Morocco's first legal cannabis harvest produces 294 tonnes

The Morocco has announced that its first legal harvest of hemp in 2023 was 294 tonnes, a year after the country approved its culture and its export for medical and industrial purposes.

This impressive figure, which from our understanding aggregates the weight of whole plants harvested, comes from the authorized areas of Chefchaouen, Taounate and Al Hoceïma. This first harvest was carried out by 32 cooperatives bringing together 430 farmers covering 277 hectares, according to the Agence nationale de réglementation des activités relatives au cannabis (ANRAC).

Last year, the kingdom received 54 export permits. So far, two legal cannabis processing units are in operation and two more are awaiting equipment, while 15 cannabis products are in the process of being authorized for medical use, adds ANRAC.

This year, the regulator is examining applications from 1,500 farmers who have organized themselves into 130 cooperatives. Beldia cultivation, a local drought-resistant variety, began this month.

Morocco has long been renowned for its production of cannabis, Large areas of the mountainous Rif region in the north of the country are devoted to cultivation. Until recently, however, the cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes remained illegal. Despite this, the cannabis has flourished, albeit in the shadows.

Legalization and regulation

The legalization of cannabis in Morocco means a paradigm shift in the country's approach. By legalizing and regulating the industry, Morocco aims to boost farmers' incomes, combat illegal drug trafficking and tap the potential of the global cannabis market. cannabis. This measure is also intended to protect farmers who have long depended on the cultivation of cannabis as their main source of income.

With the creation of legal cannabis, As a result, farmers can now operate within a regulated framework, guaranteeing fair practices and economic stability. What's more, the move to legal cultivation paves the way for innovation and diversification within the cannabis, with a focus on medicinal and industrial applications.

Morocco's move towards a legal culture of cannabis reflects broader global trends towards the legalization of cannabis. Countries like Germany, the Luxembourg, Malta but also Switzerland, have recently legalized all or part of cannabis for recreational purposes.