Morocco eyes global market with medical cannabis exports

Friday 21 February 2025 - 14:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco eyes global market with medical cannabis exports

Morocco has embarked on a groundbreaking journey by exporting its first shipment of medical hashish, marking a transformative step in the nation’s cannabis industry. In partnership with Swiss pharmaceutical company Medropharm, the shipment successfully arrived at Geneva Airport on February 19, signaling a pivotal moment for Morocco’s ambition to become a key player in the global medical cannabis market.

Medropharm’s founder, Patrick Widmer, hailed the event as a milestone for the pharmaceutical industry. “Medical hashish opens up new possibilities for treatment and expands the range of pharmaceutical cannabis products,” Widmer said in a press statement. This development highlights the growing demand for cannabis-based medicines, which are increasingly recognized for their potential to treat chronic pain, epilepsy, and other serious health conditions.

For decades, Morocco has been one of the world’s largest producers of hashish, despite a production ban imposed in 1974. However, the government’s decision in 2021 to legalize cannabis cultivation strictly for medical purposes has opened the door to a lucrative and highly regulated industry.

Authorities are working diligently to ensure the success of this emerging sector. The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities has implemented measures to oversee every aspect of the supply chain, from cultivation to export. Key production hubs in Casablanca, Meknes, Marrakech, Taounate, and Bab Berred have undergone rigorous inspections to meet international standards. Additionally, farmers and cooperatives are receiving specialized training to produce high-quality cannabis for medical use.

The Ministry of Industry has thrown its full support behind the initiative, envisioning Morocco as a leader in cannabis-based pharmaceuticals. This endeavor not only promises substantial economic benefits but also positions the country as a vital contributor to medical advancements in global healthcare.

As Morocco looks to establish itself in this burgeoning sector, the export of medical hashish represents a bold step toward innovation and economic diversification, while offering hope to patients in need of life-changing treatments.