Though recreational cannabis remains illegal in Morocco, the country is embarking on a new phase of legal cannabis farming and exportation. As we near the end of March 2024, insights into Morocco’s first legal harvest season in 2023 have emerged.
According to Morocco’s cannabis regulatory body, the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC), the country’s maiden legal harvest in 2023 yielded 294 metric tons. This harvest involved 32 cooperatives, encompassing 430 farms spread across 277 hectares in the northern Rif Mountains, including Al Houceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen, as per ANRAC reports.
As initially reported by Reuters, the United Nations drugs agency highlighted that approximately 47 hectares of the Rif Mountains are dedicated to cannabis cultivation. However, this figure represents only a fraction of what Morocco had in 2003, owing to government crackdowns on illicit operations. The Rif region has historically been a hub for cannabis cultivation, with farmers relying on the crop to sustain their communities.
In 2021, Morocco legalized cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, citing opportunities for revenue generation, job creation, and environmental protection. With the eagerly anticipated opening of the European cannabis market, Morocco aspires to become a prominent supplier to its northern neighbor’s burgeoning industry.
In 2022, ANRAC was established to oversee the entire cannabis ecosystem, including growers, cultivators, and processors, while regulating and certifying all cannabis cultivation and export activities.
Morocco’s inaugural growing season commenced in June 2023. According to a report by Morocco World News, the importation of seeds for cultivation typically begins in April, while indigenous varieties like the Moroccan landrace Beldia are sown in February, underscoring the nation’s commitment to preserving its cannabis heritage while catering to the emerging legal market.
Morocco granted 609 authorizations last year as part of its ongoing efforts to formalize the new sector, along with certifying 2.1 million cannabis seeds in 2023. Currently, two legal cannabis transformation units are operational, with two others awaiting equipment. ANRAC reports that 15 cannabis products are undergoing authorization for medical use, and Morocco issued 54 export permits in 2023.
Looking ahead, ANRAC is reviewing applications from 1,500 farmers organized into 130 cooperatives, with cultivation for Beldia already underway. While recreational cannabis cultivation remains illegal, it is generally tolerated, particularly in northern Morocco, where it has long been a primary economic activity.
The legislation was crafted with this historical context in mind, aiming to enhance farmers’ incomes while shielding them from drug traffickers who dominate the illicit cannabis trade. Despite some farmers embracing the change, resistance persists, reflecting a broader sentiment in the Rif region, where cannabis has deep-rooted cultural significance.
Navigating barriers such as upfront costs, administrative complexities, and stringent quality standards, Morocco benefits from its established cannabis reputation, offering a potential “stamp of legitimacy” for exported products, as noted by experts.
However, experts contend that Morocco’s true potential lies in the recreational market. While challenges persist, Morocco’s foray into regulated cannabis cultivation marks a pivotal moment with far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and cultural landscape.
Photo by: Atmar lens
