A grow shop is a shop specialising in equipment for growing plants, and cannabis in particular: substrates, fertilisers, lighting, irrigation systems, grow tents, seeds and accessories. In Spain grow shops are legal businesses and have been operating for decades, because they sell products that can be freely traded. Their legal risk lies not in opening the shop, but in how certain products are presented and sold. In this guide we explain what a grow shop is, what it can sell and how to open one in Spain with legal certainty.
Quick summary
What is a grow shop? A grow shop is a shop specialising in equipment for growing plants, such as lighting, substrates, fertilisers, grow tents and irrigation systems, and in cannabis-related accessories such as collectors’ seeds or paraphernalia.
Is it legal? Yes. In Spain a grow shop is a legal business as long as it does not sell cannabis or products containing THC and does not advise on how to grow cannabis to produce drugs.
What is a grow shop?
The term comes from English and simply means a shop for growing. It is a retail business, physical or online, that sells everything needed for cultivation: soil and substrates, fertilisers, pots, lamps and lighting equipment, extractors and filters, irrigation systems, scissors and other accessories. Many grow shops also sell cannabis seeds and smoking paraphernalia.
Are grow shops legal in Spain?
Yes. The products a grow shop sells can be traded legally: very similar items can be found in any garden centre. Cannabis seeds are not illegal either, because they contain no THC and are not considered narcotics. What the law punishes is promoting, encouraging or facilitating illegal drug use, so you need to make sure:
- The shop does not sell or offer products containing THC.
- Advertising, shop windows and social media do not encourage illegal cultivation or use.
- Advice to customers does not become direct help with a crop intended for trafficking.
What products can a grow shop sell?
- Substrates, fertilisers, nutrients and stimulators.
- Lighting, grow tents, extraction and climate control.
- Irrigation, pots and tools.
- Cannabis seeds, as collectors’ items and without encouraging illegal germination.
- Smoking accessories such as rolling papers, grinders or vaporisers.
- CBD products, as long as they comply with their specific regulations. We explain it in our CBD business service.
How to open a grow shop in Spain
- Choose a legal structure: self-employed or limited company, depending on the investment and risk.
- Find premises and check that commercial use is permitted.
- Apply for the activity licence or the responsible declaration required by your town council. You do not need a special licence because it is a grow shop.
- Review your catalogue, website and advertising before opening.
- If you sell online, prepare the legal notice, terms of sale and privacy policy.
For more business ideas, read our article on the most profitable legal cannabis businesses.
Frequently asked questions about grow shops in Spain
Do I need a special licence to open a grow shop?
No. You need the activity licence or responsible declaration for an ordinary shop, depending on your town council.
Can a grow shop sell marijuana?
No. Selling cannabis containing THC is a drug trafficking offence, in a grow shop too.
Can a grow shop sell cannabis seeds?
Yes, because seeds contain no THC. They should be presented without encouraging illegal cultivation.
What happens if my grow shop is inspected?
If your catalogue and the way you sell have been reviewed, there is no reason for problems. If you are inspected or reported, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Grow shop lawyers
At S&F Abogados we advise grow shops all over Spain: opening, catalogue, online store and defence in inspections and sanction proceedings. Find out about our grow shop service, send us an online enquiry or call us on +34 919 532 802.
