Casablanca is preparing to host a scientific conference on the topic of “The Current Status of Medical Marijuana and Its Role in the Production of Derivative Medicines and Related Development Goals” on Friday, April 26, at the Club Val D’Anfa hotel. The event is expected to attract a select group of researchers and experts, as part of national efforts to explore the medical and scientific potential of cannabis and assess the challenges and opportunities for developing the derivative pharmaceuticals industry in Morocco.
The conference will feature a distinguished panel of experts and specialists who will share their experiences and insights on various aspects of developing cannabis-derived medicines. Among the prominent speakers are Professor Rabi Ridouane, president of the Moroccan Association for Legal Cannabis Uses, and Dr. Abdelilah Boutaleb, a health systems expert, who will discuss the challenges and opportunities related to extracting medicines from cannabis, with an emphasis on the reasons for the delayed launch of this industry in Morocco.
Dr. Younes Qadile, a pharmacology specialist, will also present on the importance of scientific research in developing these medicines, alongside Jamie “The Chef” Sadki, director of research and development in agrigenomics, who will highlight the impact of external genes on local agriculture and the environment.
The scientific program will continue with a presentation by Professor Marzouki Abdel Rahman from Abdelmalek Essaadi University on best practices for cultivating medical cannabis, as well as Dr. Belkadi Mohamed Chakri, a researcher in phytotherapy, who will address the topic of “phytovigilance” and its applications on CBD products.
Dr. Mohamed Driouch, the former president of the higher education union, will review the role of universities in promoting scientific research in this field, while Dr. Najieh Raghbi, a specialized pharmacist and journalist, will discuss the contribution of pharmacists to marketing cannabis-derived medicinal and cosmetic products, complemented by Dr. Moulay Ahmed Dridi, a health policy expert, who will connect cannabis to sustainable development and human rights.
The meeting will conclude with an open discussion session bringing together researchers, pharmacists, professionals, and experts in environment and human rights to discuss the various challenges surrounding the use of medical cannabis in a sustainable and ethical framework. The conference will culminate in the presentation of final scientific recommendations overseen by Professor Rabi Ridouane.
This scientific conference represents a valuable opportunity to enhance dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders in scientific research, industry, and innovation, which could help lay the groundwork for a developed national industry for cannabis-derived medicines capable of addressing Morocco’s health, environmental, and economic challenges.
