Lawyer • Consultant • Lecturer
Gabriela Sierra Fontecilla
Criminal Law, Cannabis, and Regulatory Affairs
Barcelona-based practicing lawyer specialized in highly regulated sectors. More than a decade advising companies, associations, and professionals on legal matters, regulatory compliance, and regulatory strategy in the cannabis industry.
Law as a tool for change
Law is a tool that allows us to develop projects and defend our rights and freedoms. My goal is to help people achieve their objectives by providing legal support and comprehensive advice so they can make informed and safe decisions.
Whenever possible, I prioritize the resolution of disputes through negotiation or mediation, and above all through preventive measures such as agreements, contracts, or security, traceability, and compliance protocols.
As a criminal lawyer and business consultant, I advise stakeholders in the cannabis field on compliance, criminal law, and regulatory strategy. Furthermore, I have trained in social and solidarity economy, which allows me to support projects with an ethical, sustainable approach and social and environmental impact.
I specialize in the design and implementation of compliance systems, internal protocols, and SOPs for companies in the health and wellness sector, helping to ensure traceability, safety, and regulatory compliance in all phases of activity.
“My work combines legal advice, training, and strategic consultancy to offer comprehensive solutions in highly regulated sectors.”
Gabriela Sierra Fontecilla · ICAB Lawyer · CESCOM Certified Regulatory Affairs
Specialized and Continuous Training
Certified Compliance Officer
CESCOM (Spanish Compliance Certification) · IFCA (International Federation of Compliance Associations)
Professional certification in compliance systems, regulatory risk management, ISO 37301, ISO 31000, and UNE 19601 regulatory frameworks. International accreditation in regulatory compliance.
Professional Expert in Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs
CESIF – Center for Higher Studies in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Specialization in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs: drug registration, European regulations, pharmacovigilance, GMP, and procedures before AEMPS and EMA.
Postgraduate Degree in Criminal Legal Practice
Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB)
Advanced training in criminal litigation: defense strategies, assistance to detainees, oral trials, and appeals.
Master’s Degree in Legal Practice and Bachelor of Laws
UOC – Open University of Catalonia
Comprehensive legal training with qualification for the practice of law. Solid foundation in all branches of law.
Institutions and Certifications
Complementary Training
Studies in social and solidarity economy, new technologies, and blockchain. Continuous training in compliance, regulatory affairs, and business management that complements legal practice with a multidisciplinary vision.
Over a Decade of Experience
A legal, political, and social career oriented towards building fair, effective regulatory frameworks based on human rights.
Associate Researcher
OECCC – European Observatory of Cannabis Consumption and CultivationLegal analysis, preparation of regulatory proposals, institutional activism, and political strategy in national and international regulatory processes. Drafting of allegations for the Draft Royal Decree on medicinal cannabis preparations.
ICAB Lawyer / Business Consultant
Independent Professional · Lawyer SierraLegal defense focused on criminal law and consultancy for the development of new projects throughout Europe. Comprehensive advice to companies, associations, and professionals in the cannabis sector.
Lawyer / Business Consultant
Millor Dret Advocats S.L · BarcelonaWorking as a collaborating lawyer handling firm and own cases, primarily in criminal and international law.
Legal Advisor
Luz Verde Cannabis Party · BarcelonaAdvising members, regulatory analysis, drafting legal proposals, and designing regulatory strategies in the cannabis sector.
Lawyer / Business Consultant
DMT Advocats S.L.P · BarcelonaSupport in firm matters. Police and judicial assistance, advice to individuals and companies, project development, and compliance.
Administration and Coordination
FEDCAC – Federation of Self-Regulated Cannabis Associations of CataloniaAdministration of the entity and coordination of working groups in charge of communication and development of political and legislative strategies. Participation in legislative processes at the state, regional, and local levels.
I have participated in legislative processes at the state, regional, and local levels, contributing to regulatory proposals, ILPs, and the development of the best practices model for cannabis social clubs.
My career is deeply linked to the legal, strategic, and social development of one of the most challenging and dynamic industries today. I am closely familiar with the regulatory challenges this industry faces: operating with legal certainty requires understanding legislative differences between territories, adapting to constant regulatory changes, and anticipating risks with agility.
Specialties and Legal Services
Comprehensive advice combining experience in criminal law with deep knowledge of the cannabis sector and highly regulated environments.
