Introduction
Morocco is undergoing a historic transformation. Long associated with traditional hashish production in the Rif region, the country is now positioning itself as a leader in the regulated, legal cannabis industry. Since the passing of Law 13-21 in 2021, which legalized cannabis cultivation for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses, Morocco has rapidly advanced its regulatory and agricultural infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know about this emerging sector and the opportunities it presents
A Clear Legal Framework
Morocco’s cannabis reform began with Law 13-21, passed in 2021. This legislation allows for legal cultivation under strict government control, excluding recreational use. The creation of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) in 2022 marked a turning point. ANRAC oversees everything from licensing and seed certification to export and quality control.
As of late 2024, ANRAC had issued more than 3,300 licenses covering farmers, cooperatives, and processing companies. Over 7.6 million certified seeds have been distributed, and the country cultivated more than 2,700 hectares, producing 4,000 tonnes of biomass in a single year
From Traditional Hash to Medical-Grade Cannabis
The Rif region has long been the heart of cannabis cultivation in Morocco. But where previous activity operated in legal gray zones, the new framework is structured, regulated, and export-oriented. In 2023, Morocco recorded its first legal harvest of 294 metric tonnes under the new law.
In 2024, a milestone was reached when Morocco exported its first shipment of medical-grade cannabis resin to Switzerland. This event marked not only international recognition of Moroccan cannabis quality but also a shift in the economic potential of the crop.
Economic Impact and Market Potential
The Moroccan medical cannabis market was valued at $110 million in 2024. Experts project a compound annual growth rate of over 40%, with estimates reaching $885 million by 2030. If Morocco captures just 10% of the European market, annual revenues could exceed €400 million.
For farmers in northern Morocco—many of whom have relied on illicit cultivation for decades—this legal shift provides new opportunities for income stability, safety, and growth.
Environmental and Social Commitment
Beyond profits, the new cannabis industry is also an opportunity to promote ecological and social regeneration. ANRAC encourages the use of the indigenous Beldia strain, known for its low water needs and resilience to harsh climates—a sustainable choice for the Rif region.
Socially, the reform is significant. In 2024, nearly 5,000 farmers with cannabis-related convictions were officially pardoned. Cooperatives and eco-villages are being supported, providing education, training, and alternative development paths.
Challenges Ahead
While progress is real, challenges remain:
Ensuring strict compliance with international standards
Maintaining transparency in licensing
Preventing illegal production from undermining the legal market
Building robust supply chains for export readiness
Still, with a strong regulatory foundation and growing international interest, Morocco has a clear path to becoming a global leader in legal cannabis.
Conclusion
Morocco’s entry into the legal cannabis market is more than a policy shift—it is an economic, environmental, and social evolution. For companies like TOPSOIL, rooted in regenerative agriculture and innovation, this new industry offers fertile ground to grow sustainable impact.
As the sector matures, Morocco has the potential not only to compete globally, but to do so in a way that respects its land, uplifts its people, and sets a new international standard for ethical cannabis production.
Stay informed. Visit our blog regularly for updates on cannabis policy, regenerative agriculture, and our work at the TopSoil Eco-Village.
