Casablanca – Morocco has made significant strides in legitimizing and regulating cannabis cultivation with the inauguration of the country’s first legal cannabis processing plant in the Taounate province. The new facility, inaugurated by Mohamed El Guerrouj, Director General of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC), represents a pivotal development in the implementation of Law No. 13-21, which governs the legal uses of cannabis in Morocco.

Covering over 3,000 square meters and built with an investment of more than $2 million, the processing plant features state-of-the-art nursery and extraction units. This facility is expected to significantly boost the local economy by generating 25 permanent jobs and more than 300 seasonal positions. It is a crucial component of Morocco’s strategy to develop a responsible and high-value cannabis industry.

During the inauguration, El Guerrouj emphasized the importance of this initiative for the local economy and the broader goals of the ANRAC. “The official launch of this processing plant will open new economic opportunities for the local area,” he stated. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of the government and ANRAC to support farmers and investors, noting that a rigorous monitoring program has been established to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain high standards of quality.

The launch of this processing plant is part of Morocco’s broader effort to regulate and promote legal cannabis cultivation. The country has seen a notable increase in the establishment of cooperatives dedicated to cannabis cultivation, which benefit from licenses issued by ANRAC and the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). These licenses have authorized the use of local cannabis seeds and supported their cultivation.

Under the new regulatory framework, cooperatives in Taounate and other regions have begun to thrive. The legal framework has enabled them to transition from illegal practices to a regulated industry, fostering greater involvement in the legal cannabis sector.

The recent royal pardon granted by King Mohammed VI has also played a crucial role in encouraging farmers to transition to legal cultivation. This gesture has provided significant relief and motivation, enhancing the efforts of cooperatives and individual farmers.

The establishment of ANRAC and the regulation of the cannabis sector have created a dynamic environment in the province, boosting the efforts of local authorities, farmers, and civil society. The legal framework aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, provide economic opportunities, and ensure the responsible development of the cannabis industry in Morocco.

As Morocco continues to advance its legal cannabis sector, the establishment of processing plants and support for cooperatives reflect the country’s commitment to transforming its cannabis industry into a model of success and sustainability.