Morocco issues first legal cannabis production permits

Morocco's National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) has issued the country's first 10 licenses for the legal cultivation of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. The permits were granted to farmers in the northern regions of Al Houceima, Taounate, and Chefchaouen, areas with a long history of illicit cultivation.

The move follows the passage of Law 13-21 in 2021, which legalized cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses. The law aims to regulate the agricultural chain, protect farmers from drug trafficking networks, and create legal economic opportunities in the Rif region.

ANRAC stated that the licensed farmers can now begin cultivation for the 2026 season. The agency has also authorized certain cooperatives to process the plant material. The legal framework is designed to allow for the export of derived products, positioning Morocco to enter the global market for legal cannabis.