It's true. Kinda.
Very different vibe and philosophy mate. IMO amsterdam is on a fast downward path and barcelona is going the other way. Lots of nice outdoor grown weed in Barcelona and not so many bell ends as amsterdam.
Personally I believe amsterdam has pretty much sold it's soul to the $. Prices are going up and quality going down IMO.
I'm a member of a lovely private schmokin club in barcelona and it's a properly chilled and more local experience. Right in the middle of the old part of the city as well, so pretty awesome for going for walks when you're fully medicated.
I'm not local to BCN by the way. It's pretty easy to join a decent club as a tourist, but best done before you go as they have a quota/max number of members so you can get turned down if they're full.
I personally think the Spanish model for legalising/liberalising weed is brilliant. You can have a certain number of plants yourself, or you can join a club and sign your right to grow your plants to the club who grow them for you. Pure logic. Awesome.