Last month, the Moroccan government, the world’s leading producer of hashish, took a decisive step towards regulating cannabis for medical use. Parliament ratified a bill aimed at legalizing the medical use of cannabis, and in the coming days, discussions on its final approval will enter critical stages.
This law marks a historic turning point for a country where cannabis cultivation, especially in the Rif region, has been ingrained for generations but has always been associated with the black market. The new regulation has a dual purpose: on one hand, to legalize the cultivation and commercialization of cannabis for medical purposes, and on the other, to provide a way out for farmers who have been working illegally for decades to supply the international hashish market.
A New Perspective for Moroccan Farmers
Currently, cannabis farmers in Morocco live under the constant threat of arrests and seizures, as cultivation is still considered illegal. The bill envisions the creation of a National Agency responsible for regulating the production and trade of medical cannabis. Farmers will be required to form cooperatives authorized by the state, a step that could finally free them from illegality and turn their activities into legitimate and profitable work.
One local farmer, Mohammed Morabet, 60, who lives in the Ketama region, one of the most well-known areas for cannabis cultivation, expressed his hope that the new law could make a real difference: “If cannabis production cooperatives are established in our region, we can finally work without the fear of being arrested, and this will allow local youth to be employed in a legal activity that could also attract international investments.”
Change Will Not Be Immediate
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the bill, there are still many challenges to face. The regulation process will need to be accompanied by adequate policies to ensure a smooth transition from illegality to legality while ensuring that small farmers are not overwhelmed by large industrial interests.
Fadoul Azouz, another farmer from the Rif region, voiced concerns regarding the price of therapeutic cannabis that will be imposed on farmers: “If legalization happens, it will be positive for all of us, but if the price the state offers for our cannabis is too low, it won’t be worthwhile, and we risk not earning enough to support our families.”
Economic and Social Impact of Legalization
If the law is passed, Morocco will become one of the first North African countries to regulate cannabis for therapeutic purposes, an act that could have a significant economic and social impact. The therapeutic cannabis sector is growing worldwide, with more and more countries recognizing the medical potential of this plant. Morocco, with its long history of cannabis cultivation, could become a key player in this emerging market.
In addition to economic benefits, legalization could have positive social effects. Many farmers, currently living in poverty and social isolation, could find in this new law a way out of illegality, improving their quality of life and that of their communities.
The Future of Cannabis in Morocco
Despite the uncertainties, the future looks promising for Morocco. If well implemented, the law could radically transform the country’s relationship with cannabis, not only economically but also culturally. Converting an illegal industry into a regulated activity could be the first step towards more sustainable management of the country’s natural resources and create new opportunities for the local population.
The hope is that this new regulation will represent a true breakthrough for cannabis farmers and the entire Moroccan agricultural system, opening new paths for the sustainable and legal use of therapeutic cannabis.
Source: ANSA
