A Spanish “Royal Decree” (Real Decreto) is a type of regulation issued by the Spanish government, often to implement or develop existing laws. They are sanctioned by the King and have the force of law, but typically do not address core constitutional matters or fundamental rights
Canna Reporter
Spain has taken steps to strengthen controls on psychotropic substances and synthetic cannabinoids through an update of the Royal Decree 2829/1977. This measure aligns national legislation with the 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, reinforcing international and national efforts to curb abuse, illicit trafficking and health risks associated with emerging psychoactive compounds.
The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted on 21 February 1971 and ratified by Spain in 1973, requires signatory States to apply regulatory controls on listed psychotropic substances. These include substances added to the annexes, as determined by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Spain implemented this international mandate at the national level through Royal Decree 2829/1977, which regulates the manufacture, distribution, prescription and dispensing of psychotropic drugs.
To keep pace with the rapidly evolving drug trafficking landscape and the proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS), regular updates of the annexes to Royal Decree 2829/1977 are necessary. These updates ensure that newly identified substances subject to international control are also regulated by national legislation. This approach supports Spain’s commitment to protecting public health and complying with international obligations.
Addressing Synthetic Cannabinoids: A Growing Threat
At its 67th session, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs took decisions to add several high-risk substances to the schedules of the 1971 Convention. A major part of this update concerns semi-synthetic cannabinoids, compounds that mimic the effects of THC but often with greater potency and unpredictability. The newly regulated substances in Schedule II include:
- Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and its acetate (HHC-O)
- Hexahydrocannabiphorol (HHCP) and its acetate (HHCP-O)
- Delta-8 e Delta-9- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCP) and related acetates
- Delta-8 e Delta-9-THC-C8 variants
- Hydrocannabidiol (H4-CBD)
- Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
According to the Commission, these cannabinoids, although structurally similar to THC, have no known therapeutic uses and exhibit psychoactive properties, raising concerns about toxicity, addiction potential and behavioural side effects.
Read full report
https://cannareporter.eu/en/2025/04/24/Spain-strengthens-control-of-synthetic-cannabinoids/
