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Economic Impact of Cannabis Legalization on Moroccan Agriculture
Morocco has long stood as one of the world's top producers of hashish, with an estimated 47,000 hectares dedicated to cannabis cultivation in 2019, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. For decades, the crop thrived in legal limbo, especially across the northern Rif Mountains. Now, with sweeping reforms under Law 13-21, cannabis is entering a new phase – regulated, taxed, and poised to transform rural Moroccan agriculture.
A New Legal Framework
In 2021, Morocco passed Law 13-21, legalizing cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. The move sought to regulate a long-standing black market, protect farmers, and boost the national economy through exports. By 2024, the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC) had issued 2,905 licenses for legal cultivation , processing, and marketing, primarily in the provinces of Taounate, Al Hoceima, and Chefchaouen.
This regulatory shift not only legitimizes an industry that was once the backbone of informal rural economies – it provides farmers with legal protections, direct access to markets, and a path to sustainable income.
Beyond Decriminalization: An Economic Engine
For decades, tens of thousands of Moroccan farmers relied on cannabis cultivation as their primary source of income. Yet in the absence of regulation, they were left at the mercy of smugglers and middlemen. Prices fluctuated wildly, and farmers risked arrest or land seizures.
Now, with the introduction of legal frameworks, the government has turned cannabis into a strategic crop. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, the legal sector has the potential to generate over $1 billion annually in export revenue, once fully operational.
The first legal cannabis processing plant opened in Taounate in late 2023, representing a turning point for the domestic cannabis economy. The facility is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and provide a consistent supply chain for local cooperatives and international buyers.
Job Creation and Rural Renewal
Job creation is one of the most immediate effects of legalization. Not only are farmers now formally employed through licensed cooperatives, but auxiliary roles have emerged in logistics, testing, packaging, and compliance. According to ANRAC, each licensed hectare supports approximately 10 jobs – ranging from cultivation to quality control.
This influx of legal work has begun to reduce the exodus of young people from rural regions, who often left to seek employment in urban centers or abroad. With proper investment in infrastructure and education, cannabis could anchor broader rural development in Morocco's underserved regions.
Global Trade and Moroccan Exports
Morocco exported its first legal cannabis shipment to Switzerland in 2024 , marking its entry into the international medical cannabis market. This export followed strict EU pharmaceutical standards, a testament to the country's commitment to compliance and quality assurance.
As more countries liberalize cannabis laws, Morocco is strategically positioned to become a major supplier – particularly to Europe, where proximity and climate advantages play in its favour. The demand for organic, high-THC, and terpene-rich cannabis strains could open new avenues for Moroccan exporters.
Some seed companies, such as Herbies Seeds , have already taken note of Morocco's favorable climate and genetics, often referencing the country's landrace strains in their catalogues for growers looking for heritage and stability in cultivation.
Barriers to Entry and Remaining Challenges
Despite the promising numbers, not all farmers have been able to make the transition. Some critics argue that license distribution has been slow and bureaucratic, making it difficult for smaller, poorer farmers to join the legal market. There are also concerns about corporate monopolies edging out traditional growers and shifting control away from rural communities.
Moreover, environmental risks loom. Large-scale cannabis cultivation, if not managed properly, could worsen water scarcity issues, especially in mountainous regions already vulnerable to climate stress.
Looking Ahead
Legal cannabis is more than just a new industry for Morocco – it's a test case for rural revitalization through agricultural reform. If the legal framework remains inclusive, transparent, and environmentally conscious, Morocco could emerge not only as a cannabis powerhouse, but also as a model for sustainable development in post-prohibition economies.
For now, the early data paints a hopeful picture. Farmers have begun to shed the stigma and insecurity of the black market. Investment is flowing. Jobs are returning. And Morocco is no longer just a global supplier of hashish – it is becoming a legitimate player in the fast-growing global cannabis economy. Tags: Cannabiscannabis agricultureeconomy cannabisMorocco cannabis
