription your travel certificate pertains to will not be ‘current’ and this could cause concern at customs. 

We’d suggest ordering your medication and your travel certificate, in plenty of time before your departure, to ensure your medication has arrived, your prescription is in date, and therefore your travel certificate is valid, when you choose to travel. 

For more information on Releaf’s travel certificates, head over to our dedicated blog: ‘How to request a travel certificate for medical cannabis’.

Jet, set, go: How to take medical cannabis on holiday

So, while it might feel like there are a few extra hoops to jump through, with the right planning you can be well-prepared to take your prescription with you to Spain.

Make sure you’ve got approval from the Spanish Embassy, request your Releaf travel certificate in good time, and check that your prescription will still be current while travelling. 

When it comes to packing, keep your medication in your hand luggage, in its original containers that have prescription labels, alongside your travel certificate and a physical copy of your prescription, to make things easier at airport security. It’s also worth contacting your airline before you fly, as some carriers may have their own requirements when it comes to travelling with controlled medicines. 

And once all this is done, you can focus on enjoying your holiday while continuing treatment with peace of mind. 

Releaf: Let’s rethink healthcare.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Regulations around medical cannabis vary by country, and airline policies can differ too. Always check the latest guidance with the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS), your airline, and your prescribing clinic before you travel.