Spannabis 2024: Lighting Up Bilbao

Spannabis Bilbao, a regional offshoot of the renowned Spannabis trade fair in Barcelona, debuted in Bilbao, attracting over 5,000 cannabis enthusiasts. The event, which reflects the growing interest in cannabis nationwide, provided a valuable platform for businesses and individuals to connect, exchange ideas, and stay updated on upcoming trends. This expansion signifies the increasing importance of the cannabis industry and the potential for economic growth in the region.

Located in northern Spain, Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque region. It is known for its contemporary architecture and rich cultural heritage. The Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) is one of Spain’s largest cannabis conference event venues, covering over 150,000 m2 across six exhibition halls. It’s well connected by public transport and the airport, making it a prime location to hold one of the most significant cannabis events in Europe, Spannabis Bilbao 2024.

Exploring the Halls

Walking through the exhibition halls, I was immersed in the experience among the stands that properly reflected the industry’s diversity and innovation. Booths showcased cutting-edge cultivation technologies, including advanced LED lighting, state-of-the-art hydroponic systems, and multiple growing mediums. Many offered interactive, hands-on demonstrations and provided activities to win some growing equipment, high-quality seeds, or merchandise.

What caught my eye was the incredible number of filter companies popping up throughout the venue. However, there’s one brand that stood out. The RipTip is a game-changer in the world of smoking paraphernalia. It’s a reusable borosilicate glass rolling tip designed to elevate your smoking experience to a whole new level. What sets The RipTip apart from other tips is its unique nine-hole pattern, crafted to enhance the airflow and intensify the flavor of your smoke.

When I chatted with Joel Simmons at the RipTip stand, he expressed his enthusiasm for the growing European cannabis community. 

“The RipTip is excited to feature our products on a global scale at the first edition of Spannabis in Bilbao,” said Simmons. “The support and ever-evolving community in Spain overall has been incredible for us, and we look forward to seeing the rise of RipTip and cannabis consumption worldwide.”

For those home growers looking to elevate their gardening game, the team at Bluelab from New Zealand showcased its new cutting-edge pH/EC pen that redefines precision at Spannabis 2024. Designed by growers for growers, this tool ensures perfect nutrient uptake, unlocking your plants’ full potential. However, the real magic happens when you pair it with the app, providing real-time updates and comprehensive data management for superior crop management. 

The Showroom and Sustainable Agriculture

The Showroom was a small, dynamic area designed for exhibitors to showcase the value and authenticity of cannabis-derived products. Spanning three days, it featured workshops and talks on sustainable agriculture, cannabis products, and cultivation techniques. Hands-on workshops demonstrated sustainable farming practices, while talks highlighted the latest advancements in cannabis cultivation and allowed visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.

Dr. Emanuel, a professor from the University of the West Indies Jamaica, and Marc Costa, an agronomist from the Biobizz team, presented innovative approaches to organic fertilizers and soil reclamation projects. They showcased the potential of organic fertilization and soil symbiosis in reclaiming mining-affected soils. After the presentation, speaking with Dr. Emanuel, he expressed being overwhelmed by the response of the cannabis community and stated,

“It’s great to see Spannabis expanding to the north of Spain in the heart of Basque Country,” said Emanuel. “The atmosphere is very relaxed, with the constant reminder that ganja, cannabis culture, is alive and has become a mainstream industry in Europe. From the genetics to all the necessary gadgets and infrastructure you will need to partake, everything is available on display.”

After the discussion, I was eager to explore their new JuJu Royal collection at the Biobizz stand. Together with Julian Marley, they’ve created a range of sustainable organic nutrients and substrates inspired by Rastafarian culture. Founded on a shared love for cannabis and mother nature, the collection caters to the needs of cannabis growers who prioritize sustainability and organic practices.

CBD and Hemp Zone

For those interested in the plant’s medicinal and industrial properties, the CBD and Hemp Zone showcased various oils, creams, edibles, and vaping items. The Vienna-based Hemp Embassy highlighted impressive genetics and was a valuable platform to explore high-quality hemp products. Tech Hemp promoted its durable, breathable, and sustainable hemp clothing line, featuring sneakers, t-shirts, and socks, establishing a new benchmark for eco-friendly fashion.

It also seems like people are becoming healthier in their consumption options, and I was enthusiastic about observing a significant shift in these habits. Instead of the expected prevalence of tobacco use, I was pleasantly surprised to see a substantial number of individuals consuming cannabis concentrates. It was impossible to go a few minutes without seeing a Carta 2 or Puffco Peak, highlighting a notable trend toward the increase in concentrate consumption.

The outdoor seating area, nestled under a large tent between the arenas, provided a welcoming respite from the intermittent rain showers and created a sheltered space for attendees to unwind. As the weekend unfolded, the tables were covered with rolling papers, grinders, and empty baggies. The air was infused with the fragrant aroma of cannabis smoke as everyone sparked up joints, passed around bongs, or enjoyed some flavorsome hits from the dab rig.

The Spannabis Cup 2024

Throughout the weekend, the World Cannabis Conference featured insightful speakers discussing legalization, medicinal use, and cultivation techniques. The “Education and Sustainability in the Cannabis Sector” session on Friday highlighted industry advancements with insights from Iker Val and Rubén Valenzuela. Sunday focused on activism with Yaiza Alzola and Ana Afuera, addressing the evolving drug legislation within Spain’s regulatory paradox.

The international cannabis awards at Spannabis Bilbao gathered high-level representatives from the cannabis community, including international exhibitors and seed banks, while highlighting the sector’s global impact and growth. The awards ceremonies for the cannabis cup featured Zkittlez by Frosty Hash for best rosin, with We Flowers CSC securing second place for their G-Joy Live Resin. Selva Club received two awards, including best indica and best sativa for its Banana Cooler and Tea Time strains.

The Spannabis Champions Awards took place on Sunday, and it was an exciting event for the cannabis industry. The Spannabis 2024 winners included Athena winning both the best stand and best new product awards, Biobizz taking home an award for the best cultivation products, RipTip winning the best Paraphernalia award, and BAC Nutrients claiming the prized award for the best nutrients.

The Future of Spannabis

The 2024 edition of Spannabis Bilbao promoted cannabis education and provided a platform for individuals interested in the medical, recreational, and industrial aspects of cannabis. The event emphasized advocating for nationwide legalization and highlighted the potential for industry expansion. While the turnout on Friday was moderate, it steadily increased, with over 5,000 attendees participating over the weekend. 

See you next year, Bilbao!

Photo courtesy of Spannabis