Morocco solidifies its position as a reliable supplier of medical and industrial hemp
Morocco has launched an unprecedented dynamic in the regulation of hemp cultivation in recent years, striving to transition from an unregulated sector to a legal, productive, and promising system. These efforts are beginning to bear fruit, thanks to a robust legislative framework and a socio-economic integration approach primarily targeting local farmers.
The National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis is tasked with implementing the state strategy by organizing the various stages of cultivation, production, processing, marketing, and export, adhering to precise standards that ensure legal compliance and enhance added value.
From Taounate to Al-Hoceima, passing through Chefchaouen, cooperatives and industrial players are organizing to become pioneers in a booming sector. Data from the agency indicates that the number of licenses granted in 2025 reached 4,003, a 20% increase compared to 2024, with cultivated areas doubling to 4,751 hectares worked by approximately 5,493 farmers organized into 366 cooperatives.
Efforts have also focused on cultivating the local strain “local” alongside imported varieties, reflecting a diversification of offerings aimed at different markets. In addition to production, there has been a notable expansion in processing units, with 5 factories operational and a total processing capacity of around 568 tons, while 11 more factories are under construction.
On the final product front, processing operations have resulted in 21 dietary supplements, 16 cosmetic products, and 10 food products recorded in 2025, raising the total number of registered products to 78.
Morocco is also continuing to strengthen its presence in international markets, exporting medical cannabis products to France, Switzerland, Portugal, Australia, and South Africa, with technical and regulatory support from various relevant national institutions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s reputation as a credible and reliable supplier.
Alongside the economic dynamism, Moroccan legislation places utmost importance on protecting small farmers. Law No. 21-13 mandates that crops be marketed exclusively through cooperatives, with prior sales agreements ensuring transparency and stability in incomes.
As Morocco steadily continues its path towards the legalization of hemp, the primary goal remains to build a productive sector that aligns with international standards, providing a sustainable economic and social alternative for farmers and positioning the Kingdom on the global map of medical and industrial cannabis suppliers.
