Morocco has taken a significant step toward commercializing its legal cannabis sector by officially approving 67 cannabis-based products for the market. This move marks a critical phase in the country’s ambitious strategy to transform its long-standing informal cannabis economy into a regulated, modern industry focused on medical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.
By The Numbers
- Products Approved: 67
- Cosmetic Products: 26
- Dietary Supplements: 41
- Hectares Planted (2025): 4,400 (a 3x increase year-on-year)
- Compliance Inspections: 2,200+
A New Consumer Market Takes Shape
The newly licensed items, which include 26 cosmetic products and 41 dietary supplements, have been officially registered with the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products. This approval paves the way for the first wave of legal, locally-produced cannabis products to reach consumers, signaling the transition from cultivation to a fully-fledged commercial market. The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities is actively supervising the sector, having already conducted over 2,200 inspections to ensure all operations meet national quality and legal standards.
From Illicit Trade to Economic Opportunity
The legalization framework, established by Law 13-21 in 2021, is designed to achieve several key economic goals. By bringing the industry into the formal economy, the government aims to improve the incomes of thousands of farmers in traditional cannabis-growing regions like the Rif mountains. Furthermore, the regulated system is intended to attract significant private investment in processing and manufacturing, create jobs, and generate new tax revenue.
Cultivation Scales Up Under Legal Framework
On the agricultural front, the legal market is already showing signs of rapid growth. This season, Moroccan farmers planted 4,400 hectares of the traditional “beldiya” cannabis variety in designated zones within provinces like Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate. This represents a more than threefold increase in cultivated area compared to the previous year, highlighting strong farmer buy-in and the scaling potential of the sector. Recreational use of cannabis remains strictly prohibited under the new law.
Looking Ahead
The approval of consumer-facing products is a pivotal moment for Morocco’s nascent legal cannabis industry. This move from agricultural production to commercial sales is expected to attract a new wave of entrepreneurs and investors focused on building brands, developing value-added products, and establishing distribution networks. As one of the world’s historically largest cannabis producers, Morocco is uniquely positioned to become a major player in the global legal market for medical and wellness products.
Source: Morocco World News
