Morocco’s Cannabis Revolution: Farmers Urge Government to Legalize
In a bold move, the people of Morocco are demanding the government to finally legalize cannabis. After years of being the world’s top producer of hashish, the plant was recently approved for export. But the call for legalization has only grown louder, with farm communities in the fertile Rif region continuing to produce large quantities of cannabis.
The latest push for legalization gained global attention when the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC) visited these farms to celebrate the success of the first legal cannabis crops. Despite being illegal for the past six decades, cannabis has thrived in Morocco’s black market, supplying Europe and beyond.
Parliament Takes a Step Towards Legalization
In May 2021, the Moroccan parliament passed a law allowing the cultivation of cannabis for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. This move is estimated to generate a whopping $15 billion for the country if full legalization is achieved.
“In Morocco, it’s time to have a discussion about legalizing cannabis for medical and industrial use,” says Shakib Al Khayari, coordinator of the Moroccan Coalition for Medical and Industrial Use of Cannabis. “It’s the only way to eliminate the black market that currently exists.”
Farmers Remain Skeptical
Despite the potential benefits, there is still a deep sense of distrust, fear, and pain among farmers. While the government has promised equal financial benefits for indigenous peoples in the cannabis industry, many farmers are skeptical. They fear the upfront costs, administrative hurdles, and quality control that come with legalizing cannabis.
Khalid Mouna, a professor at Moulay Ismail University in Meknes who studies Morocco’s cannabis economy, explains, “Cannabis has been a part of this region’s economy for centuries, and changing it overnight will face resistance.”
Adding to the complexity, some farmers trust the cartels more than the government due to their long history of extreme laws and enforcement practices. The consequences of being caught with cannabis can result in a 10-year jail sentence and a hefty fine. And to make matters worse, many farmers have experienced police burning their crops, leaving them and their families without food or livelihoods.
The Potential for Growth
Despite the challenges, the state agency sees the potential for legal cannabis businesses to increase farmers’ revenues four or fivefold. And if legalization goes beyond medical use, the opportunities for growth are even greater.
“The real opportunity for Morocco in the long term lies in recreational use,” says Alastair Moore, co-founder of cannabis-focused consultancy Hanway Associates. “That’s where their brand is.”
Record Harvest and Future Growth
The news of significant growth comes after a successful year of harvesting following the first legal crop, which produced 294 metric tons. With the country’s approval of cultivation and export for medical and industrial purposes, the future looks bright for Morocco’s cannabis industry. But only time will tell if the government and farmers can come to an agreement and fully embrace the potential of legal cannabis.
