Casablanca – The National Agency for the Regulation of Activities relating to Cannabis (ANRAC) has been diligently managing the issuance of licenses for cannabis-related activities in Morocco. As of April 23, 2024, ANRAC had processed a total of 2,942 applications, of which 2,905 licenses were granted. This marked an increase from the previous year, where only 609 licenses were issued in 2023. These licenses cover a vast area totaling 2,552 hectares, reflecting the growing scale of cannabis cultivation in the country.

In the regions of Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima, ANRAC granted 2,737 licenses to 2,637 farmers for cannabis cultivation and production. Additionally, 168 licenses were issued to 61 operators, including pharmaceutical companies, cooperatives, companies, and individual entrepreneurs. These licenses are distributed across various sectors, with industrial, medical processing, marketing, export, seed import, and transportation activities being among them.

Furthermore, ANRAC reported that the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) issued 73 licenses for the use of local Beldia seeds, benefiting 73 production cooperatives and 1,225 farmers. Import licenses for Beldia seeds were also granted to 22 production cooperatives, supporting 285 farmers. As of April 23, 2024, the cultivation area for Beldia seeds in Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceima had expanded to 757 hectares, involving 903 farmers.

Moreover, ANRAC highlighted that 42 cannabis products, derived from legal production in 2023, were submitted for registration to the Medicines and Pharmacy Directorate (DMP) of the Health Ministry. These products include 11 cosmetic and personal hygiene items and 31 dietary supplements. The Health Ministry has issued 7 registration certificates for products such as herbal teas and cosmetic and personal hygiene products.

Additionally, ANRAC facilitated the export of 65.5 kg of cannabis products to Switzerland, including 55.5 kg of CBD resin with a THC content of less than 1% and 10 kg of cannabis flowers with a THC content of less than 0.3%. Another export operation of 30 kg of CBD resin with THC less than 1% is in the final stages of processing.

Established under Law No. 13-21 on the licit uses of cannabis, ANRAC plays a crucial role in implementing the State Strategy for cultivation, production, manufacturing, transformation, commercialization, export, and import of cannabis products for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes. The agency’s efforts reflect Morocco’s evolving approach to cannabis regulation, balancing the promotion of legal and controlled cannabis activities with stringent oversight to ensure compliance with national and international regulations.