In the very sun-drenched fields of northern Morocco, a green revolution is taking root. For centuries, cannabis has been as much a part of the landscape as the rugged Rif Mountains themselves.
For many people, Moroccan hashish was the first time they ever experienced cannabis, and its quality and reputation remains to this very day. Caramello hashish in its ubiquitous oval packages has dominated Europe and beyond for decades.
But now, as the world’s perception of this controversial plant evolves, so too does Morocco’s relationship with its marvellous hashish.
From royal pardons to international exports, the Kingdom is embarking on a bold journey to transform its cannabis industry from a shadowy trade into a catalyst of economic opportunity
This is the story of how Morocco is navigating the complex waters of global cannabis policy, balancing tradition with innovation, and aiming to redefine its role in the burgeoning legal cannabis market.
Royal Clemency Paves the Way for Change
In a progressive move, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has extended an olive branch to thousands embroiled in cannabis-related cases.
This royal pardon, coinciding with the anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution, isn’t just a gesture of goodwill—it’s a clear signal of Morocco’s shifting stance on cannabis.
By absolving over 4,800 individuals of cannabis cultivation charges, the monarchy is clearing the path for a new era in the country’s relationship with this controversial crop.
The justice ministry’s statement underscores the multifaceted nature of this decision.
Beyond its immediate humanitarian impact, the pardon is strategically aligned with Morocco’s evolving cannabis policy.
It offers those affected a chance to integrate into the new economic strategies being adopted in cannabis-growing regions, potentially spurring the development of alternative crops and non-agricultural activities.
From Illicit Trade to Legal Harvest
The Rif Mountains, long known as a hotbed of illegal cannabis production, are poised for transformation.
Morocco’s 2021 legislation legalizing medical cannabis and industrial hemp cultivation marks a pivotal turn from prohibition to regulation.
This shift isn’t just about changing laws; it’s about re-imagining livelihoods.
With an estimated 80,000 to 120,000 families historically dependent on illicit cannabis trade, according to official 2019 figures, the new legal framework offers a chance to step out of the shadows and into legitimate enterprise.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. While the new law opens doors for medical and industrial cannabis, recreational use remains illegal.
This creates a complex landscape where traditional illicit markets persist alongside the emerging legal industry, requiring delicate navigation by both policymakers and farmers alike.
Morocco’s Green Gold Rush
Enter the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC), Morocco’s vanguard in the burgeoning legal cannabis market.
With over 200 licenses granted for various cannabis-related activities, from processing to export, Morocco is positioning itself as a serious player in the global cannabis economy.
The country’s first legal cannabis shipment to Switzerland in 2023 wasn’t just a transaction—it was a declaration of intent to become a key supplier in the European medical cannabis market.
This initial foray into legal exports saw 100 kilograms of cannabis resin, with THC content below 1%, sold for between €1,400 and €1,800 per kilogram.
It’s a modest start, but one with enormous potential.
The 2023 legal cannabis harvest in Morocco reached an impressive 294 metric tonnes, showcasing the country’s capacity to scale up production to meet international demand.
Balancing Act. Legal Ambitions and Illicit Realities
Despite strides in legalization, Morocco grapples with its status as the world’s top cannabis producer—a title it holds in both legal and illicit markets.
The country’s cannabis resin continues to dominate European black markets, with Spain serving as the primary gateway. In 2021 alone, Spanish authorities seized a staggering 672.5 tonnes of resin, accounting for over 82% of the total seized in the EU that year.
As Morocco works to establish its legal cannabis industry, it faces the complex challenge of curbing illegal production while fostering a thriving, regulated market.
This delicate balance will determine whether Morocco can successfully transition from cannabis prohibition to becoming a respected leader in the global legal cannabis trade.
The road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, but Morocco’s bold steps toward cannabis reform offer a glimpse of a future where this ancient crop could become a cornerstone of legitimate economic development.
As the world watches, Morocco stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, poised to write a new chapter in its long and complex relationship with cannabis.
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