Legalization of Cannabis in Morocco: A Steady Progress Towards a Structured Economy
The initiative to regulate cannabis cultivation in Morocco is witnessing remarkable development, reflecting a profound shift in the state’s approach to this sensitive issue, which has been tied to the informal economy for decades. Just a few years after the law permitting the legal use of cannabis went into effect, the benefits of this policy are becoming evident on the ground, as official figures show an expanding engagement in this ambitious project.
Data revealed by Interior Minister Abdel-Wafi Laftit in a written response to Parliament indicates that the number of licensed cannabis farmers has surged from 430 in 2023 to 7,052 in 2025, distributed across 413 production cooperatives. This growth is not limited to individuals but also includes a significant increase in cultivated areas, which jumped from just 192 hectares to 4,729 hectares during the same period, marking an increase of more than twentyfold.
This significant expansion in both the number of farmers and cultivated land reflects a transition from a logic of criminalization to one of regulation, as the state aims to integrate this segment of farmers into the formal economy and enable them to benefit from the legitimate production chain for cannabis, intended for medicinal and industrial purposes. Additionally, the formation of production cooperatives provides farmers with support and training, alongside the ability to market their products within a transparent legal framework.
Beyond its economic dimension, this initiative directly impacts the social aspects of vulnerable areas historically known for cannabis cultivation, particularly in the regions of Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima. This pathway is expected to improve living conditions for thousands of families by creating new job opportunities and generating stable incomes, away from the risks associated with illegal farming.
Despite these encouraging figures, challenges remain, especially regarding the marketing of products both locally and internationally, ensuring a balance between supply and demand, and the necessity for strict monitoring of the production chain to prevent any drift towards illegal usage.
