- Morocco’s King Mohammed VI pardons nearly 5,000 cannabis-related convicts.
- Legal cannabis cultivation has been permitted since 2021 for medicinal and industrial use.
- The pardon aims to integrate farmers into the legal market and improve their economic conditions.
Morocco has made a significant move towards legalizing and regulating cannabis by pardoning nearly 5,000 individuals convicted or wanted for cannabis-related offenses.
This decision aligns with the country’s efforts to reform its cannabis industry, which was officially legalized for medicinal and industrial use in 2021.
Morocco’s Cannabis Pardon: A Step Toward Legal Industry Expansion
Since the legalization, Morocco has seen its first legal cannabis harvest in 2023, with 294 metric tonnes produced and 225 kilograms exported. This year’s figures are anticipated to be higher due to an increase in farming permits and the inclusion of the local strain, Beldia. The move to integrate cannabis farmers into the legal framework is aimed at reducing the influence of illegal traffickers and enhancing the sector’s economic benefits.
The legal cannabis industry in Morocco began with a modest harvest of 294 metric tonnes in 2023. As the number of permits for legal cultivation increases, including the local Beldia strain, the volume of production and export is projected to rise. This increase in legal production is a key element of Morocco’s plan to compete in the global cannabis market, which is experiencing growing demand.
By offering a pardon, Morocco aims to integrate many of its long-time cannabis farmers into the legal system, thereby reducing their reliance on illicit activities. This integration is crucial for protecting these farmers from criminal networks and ensuring they benefit from legal sales and exports.
The broader goal of this legalization effort is not only to improve farmers’ incomes but also to enhance the country’s position in the international cannabis market. As Morocco continues to develop its legal cannabis sector, the country stands to gain economically while also providing a more secure environment for its farmers.
Morocco’s pardon for cannabis convicts marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to formalize and grow its cannabis industry. By integrating former offenders into the legal market, Morocco aims to bolster its economic position while protecting farmers from illegal traffickers.
“Encourage farmers to engage in the legal process of cannabis cultivation to improve their revenue and living conditions.” This quote by Mohammed El Guerrouj
