Morocco Approves Bill Legalizing Industrial and Medical Cannabis Production
Recently, Moroccan authorities officially ratified a bill that legalizes the production of industrial and therapeutic cannabis within the country. This initiative is primarily aimed at strengthening the national economy by gradually bringing the country’s massive underground cannabis market into the legal sphere. The reform is expected to benefit cannabis producers, most of whom are local small-scale farmers who have been cultivating cannabis for generations.
The bill was initially approved by the Moroccan parliament in the summer of last year, but it was only finally endorsed by the government council on the 4th of this month. On Tuesday, the bill was signed by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch after a brief consultation with other council members, who ultimately gave their unanimous approval.
Legalization Limited to Specific Regions
It is important to note that the new law legalizes cannabis production only in certain regions of the country, specifically in the provinces of Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate. These areas have been identified as the most economically disadvantaged and therefore most in need of a new production base. Authorities have reserved the right to add more regions to the list of permitted cultivation centers in the future, including the possibility of legalizing production nationwide. However, such significant amendments to the reform are likely to be considered only after several years of successful industry operation.
Regulation and Oversight
The market will be regulated by a special bureau, the National Agency for the Legalization and Control of Cannabis Activities (NALCA). This agency will be responsible for certifying farms and processing enterprises, overseeing the sale of cannabis, and ensuring quality and sanitary standards. The law also allows other government ministries to provide recommendations to the agency on various aspects of market regulation, ranging from cannabinoid concentration in products to export procedures.
The new market system is expected to be highly centralized to prevent product leakage into the black market or infiltration by criminal elements. For this reason, the agency will require producers and cultivators to submit detailed monthly reports on the quantity and quality of cannabis produced, as well as all related transactions, including the addresses of product transportation at every stage before reaching the end customer.