Global Marijuana March in Madrid: date and route

Since 1997, on a Saturday in May, thousands of people have walked through central Madrid to call for cannabis regulation. What is known about the 2027 edition, the usual route, its organisers and the practical details.

Milnubes editorial teamOriginal review: 1 November 20264 minEnglish translation: 2026-11-02

Madrid’s Gran Vía at night with moving traffic — Madrid’s Gran Vía, part of the march’s usual route between Sol and Plaza de España.

The Global Marijuana March is Spain’s longest-running cannabis demonstration. It began in 1997 as a gathering of 200 people in Puerta del Sol and now brings thousands together each May, amid green balloons, percussion groups and banners. The 2027 date has not yet been announced. Here is what we do know and how to prepare.

When is the 2027 march?

As of 1 November 2026, the next march’s date has not been announced. The month has remained consistent: it takes place on a Saturday in May. These are the most recent dates:

2022: Saturday 7 May.
2023: Saturday 6 May.
2024: Saturday 11 May.
2025: Saturday 10 May.
2026: Saturday 9 May.

There is no fixed Saturday. Cáñamo magazine describes it as taking place on the second Saturday in May, but it fell on the first Saturday in 2022 and 2023. In 2026, the organisers had to move the usual date to avoid coinciding with the Community of Madrid’s celebrations. Once the platform announces the date, we will add it to the calendar.

Route and departure time

The usual route runs from Puerta del Sol to Plaza de España. In 2026, the march left at 18:30, went up Calle Montera, continued along Gran Vía and through Callao, and reached Plaza de España shortly before nine, where the manifesto was read. In 2023, it started at around 18:00.

The route is submitted to the Government Delegation each year and may change. In 2025, the usual route had already been authorised for another march, so the demonstration left Sol and finished at the Neptune Fountain, opposite the Prado Museum, after passing along Calle Alcalá and through Cibeles.

Who organises it?

It has been organised since 1997 by the Asociación Madrileña de Estudios sobre el Cannabis (AMEC). It is now convened by the Marihuana en Marcha platform, whose members include AMEC, the Confederation of Federations of Cannabis Associations (ConFAC), Cannabmed, Encod, OECCC and the State Network of Women Against Prohibition (REMA).

As well as the march, the platform runs an annual competition to choose the official poster, open to people over 18.

What does it call for?

AMEC describes it as a demonstration for freedom, justice and recognition of the right to grow cannabis for personal use. Each edition has its own slogan, which offers a useful picture of the debate:

2023: “We are not a crime! No more fines!”
2024: “For a country without gag laws, for comprehensive cannabis regulation.”
2025: “Regulation with rights, NOW!”
2026: “No more prisoners for growing.”

Recent demands have also included legal recognition of cannabis social clubs.

How many people attend?

Figures vary considerably depending on who is counting and the year:

First gathering (1997): around 200 people, according to AMEC.
2017: between 30,000 and 50,000, according to an estimate from Cáñamo.
2022, the 25th anniversary: more than 30,000 people, according to Cáñamo.
2024: more than a thousand people, according to police sources quoted by EFE.
2025: between 3,000 and 5,000, according to Cáñamo’s director.
2026: the organisers reported an average of 3,500 people, peaking at 5,000. A downpour at the start reduced the march to around a thousand people at its lowest point.

What the law says: fines still apply

Demonstrating for regulation is a right. Using drugs in the street is not. Organic Law 4/2015 on the protection of public security (Article 36.16) classifies drug use or possession in public places as a serious administrative offence, even when the drugs are not intended for sale. The fine ranges from €601 to €30,000; without aggravating circumstances, the lowest band applies, from €601 to €10,400.

This is not merely theoretical: from the law’s entry into force until 2023, 1,313,886 penalties were imposed for drug use or possession in public spaces, raising €839.5 million, according to figures reported by Público.

Getting there and what to bring

To the start. Sol station has Metro Lines 1, 2 and 3 and Cercanías services C-3 and C-4. At the finish, Plaza de España station serves Lines 3 and 10.

The organisers recommend sun protection, enough drinking water and something to eat. Heavy rain fell at the start in 2026: for Madrid in May, check the forecast and bring rain protection just in case.

Frequently asked questions

When is Madrid’s Global Marijuana March in 2027?

The date had not been announced as of 1 November 2026. It takes place on a Saturday in May; the most recent march was on Saturday 9 May 2026.

Where does the march start and finish?

Its usual route runs from Puerta del Sol to Plaza de España, via Montera, Gran Vía and Callao. In 2025, it finished at the Neptune Fountain because the usual route had already been authorised for another march.

What time does the march start?

In 2026, it left Puerta del Sol at 18:30. In 2023, it started at around 18:00.

Who organises the march?

The Marihuana en Marcha platform, comprising AMEC, ConFAC, Cannabmed, Encod, OECCC and REMA. AMEC has organised it since 1997.

Do I have to pay or register?

No. It is a street demonstration, and the official website does not mention tickets or registration.

Can people smoke cannabis during the march?

The Public Security Law classifies drug use or possession in public places as a serious administrative offence, punishable by fines of €601 to €30,000. The march does not change that.

How do I get there by public transport?

Travel to Puerta del Sol by metro (Lines 1, 2 and 3) or Cercanías train (C-3 and C-4).

Key pointsMadrid’s Global Marijuana March has taken place on a Saturday in May since 1997, starting in Puerta del Sol in the afternoon and usually finishing in Plaza de España. The 2027 date is still to be announced. Attending is free; drug use in the street can result in a fine of €601 or more.

Looking for more dates? Our cannabis events calendar lists more than 100 fairs, cups, conferences and marches in Spain and around the world, with filters and options to add them to your calendar.