Cannabis legalization reshapes Moroccan agriculture and rural economy

Morocco, one of the world’s top hashish producers, is undergoing a major transformation. With Law 13-21 legalizing cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses, the country is shifting from black market cultivation to a regulated economy aimed at revitalizing its rural regions.

A new legal framework

In 2021, Morocco passed Law 13-21. The legislation aimed to dismantle the illegal cannabis trade by protecting farmers and opening the door to regulated exports. By 2024, the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC) had issued 2,905 licenses. These covered cultivation, processing, and marketing in Taounate, Al Hoceima, and Chefchaouen.

The reform gives farmers legal protections and access to markets. It integrates a once-informal economy into national development plans. Farmers now operate under cooperative models, gaining negotiating power and consistent income.

An economic engine for rural Morocco

Tens of thousands of farmers once lived in legal uncertainty. Dependent on cannabis cultivation, they dealt with price volatility, arrests, and exploitation. Today, cannabis is a strategic crop.

The Ministry of Interior projects that legal cannabis could generate over $1 billion per year in export revenue. A processing plant opened in Taounate in 2023, signaling a shift toward an industrialized, regulated sector. The facility employs hundreds and links farmers with domestic and international buyers.

Job creation and rural stability

Legalization brings formal employment to rural Morocco. ANRAC data shows that each licensed hectare supports around 10 jobs, including cultivation, testing, packaging, and compliance.

The trend helps reduce rural youth migration. Young workers are finding opportunities locally. If matched with investment in infrastructure and agricultural training, cannabis could become a foundation for rural renewal.

Global exports and growing opportunities

Morocco’s first legal cannabis shipment to Switzerland in 2024 signaled its international ambitions. Complying with European pharmaceutical standards, the export confirmed Morocco’s readiness to compete in regulated markets.

With its climate and geographic proximity to Europe, Morocco holds a strong position. Seed companies such as Herbies Seeds are highlighting Moroccan landrace strains as valuable for growers seeking quality and stability. Demand for organic, high-THC cannabis continues to grow across Europe.

Obstacles and risks ahead

Despite success stories, entry into the legal market remains uneven. Smaller farmers face delays and red tape. Critics warn that corporate interests could dominate, sidelining traditional growers.

Water scarcity poses another risk. Without careful regulation, large-scale cultivation could worsen environmental stress, especially in the Rif Mountains.

Sustainable growth or missed opportunity

Legal cannabis is more than an economic project. It is a test of rural reform. If managed transparently and inclusively, it can reduce poverty, slow migration, and strengthen local economies.

The early signs are promising. Farmers are shedding the dangers of the black market. Investment is increasing. Jobs are returning. Morocco is no longer just a supplier of hashish—it is emerging as a regulated actor in the global cannabis economy.