Morocco’s Cannabis Legalization Spurs Agricultural and Economic Transformation

Morocco’s 2021 legalization of cannabis for medical, industrial, and cosmetic purposes is catalyzing significant changes in the nation’s agricultural sector and rural economies. The policy aims to integrate traditional cannabis cultivation into the legal market, offering new economic opportunities while addressing historical challenges.

The legalization has opened avenues for farmers, particularly in the Rif region, to participate in a regulated cannabis industry. In 2023, the first legal harvest yielded 294 metric tons, involving 32 cooperatives and 430 farmers across 277 hectares in Al Hoceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen . This shift aims to improve farmers’ incomes and protect them from illicit market influences.

The cultivation of the local cannabis variety, Beldiya, known for its drought resistance, is being promoted to ensure sustainability and preserve indigenous strains .

To encourage participation in the legal market, King Mohammed VI pardoned nearly 5,000 individuals convicted or wanted for illegal cannabis cultivation in 2024. This move is intended to motivate farmers to engage in lawful cultivation practices, enhancing their livelihoods and integrating them into the formal economy .

Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including competition from illicit markets and the need for infrastructure development. However, with continued investment and supportive policies, Morocco’s legal cannabis industry holds the potential to significantly contribute to rural development and the national economy .