Morocco: Farmers Call for the Legalisation of Recreational Cannabis

Despite being the world's leading supplier of hashish, cannabis has been illegal in Morocco for the past 50 years, with a black market that supplies Europe and far beyond. However, in May 2021, the Moroccan Parliament took a significant step by passing a law to allow the cultivation of cannabis for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.

It is estimated that the country could generate 15 billion euros with full legalisation. But, even if the country legalised cannabis, there is intense distrust among farmers. Although the state plan aims to ensure that these farmers receive financial benefits, just like potential marijuana businesses, doubts persist.

Many farmers prefer to remain in this underground economy to avoid administrative hurdles and quality control. Not to mention, a significant change in cultivation methods will inevitably increase production costs. Cannabis has been part of the region's economy for centuries, and changing it overnight will face considerable resistance.

To complicate matters further, some farmers trust drug traffickers more than the government, given their long history of extreme laws and practices. For example, an arrest for cannabis can result in many years of imprisonment. To worsen relations with authorities, many farmers have had their crops burned by the police, depriving them and their families of their livelihood.

However, in the eyes of the nation's state agency that authorises and certifies all cannabis cultivation and export activities, legal cannabis businesses could potentially increase the farmers' income four or five times, especially if legalisation goes beyond medical use. The real opportunity for Morocco in the long term lies in recreational use, as it has an established reputation in cannabis, which could give its products a "stamp of legitimacy" as they are exported to new markets.

Figures from the First Legal Harvest

Last year, the country granted 54 export permits. So far this year, the number of cultivation permits has increased to 161. A significant harvest is expected this year given the size of the cultivated area.

This substantial growth comes after a booming year in harvesting following the first legal crop. According to Morocco's cannabis regulators (the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis / ANRAC), the country's first legal harvest in 2023 was 294 metric tons. According to ANRAC, this involved 32 cooperatives comprising 430 farms covering 277 hectares in the northern Rif mountains of Al Hoceima, Taounate, and Chefchaouen.

Rabat's vision is to capitalise on the country's potential and transform it from illicit trade into a sleek, streamlined operation in cooperation with farmers and pharmaceutical companies. But some farmers don't trust the state plan and choose to continue selling their crops on the illegal market.

Without a detailed roadmap that guarantees farmers financial benefits equal to the income of new companies, many are rejecting the plan and choosing to remain in the shadows. Farmers fear that the state will simply allow large companies and pharmaceuticals to take all the benefits. There have been few guarantees, especially in writing, to assure farmers that this will not happen.

Farmers Urge the Government to Go Further

Therefore, farmers are urging the Moroccan government to explore the legalisation of the recreational cannabis market. They argue that a debate is necessary because regulation for medical and industrial purposes will not eliminate the existing black market, as opportunities for traffickers will persist, creating a shadow market.

This was recently stated by the Moroccan Coalition for the Medical and Industrial Use of Cannabis during visits to agricultural lands in the Rif region organised by ANRAC to celebrate the success of this first harvest. Because there's no doubt that the current legalisation for medical and industrial purposes has its limitations: while it slightly reduces the number of farmers involved in illegal drug trafficking, it does not eliminate the existing base of cannabis consumers.

This call for diversification is not entirely new. In June 2023, the Moroccan Coalition for the Medical and Industrial Use of Cannabis, along with residents of regions traditionally known for cannabis cultivation, launched a public call to open a debate on recreational use, citing the health benefits of smoking marijuana and the financial potential of a recreational market in the North African kingdom.

This aligns with recommendations presented to the King by the Development Model Committee and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council. Both reports highlight the potential health benefits of risk reduction through comprehensive regulation, along with the economic advantages of a legal recreational market.

Now, in collaboration with local cannabis growers, the coalition will hold a series of debates and seminars with members of parliament to press for a favourable vote on a potential recreational cannabis draft, which would allow for new advancements on this front, thanks to the collaboration of social groups and political parties.

The debate on the recreational use of cannabis is likely to gain more traction in the coming months as Morocco's legal cannabis industry continues to mature. With a growing number of countries legalising cannabis for recreational purposes, Morocco is well-positioned to become a leader in this emerging market.

The United Nations Drug Agency estimates that around 47,000 hectares in the Rif region are dedicated to cannabis production. Experts argue that Morocco is unlikely to reach its full potential while cultivation is limited to the medical and industrial markets. The real opportunity for Morocco in the long run will be the recreational sector, as this is where its brand has matured over decades.

Meanwhile, just like in the United States, activists, locals, and farmers will continue to criticise the government's hypocrisy as it seeks to profit from legal cannabis. On the other hand, some remain hopeful about the change and progress being made. Because, despite the challenges and complexities of cannabis legalisation in Morocco, the majority of the country's population firmly supports legalisation.