Economy

Morocco advances cannabis industry with approval of 67 legal products

Monday 08 September 2025 - 16:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Zoom

Morocco has taken a significant step toward regulating its cannabis industry by approving 67 cannabis-based products for legal distribution. This marks a key milestone in the country’s efforts to formalize a sector that has historically operated in the shadows.

The newly approved products comprise 26 cosmetic items and 41 dietary supplements, all registered with the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products, according to the Marijuana Herald. The approvals are part of a broader strategy led by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities, which has conducted over 2,200 inspections to ensure compliance with national laws and quality standards.

Accelerated cultivation and economic goals

Farmers have planted 4,400 hectares of the traditional "beldiya" cannabis variety this year three times the area cultivated in 2024. This expansion is crucial for supporting rural economies in northern regions like Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate, where thousands of families depend on cannabis cultivation for their livelihoods. The government aims to transition these regions from an informal economy to a regulated system, boosting incomes, attracting investment, and generating tax revenue.

A regulated market after decades of prohibition

Morocco legalized cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes in 2021 with the adoption of Law 13-21. This reform followed decades of prohibition, beginning in 1956 after Morocco's independence and intensifying in 1974 with a complete ban. Despite these restrictions, the country remained one of the world’s largest producers of cannabis resin.

The first legal cultivation zones were established in northern provinces, with production gradually increasing under government supervision. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, but the legal framework provides a controlled system for cultivation, processing, and distribution.

A model for cannabis regulation

The government's move reflects a desire to modernize the cannabis industry while addressing socio-economic challenges in cannabis-growing regions. By focusing on medical and industrial applications, Morocco is positioning itself as a leader in regulated cannabis production and a model for other nations seeking to reform their policies.