In Morocco, Farmers and Investors Push for Cannabis Legalization

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

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Push For Legalization Debate in Morocco

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

“In Morocco, it will be necessary to open a debate, as regulation for medical and industrial purposes will not eliminate the existing black market.”

Legalization History in Morocco

In May 2021, Morocco took a significant step by legalizing cannabis cultivation for therapeutic and industrial purposes, aiming to tap into an estimated €15 billion market. However, this decision left the door closed to recreational use, sparking ongoing discussions within 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, the demand for recreational cannabis persists, fueling a parallel market that undermines the goals of regulation.

Challenges and Opportunities of Cannabis Legalization in Morocco

Assessing the Economic Impact

Legalizing cannabis presents both challenges and opportunities for Morocco. It would offer the chance to transform an illicit trade into a legitimate industry, benefiting farmers and businesses. However, in the absence of a clear plan to ensure equitable distribution of profits, many farmers remain skeptical and choose to continue operating in the shadows.

Advocacy for Recreational Use

The Moroccan Coalition for 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.

As Morocco is one of the largest producers and exporters of hashish, its entry into cannabis legalization may allow it to transition historic cannabis producers into a legal ecosystem. The recipient countries of the illegal goods are ultimately the ones that stand to lose the most.

Legal Harvest and Production Figures

For its first legal cannabis crop, Morocco produced 294 tons.

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(Featured image by Michael Fischer via Pexels)

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