Madrid uses more cocaine, less cannabis than Barcelona
A wastewater study shows Madrid consumes three times more cocaine than Barcelona but three times less cannabis. Official data from Madrid City Council.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Madrid: more cocaine, Barcelona: more hierba, according to the sewer
The wastewater of Madrid and Barcelona has spoken. A study by Madrid City Council, with samples collected between December 2023 and October 2025, reveals that Madrileños consume more cocaine than Barcelonans, but three times less hierba. Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz presented the data on Monday, stating that the levels are "compatible" with other European cities. In Madrid, 77.2 milligrams of hierba per day were detected for every 1,000 inhabitants. Other substances, such as MDMA, peak at weekends.
The data opens the door to sociological interpretations. Some analyses suggest that the higher cocaine use in Madrid reflects an economic profile more tied to finance and stress, while the prevalence of hierba in Barcelona is associated with a more bohemian lifestyle. But beware: the sample is limited and patterns can change with temperature or holiday dates.
If the trend holds, Madrid will remain the cocaine capital, with caveats: wastewater does not distinguish between tourists and residents. Until more campaigns are carried out, the debate remains open.
The wastewater of Madrid and Barcelona has spoken. A study by Madrid City Council, with samples collected between December 2023 and October 2025, reveals that Madrileños consume more cocaine than Barcelonans, but three times less hierba. Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz presented the data on Monday, stating that the levels are "compatible" with other European cities. In Madrid, 77.2 milligrams of hierba per day were detected for every 1,000 inhabitants. Other substances, such as MDMA, peak at weekends.
The data opens the door to sociological interpretations. Some analyses suggest that the higher cocaine use in Madrid reflects an economic profile more tied to finance and stress, while the prevalence of hierba in Barcelona is associated with a more bohemian lifestyle. But beware: the sample is limited and patterns can change with temperature or holiday dates.
If the trend holds, Madrid will remain the cocaine capital, with caveats: wastewater does not distinguish between tourists and residents. Until more campaigns are carried out, the debate remains open.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (10 replies).
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