Morocco's Cannabis Industry Flourishes with 2,905 New Permits and Official Logo Launch

Thursday 25 April 2024 - 14:20

Morocco has taken a significant step towards establishing a legal cannabis industry by issuing 2,905 permits for cannabis production as of April 23, 2024. This development coincides with the recent unveiling of the official logo for Moroccan legalized cannabis products, indicating the rapid growth of a formalized cannabis sector within the kingdom.

The National Agency for Regulating Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC), the regulatory body overseeing this emerging industry, has processed 2,942 applications this year. The surge in permits granted represents a substantial increase from the 609 authorizations issued in 2023, spanning a total area of 2,551 hectares.

Of the permits issued, 2,737 have been granted to 2,637 farmers in the renowned cannabis-cultivating regions of Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima. This marks a significant increase from the 430 authorizations granted in the previous year, reflecting a strategic effort to engage local expertise and foster a sustainable and regulated cannabis trade.

ANRAC has also issued 168 authorizations to 61 operators in the pharmaceutical sector, which include 16 cooperatives, 37 companies, and 7 individuals. These permits cover a range of activities, such as industrial production and export.

Supporting these efforts, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) has granted 73 authorizations for the use of "beldia" seed, covering a total of 1,262 hectares for 73 production cooperatives. Additionally, 11 authorizations have been issued for areas using foreign seeds, covering 286 hectares across 22 production cooperatives.

The impact of this burgeoning industry is already visible, with areas sown with cannabis in Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima reaching 757 hectares of beldia seeds as of April 23, 2024.

The legal harvest of 2023 has yielded 42 distinct cannabis products, produced by three operators and a transformation cooperative. Among these, 11 are cosmetic and personal hygiene products, and 31 are dietary supplements, highlighting the versatility of cannabis.

The Ministry of Health has issued seven registration certificates, with two for dietary supplements and five for cosmetic and personal hygiene products. The remaining products are undergoing rigorous evaluation by relevant authorities, with registration certificates expected soon.

In a sign of Morocco's growing role in the global cannabis market, one operator and one cooperative have successfully exported 65.5 kilograms of cannabis products to Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom's cannabis trade.

Morocco's official logo for legalized cannabis products symbolizes its commitment to a regulated and transparent cannabis industry, promoting economic growth while maintaining high-quality standards. With 2,905 permits issued and the first legal harvest yielding an impressive 294 tonnes, Morocco's cannabis industry is poised for substantial growth, positioning the kingdom at the forefront of Africa's legal cannabis landscape.