Cannabis Social Clubs : understanding the origins and practices of a non-profit model for the supply of cannabis

Cannabis Social Clubs are typically formal, non-profit associations of adult cannabis users who produce and distribute that substance close to or at cost price among themselves. They are thus an user-driven, alternative option for the supply of cannabis. In most jurisdictions, the Cannabis Social Clubs remain a grass roots, unregulated initiative of groups of (activist) users, but the model has been legalized in Uruguay and it has featured recent debates and legislative proposals in other countries (e.g., in Belgium, Mexico, Portugal). Drawing on research conducted since 2015, this presentation is centered around four key questions or themes: 1) What has been the origin of Cannabis Social Clubs?; 2) Where can we find Cannabis Social Clubs today?; 3) Taking stock of the practices of Cannabis Social Clubs within and across different jurisdictions, which common traits and/or distinctive features can be identified?; and finally, 4) What is the relevance of the Cannabis Social Club model for current debates and future cannabis policies?