Green Gateway: Cannabis-Based Products Hit Moroccan Pharmacies

Friday 31 May 2024 - 15:16

From Saturday, June 1st, a new era begins as cannabis-based food supplements and cosmetic products make their debut on the shelves of Moroccan pharmacies. This marks a significant milestone in the country's embrace of the plant's versatile applications.

According to reports, the commercialization of these products will officially start on June 1st, with nine food supplements and ten cosmetic products already registered by the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy (DMP).

A meeting took place on Friday, May 31st, at the headquarters of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC), bringing together representatives from ANRAC, DMP, and pharmacists. Mohamed El Guerrouj, the governor and director-general of ANRAC, presided over this gathering, with the primary objective of discussing the commercialization of medicinal and non-medicinal cannabis-based products.

Initially, these products will be exclusive to pharmacies. However, Law 13-21 allows processors and manufacturers to open their own retail outlets, provided they meet legal criteria and obtain authorization from ANRAC.

The meeting also addressed regulations concerning the THC content in these products. Reports clarify that if the THC level exceeds 1%, the product must be exclusively destined for the pharmaceutical industry for transformation into medication. Conversely, if the THC content is below 1%, the possibilities for transformation include cosmetic products, food supplements, and even construction materials.

For food supplements, the presence of CBD is mandatory, with THC levels below 0.3%. Cosmetic products, on the other hand, must be manufactured from CBD with 0% THC.

As Morocco embraces the potential of cannabis-based products, regulatory frameworks and quality controls are paramount. The collaboration between authorities and industry stakeholders reflects a commitment to ensuring safe and responsible access to these innovative offerings.

With the countdown underway, pharmacies across the nation are poised to usher in a new era of wellness and self-care, presenting Moroccans with a range of options to explore the therapeutic and cosmetic benefits of this multifaceted plant. As the green wave washes over the country, it promises to open doors to new avenues of research, entrepreneurship, and holistic well-being.