Cannabis Criminal Defense
Assistance to detainees, defense in trials for crimes against public health, appeals against fines and administrative sanctions.
View serviceCannabis Social Clubs
Constitution, comprehensive legal advice, compliance, and defense of cannabis associations and their boards of directors.
View serviceCannabis Regulatory Affairs
AEMPS licenses, GMP/GACP certifications, product registration, and regulatory compliance in medicinal and industrial cannabis.
View serviceIndustrial Hemp and CBD
Legal advice for the cultivation, production, processing, and marketing of industrial hemp and derived products.
View serviceCorporate Compliance
Design and implementation of regulatory compliance systems, internal protocols, SOPs, and regulatory risk management.
More information coming soonInternational Law and Networking
Cross-border legal matters, international business development, and connection with a global network of sector professionals.
More information coming soonRegulatory Transformation and Activism
Beyond the business sphere, a strong commitment to the social, regulatory, and political transformation of the cannabis sector at national and international levels.
Participation in public bodies, conferences, and international forums.
I actively participate in congresses, forums, and institutional events, fostering dialogue to move towards fairer and more effective regulatory frameworks. My work combines the defense of individual rights with the construction of public policies based on evidence and human rights.
Legislative Processes and Regulatory Proposals
Preparation of regulatory proposals, ILPs, presentation of allegations, and participation in legislative processes. Including allegations for the Draft Royal Decree on medicinal cannabis preparations in Spain.
Organizations and Entities
Collaboration with FEDCAC (Federation of Self-Regulated Cannabis Associations of Catalonia), former member of the Luz Verde Cannabis Party, OECCC (European Observatory of Cannabis Consumption and Cultivation), and independent writer for the specialized magazine Soft Secrets.
International Collaborations
Joint work with European entities such as the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies and the Czech Hemp Cluster. Participation in workshops, conferences, and technical groups in Europe and Latin America.
Technical Working Groups
Participation in both private and institutional working groups, providing a legal perspective in the design of public policies and best practice models for cannabis social clubs.
International Projects and Collaborations
Teaching and Knowledge Transfer
Commitment to specialized training and the dissemination of legal knowledge applied to the cannabis sector and regulated environments.
University Lecturer
Master’s Degree Expert in Cannabis · University of Barcelona (UB) + CannabisHub
I teach the legal module of the master’s degree, addressing the legal framework of cannabis in Spain, regulatory affairs, compliance, and regulatory compliance strategies for companies in the sector. Practical training oriented towards professionals and entrepreneurs.
Cultural Research
The Grand History of Cannabis
Researcher in the cultural project promoted by Mossy Giant and La Crème Gràcia, exploring the history, culture, and evolution of cannabis from a multidisciplinary and rigorous perspective.
Conferences and Events
Europe and Latin America
Regular speaker at conferences, workshops, and specialized forums on cannabis law, corporate compliance, and best practices in the sector. Participation in academic and institutional events at an international level.
Publications and Media Collaborations
Who do I advise?
A wide and diverse range of clients, from large multinational companies to individuals, associations, and entrepreneurs seeking specialized legal advice.
Companies and Startups
Multinationals, SMEs, and startups in the cannabis, CBD, and wellness sector requiring comprehensive legal advice.
Cannabis Associations
Cannabis social clubs, federations, and collectives operating within the framework of shared self-consumption.
Cultivators and Farmers
Industrial hemp producers, cultivators, and agricultural operators in the cannabis sector.
Distributors and Retailers
Wholesale distribution companies, physical stores, e-commerce, and marketers of derived products.
Investors and Funds
Investment projects, holding structures, investment desks, and national and international expansion strategies.
Individuals
People needing specialized criminal defense, legal advice, or resolution of conflicts related to cannabis.
Organizations and Community
Confidentiality guaranteed: For reasons of professional secrecy, we do not publish client names or specific case details. Each project is treated with the utmost discretion and data protection.
Advice Without Borders
Ability to operate in international legal environments, facilitating direct communication with clients, institutions, and collaborators from different countries without language barriers.
Shall we talk about your project?
If you need specialized legal advice, criminal defense, or want to develop a project in the cannabis sector, I will be happy to listen to you and guide you.
All consultations are protected by professional secrecy.