Morocco's Cannabis Industry Blossoms in 2024 Amidst Regulatory Overhaul

Tuesday 20 August 2024 - 17:15

In a remarkable surge, Morocco’s National Agency for Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC) has significantly increased the issuance of cannabis licenses in 2024. This development comes amidst a transformative regulatory landscape, marking a pivotal moment for the country's cannabis industry.

Since the beginning of 2024, ANRAC has issued 3,029 licenses under the newly enacted Law 13-21, which governs the legal use of cannabis. This represents a substantial increase from the 721 licenses issued in 2023, indicating a burgeoning interest and participation in the regulated cannabis sector.

According to ANRAC, of the total licenses issued, 2,837 were allocated for cannabis cultivation and production, benefiting 2,659 farmers. This figure is a notable escalation from the 430 licenses granted for these activities in 2023. Conversely, 192 licenses were allocated to 98 operators for various activities such as processing, commercialization, and exportation, a decrease from the 291 licenses issued to 138 operators the previous year.

The distribution of the 192 licenses granted to operators is as follows: 60 for processing, 49 for commercialization, 39 for exportation, 24 for seed importation, 18 for transportation, 1 for seed exportation, and 1 for the creation and operation of nurseries.

So far in 2024, ANRAC has certified 7.3 million cannabis seeds under 26 import permits issued by the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA). These seeds cover 1,164 hectares and benefit 100 production cooperatives, comprising 1,520 farmers.

A New Era for Cannabis Regulation

The agency has also approved the use of 1,634 quintals of local Beldia cannabis seeds, supported by 106 seed use permits from ONSSA. This allocation covers 1,916 hectares and benefits 106 production cooperatives encompassing 1,816 farmers.

The approval follows promising initial findings from a study conducted with the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) on this Moroccan variety of cannabis.

ANRAC, in collaboration with ONSSA, has developed a comprehensive protocol to ensure the Beldia variety adheres to regulatory standards. This protocol mandates that cooperatives submit requests to both ONSSA and ANRAC, maintain detailed traceability records, and guarantee that all produced cannabis is purchased by the designated operator.

Operators are also obligated to destroy all plant extracts with a THC content of 1% or higher after industrial processing unless they adhere to the agreed contract with a pharmaceutical company. They must also present THC content analysis results to ANRAC, showing that the final product from the Beldia variety is below 1% THC.

Royal Pardons and Policy Reforms

In a decision reflecting Morocco's shifting and more open approach to cannabis regulation, King Mohammed VI granted royal pardons yesterday to 4,831 individuals involved in cannabis-related cases. Announced by the Ministry of Justice on the anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution, this decision aligns with Morocco's broader strategy to reform cannabis policies.

This initiative complements the establishment of ANRAC, the agency responsible for regulating the legal cultivation, industrialization, and export of cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses.

Today in Rabat, Mohamed El Guerrouj, Director General of ANRAC, emphasized to MAP the impact that the royal pardon will have on individuals involved in cannabis-related legal issues. He highlighted that this measure will significantly motivate cannabis farmers, producers, and cultivators to participate in the regulatory process, leveraging their expertise.

El Guerrouj further described the royal initiative as a “key milestone” and a “turning point” in the mission to phase out illegal cannabis cultivation. This effort aims to replace illicit activities with legal crops and alternative livelihoods.

The initiative is also expected to open up new economic opportunities for both local communities and the private sector, on both national and international levels. It additionally promises to improve incomes and living standards within a legally regulated framework, propelling the success of the cannabis regulation and legalization program.

This comprehensive overhaul of Morocco's cannabis industry not only signifies a shift in policy but also heralds a new era of economic growth and social reform, positioning the country as a pioneer in the global cannabis market.