Morocco: legalization of medical cannabis officially enacted

Law 13.21 on the legalization of the use of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes came into force in Morocco following its publication in the Official Bulletin on July 22.

This text was approved last May, by the House of Representatives by a majority of 119 votes in favor to 48 votes against, before also being approved by the House of Councillors.

This law, backed by the Ministry of the Interior aims to to regulate activities relating to cannabis cultivation, production, manufacture, transport, marketing, export and import for medical and industrial purposes, subject to authorizations issued exclusively by a specialized agency.

Promoting local industry

When the bill was presented to the House of Councillors, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit was keen to point out that it would open up development prospects for the population in areas affected by illicit cannabis cultivation.

He also pointed out that the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior had carried out field studies demonstrating the catastrophic effects of illicit cannabis cultivation on the health of citizens and soil pollution due to deforestation and overexploitation of the water table. Referring to the positive impact of the bill on the national economy in general and local development in particular, the Minister stated that these studies revealed that the Morocco had strong potential enabling it to position itself on the global markets for this plant, which are experiencing significant growth rates.

Drafted in line with the Kingdom's international commitments, Bill 13.21 aims to subject all activities relating to the cultivation, production, processing, transport, marketing, export and import of medical cannabis, hemp and their products to a system of authorizations and licenses, favoring local players through a national regulatory agency.

The legalization of medical cannabis in Morocco will also enable farmers to join agricultural cooperatives that will supply cannabis to manufacturing and export companies.