In Morocco, farmers and investors push for cannabis legalization

In Morocco, cannabis investors and growers are urging the government to consider legalizing the recreational cannabis market., three years after the medical and industrial legalization of cannabis.

During visits to agricultural lands in the Rif region organized by the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC), a call was made last week by Shakib Al Khayari, coordinator of the Moroccan Coalition for the Medical and Industrial Use of Cannabis:

«In Morocco, it will be necessary to open a debate, because regulating it for medical and industrial purposes will not eliminate the existing black market.

In May 2021, Morocco reached a significant milestone by legalizing cannabis cultivation for therapeutic and industrial purposes, with the aim of exploiting a market valued at 15 billion euros. However, this decision left the door closed to recreational use, sparking ongoing discussions in the country and beyond.

The Moroccan parliament's decision to legalize cannabis for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes was a watershed moment after decades of criminalization. Despite this, demand for recreational cannabis persists, fueling a parallel market that undermines the objectives of regulation.

Challenges and opportunities of cannabis legalization in Morocco

The legalization of cannabis presents both Challenges and opportunities for Morocco. It would offer the possibility of transforming an illicit trade into a legitimate industry, benefiting farmers and businesses. However, in the absence of a clear plan to ensure fair distribution of profits, many farmers remain skeptical and choose to continue operating in the shadows.

The Moroccan Coalition for the Medical and Industrial Use of Cannabis has played a leading role in advocating for the legalization of recreational use. Through public debates and engagement with policymakers, it aims to highlight the health benefits of cannabis consumption and the economic potential of a recreational market.

While Morocco is one of the largest producers and exporters of hashish, its entry into cannabis legalization may allow it to bring historic cannabis producers into a legal ecosystem. The countries that are destinations for illegal goods are ultimately the ones who would have the most to lose.

For his First legal cannabis harvest, Morocco produced 294 tons of it.