Significant Reduction in Cannabis Cultivation in Morocco
Morocco, a nation long recognized as a prominent global producer of cannabis, particularly in its unregulated form, has made substantial strides in reducing illegal cultivation. The country has historically been a key supplier of smuggled cannabis, especially hashish, to Europe. Over the past few years, Morocco has actively worked to reform its cannabis policies, creating pathways for farmers to transition into a regulated market. The results of these efforts are evident, as unregulated cannabis cultivation has witnessed a staggering decline.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the area dedicated to illegal cannabis cultivation has decreased from roughly 134,000 hectares in 2003 to approximately 15,496 hectares as of 2026, marking a significant reduction of about 88.43 percent. This achievement is attributed to diligent efforts by regional committees focused on combating the illegal cultivation of cannabis.
In a related report on its accomplishments for the fiscal year 2026, the Ministry noted that security interventions up to August 2026 led to the confiscation of over 274 tons of hashish, more than 53 tons of cannabis, 2,956 kg of cocaine, 116 grams of heroin, and 856,102 hallucinogenic pills. These statistics underscore the government's commitment to combating international drug trafficking and smuggling.
A pivotal factor in the battle against unregulated cannabis cultivation is the expansion of the regulated market. This strategy is essential for Morocco, paralleling efforts seen in other regions with a historical presence of illegal cannabis operations. In March 2021, Morocco's government took a landmark step by legalizing the commercial production of medical cannabis. By 2022, three specific regions—Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate—were designated for the legal production of medical cannabis.
The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC) was established to oversee the cannabis industry in Morocco. Following its inaugural meeting in June 2022, ANRAC issued the first set of legal cultivation permits in October 2022, with the nation celebrating its first legal cannabis harvest in March 2024. Over the last two years, Morocco's legal cannabis industry has shown steady growth, with reports indicating that more than 140 legal cannabis products are now being produced within the country.
As reported by internationalcbc.com.
