Legal use of cannabis in Morocco: ANRAC issues nearly 3,000 authorizations since the start of the year

Morocco's cannabis industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by strategic reforms and regulatory initiatives led by the’National Regulatory Agency for Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC). Data recently published by ANRAC show a substantial increase in permits and cultivated acreage compared to the previous year. In 2023, the first harvest of Legal cannabis totaled 294 metric tons.

L’ANRAC has played a key role in orchestrating this growth by overseeing the various aspects of the cannabis value chain—from cultivation to export—in accordance with Morocco’s international commitments. The agency’s role extends not only to issuing permits but also to ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and facilitating research initiatives.

Expanding Cannabis Cultivation and Production

In the northern regions of Morocco—in Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima—the’ANRAC has granted 2,737 permits to local farmers, compared with 609 in 2023. Legal cultivation will now cover a total area of 2,552 hectares, compared with 286 hectares in 2023. By comparison, France, the European leader, cultivates 22,000 hectares of hemp. This increase in cultivated area underscores the growing interest in and economic potential of Morocco’s cannabis sector.

In addition, 168 licenses were granted to 61 different operators, including one pharmaceutical company, 16 cooperatives, 37 corporations, and 7 individuals.

Beyond culture, the scope of the’ANRAC extends to the broader landscape of cannabis products, encompassing industrial, medical, and pharmaceutical applications. The agency’s proactive approach clearly fosters innovation and diversification in the sector.

In 2023, 42 cannabis products were manufactured from legally grown crops, including 11 cosmetics and personal care products and 31 dietary supplements. This diversification signals a strategic shift toward value-added cannabis derivatives, in response to the growing global demand for cannabis-based pharmaceutical and wellness products.

Among these products, the Ministry of Health issued 7 registration certificates, including 2 for dietary supplements (herbal teas) and 5 for cosmetics and personal care products. In addition, a business and a cooperative exported 65.5 kg of cannabis products to Switzerland, and another export of 30 kg of CBD resin is in the final stages of the export process, according to ANRAC.

The ANRAC also notes that the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) has granted 73 authorizations for the use of Beldia seed covering an area of 1,262 hectares for the benefit of 73 production cooperatives (1,225 farmers) and 11 import permits covering an area of 286 hectares for the benefit of 22 production cooperatives (285 farmers).

Morocco's cannabis strategy is based on a robust regulatory framework designed to align with international standards and commitments. The mandate of the’ANRAC extends to regulatory oversight and collaboration with international organizations, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability.

These efforts are based on the Law 13-21, which governs the legal uses of cannabis and provides the fundamental framework for the operations of the’ANRAC.