Morocco’s legalization of marijuana for industrial, medical and cosmetic uses by 2021 is causing significant change in its agricultural sector. This policy is designed to bring traditional cannabis production into the legal marketplace, thereby creating new opportunities for economic growth and addressing historic challenges.
The Economic Impact of Agriculture
Legalization of cannabis has allowed farmers in Rif to take part in a controlled industry. The first harvest of legal cannabis in Al Hoceima Taounat and Chefchaouen, which involved 32 cooperatives with 430 farmer, yielded 294 tons. This change is intended to protect farmers from unsavory market influence and increase their incomes.
To ensure sustainability, the cultivation of local strains such as Beldiya is promoted. This variety is known for its drought-resistance.
The Government’s Initiatives on Pardons
In order to encourage the participation of cannabis growers in legal markets, in 2024 King Mohammed VI will pardon nearly 5,000 people convicted or sought for illicit cannabis cultivation. The King’s pardon is meant to encourage farmers to adopt legal cultivation methods, improve their livelihoods, and integrate them into formal economies.
The Challenges of the Future
Even with these improvements, some challenges remain, including the threat of illicit markets as well as the necessity for an infrastructure upgrade. Morocco’s cannabis legal industry has the potential to contribute significantly to the rural economy and national development with the right policies and continued investments.