Economy

Cannabis Cultivation Thrives in Morocco as Regulatory Measures Take Root

Monday 25 December 2023 - 11:20

Morocco's nascent legal cannabis industry has experienced substantial growth in the past year, as evidenced by recent data released by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC).

As of the end of November, ANRAC has granted 609 authorizations out of 1,063 license applications that were thoroughly examined and processed. Notably, 430 licenses were issued to farmers engaged in cannabis cultivation and production activities. Additionally, 179 licenses were bestowed upon entities, including pharmaceutical companies, cooperatives, private enterprises, and sole proprietors, for processing, industrial, medical, commercial export, and import purposes.

The licensed cannabis cultivation spans 277 hectares of land, distributed across 32 production cooperatives with 416 member farmers. The legal cannabis output for 2023 has reached an impressive 294 tons, with average yields ranging between 10 to 27 quintals per hectare across the three approved growing regions.

In a parallel development, ANRAC certified approximately 2.1 million cannabis seeds this year, facilitated by 21 import authorizations granted by the National Food Health Security Office (ONSSA). These certified seeds pave the way for the legal sale of CBD cannabis products both within Morocco and abroad.

Functioning as the oversight body under Morocco's Law 13-21, which governs legal cannabis uses, ANRAC is witnessing significant interest from farmers and investors alike in this burgeoning industry. Looking ahead to 2024, the agency has outlined priorities that include further developing domestic cannabis varieties and attracting foreign investment to cater to global medical and industrial markets. Additionally, ANRAC is actively working towards transitioning illegal cultivation into the licensed sectors, offering improved economic prospects.

With the regulatory framework now firmly established, Morocco aspires to become a global leader in the production of premium-quality, legal cannabis. Early indications suggest a robust momentum toward realizing this vision.