Is Marijuana Legal in Morocco?
Morocco has long been recognized as one of the world’s most prolific producers of cannabis. However, cannabis only became legal in the North African nation in June 2021.
The Moroccan Parliament adopted Bill 13-21 to regulate the plant for medical and industrial purposes. Cannabis production and consumption for recreational purposes in Morocco remains illegal.
Medical Marijuana Laws in Morocco
Bill 13-21 outlines regulations for diverse aspects of medical, industrial, and cosmetic cannabis in Morocco, including the cultivation of cannabis, seed importation, and product exportation.
The cannabis plant can only be cultivated in a select number of authorized areas in the nation, such as Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Tétouan. These areas have traditionally been used to cultivate cannabis and have climates uniquely suited to growing marijuana.
No cannabis-related activity is legal unless the individual or group has received authorization from the country’s cannabis regulatory body, the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities.
The Agency will be responsible for overseeing and authorizing the cultivation and production of cannabis, the importation and exportation of cannabis-related material, the transport of cannabis and cannabis products, and the commercialization of cannabis and cannabis products.
A THC limit will be established for cannabis farmers, although it is yet to be determined. Cannabis grown for medical and pharmaceutical products may be permitted to surpass the limit.
Individuals seeking authorization for the cultivation and production of cannabis for medical, industrial, or cosmetic purposes must be of legal age and hold Moroccan citizenship, and reside in one of the approved cultivation zones. Authorizations are valid for 10 years and are renewable.
Morocco’s cannabis legalization efforts are still in their early days. At this stage, legalization efforts are focused on the rollout of cultivation, production, and the issue of permits. Personal medical use Guidelines and regulations will likely be clarified in the months and years.
What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Morocco
Many countries that have legalized cannabis roll out the legal market in a unique way that is best suited to their specific purposes and goals. Morocco is no exception.
Morocco’s Medical Cannabis Market Is Economically-Focused
Much of the Moroccan government’s focus on establishing a legal medical and industrial cannabis market is oriented toward an economic imperative.
Bill 13-21 clearly states that cannabis activities will only initially be permitted in approved provinces.
These provinces are presently the most significant sites for illicit cannabis cultivation. They are also home to some of the poorest communities in the country, where Moroccans with bleak livelihood prospects have turned to the cannabis trade to make a living.
The government’s move to legalize cannabis has been interpreted by commentators as focused on alleviating poverty in these regions by shifting cannabis production to the licit economy.
As such, Bill 13-21 is oriented towards the rollout of legal cannabis cultivation and production, with little emphasis on how Moroccans can legally access medical cannabis products for personal use.
The Creation of a Legal Moroccan Medical Cannabis Market Is Slow
Similar to many countries or states that have recently legalized medical cannabis, the process of creating a functional legal market can take time. Morocco is currently experiencing delays in issuing permits, and its regulatory body, the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities, is still establishing its operation.
Nonetheless, progress is underway. The Agency delivered the first 10 permits for cannabis cultivation in October 2022. One of the first permits was issued to Bio Cannat.
This Moroccan co-operative will construct the first official laboratory in the country, producing cannabis for the export market’s industrial, medical, paramedical, and food sectors.
While these advances are promising, it may be some time before medical and industrial cannabis products are produced, imported, and exported.
In the meantime, the illicit cannabis market will likely continue. Morocco has been one of the largest illegal exporters of cannabis in the world for decades.
Can You Grow Cannabis In Morocco?
According to Bill 13-21, you can grow cannabis in Morocco if you meet the following conditions:
- You have obtained authorization for the cultivation or production of cannabis;
- You hold Moroccan citizenship;
- You are an adult;
- You reside in one of the areas designated for cannabis cultivation or production;
- You belong to a cannabis cooperative;
- You own a plot of land or have received approval from the landowner or the local authorities to cultivate cannabis.
Beyond these conditions, the Bill also explains that cannabis cultivators and producers should adhere to other guidelines, such as using seeds and plants certified by the Agency and following established pesticide or fertilizer use norms.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Morocco’s medical and industrial cannabis market is still in its early days.
The Moroccan government is taking slow, steady steps towards creating a legal market by issuing permits and establishing its national cannabis regulatory agency, the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities.
Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Morocco.