Morocco's first CBD medication for epilepsy hits pharmacy shelves

Since November 9, 2026, a cannabidiol (CBD)-based medication, produced entirely within the Kingdom, has been available in pharmacies. Developed by Pharma 5, it targets certain severe forms of epilepsy that are resistant to conventional treatments and marks a first for the Moroccan pharmaceutical industry.

Morocco's First Medicinal Cannabis-Based Drug

Unveiled on November 12 in Casablanca, the Cannabidiol Pharma 5 is the result of five years of research and development and an investment of more than 200 million dirhams, or approximately 18.5 million euros. The laboratory claims a twofold national first: the manufacture of a pharmaceutical active ingredient derived from Moroccan cannabis and its conversion into a finished drug.

Marketed as an oral solution with a concentration of 100 mg/mL, this treatment contains CBD purified to over 98%, in accordance with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia.

Pharma 5 also describes it as the world's first generic version of the’Epidyolex, a cannabidiol-based medication already used to treat certain severe forms of epilepsy.

A New Option for Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

L’drug-resistant epilepsy refers to a condition in which seizures persist despite the proper use of at least two antiepileptic drugs. In Morocco, between Between 400,000 and 500,000 people are living with epilepsy, of whom approximately 100,000 have a form that is resistant to conventional medications. For some patients, particularly children with severe epilepsy syndromes, seizures can occur several dozen times a day.

The cannabidiol represents an additional treatment option for certain specific forms of the disease. According to data cited by Pharma 5, a significant reduction in the frequency of seizures was observed in some of the patients studied.

A lower price than Epidyolex, but access is still limited

Cannabidiol Pharma 5 is sold for 5,498 dirhams (500 euros) per 100-ml bottle, while a pack of three vials costs 13,401 dirhams (1,225 euros)—prices that are more than 50% lower than those of the reference drug sold in Europe.

Despite this difference, the cost remains significant. The treatment is not yet covered by insurance, as its application is still under review by the Moroccan National Health Insurance Agency. Whether health insurance will cover the treatment will therefore determine its actual accessibility.

From the Rif Mountains to Pharmacies: An Integrated Medical Cannabis Supply Chain

The cannabis used in the medication comes from regulated crops in the Rif region, where Pharma 5 works with local growers as part of the Law 13-21, which regulates the lawful use of cannabis in Morocco.

The laboratory mentions the participation of 70 farming families. However, the areas involved vary depending on the report, ranging from 20 to more than 40 hectares.

After harvesting, cannabidiol is extracted using Supercritical CO2, then purified and tested to ensure that the active ingredient meets pharmaceutical standards. This system aims to guarantee the product’s traceability while creating legal economic opportunities for growers.

Morocco is already preparing to export its medical cannabis

With this first drug, Pharma 5 It also aims to strengthen the Moroccan pharmaceutical industry’s presence in international markets. The company plans to market its products in several African countries and in the Middle East, after meeting domestic demand.

Other research is mentioned, particularly on the’endometriosis, chronic pain, and certain neurological disorders.