Cannabis

The staggering rise in marijuana production and trafficking is the hallmark of a new era of organized crime in the country, where anonymity is key as gangs go global and diversify. From Galicia to Cádiz, EL PAÍS looks at the hotspots for the drug trade across the territory

A regional police report is warning about the dangers behind a drug that is driving increased violence between growers and criminal groups

Criminal groups are paying as much as €5,000 per harvest to low-income families who agree to grow the drug in their homes

Parents, unemployed people and upper-class youngsters have been caught growing the drug in their homes as a means to earn extra cash

A scientific study by pharmacist Manuel Pérez Moreno of 90 types of cannabis resin bought in the region has revealed high levels of E.coli bacteria, posing a threat to consumers’ health

The country has some of the world’s most active research teams looking into the drug, but it is still illegal for medicinal and recreational purposes. The value of the global industry is set to grow to around €50 billion – is there a risk that Spanish players could miss out?

The same week that the drug became legal in Canada, the anti-austerity party organized a forum to support decriminalizing cultivation, sale and consumption

Decision to make recreational use legal has been dogged by unexpected difficulties such as a bank veto

Legal change guarantees certain patients access to cannabis oil, but homegrown pot still illegal

A key legalization vote in California in November could unleash a green gold rush

A lack of work is boosting production, with a ton of the drug seized in the southern region in 2015

Podemos, Ciudadanos and United Left support regulating cannabis for therapeutic use The ruling Popular Party, however, is completely opposed to such a measure

Home-growth is on the rise in anticipation of new distribution methods being put in place

Non-residents, under-21s will not be allowed to join clubs, while growing and sale will be controlled

At least four top members of marijuana association federation arrested in police probe

Authorities are keeping a closer eye on member-only associations that claim to be not-for-profit

The 400 marijuana associations in Catalonia are reporting a boom in drug tourism in the region

Canada, Chile and Israel express interest in purchasing marijuana for medicinal purposes