Is Cannabis legal In Morocco in 2025?
Yes, cannabis is partially legal in Morocco. The country has legalized cannabis cultivation for medical, industrial, and cosmetic purposes under regulated conditions since 2021. However, recreational cannabis use remains illegal, with strict penalties for possession, trafficking, and unauthorized cultivation.
Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Morocco
Recreational Cannabis
- Illegal:
- Recreational use of cannabis is prohibited in Morocco.
- Possession Penalties:
- Possessing cannabis for recreational use is a criminal offense punishable by fines and prison sentences of up to 2 years.
- Trafficking and Sale:
- Trafficking or distributing cannabis is treated as a serious crime, with longer prison sentences and heavier fines depending on the quantity and circumstances.
- Public Consumption:
- Consuming cannabis in public spaces can result in immediate arrest and legal consequences.
Medical and Industrial Cannabis
- Legal and Regulated:
- In 2021, Morocco passed legislation to allow the cultivation, production, and export of cannabis for medical, industrial, and cosmetic purposes.
- Regulations:
- The law establishes a framework for licensed cultivation and processing.
- Only specific regions, including the northern Rif Mountains (a traditional cannabis-growing area), are authorized for legal cultivation.
- Farmers must obtain licenses, and cannabis cultivation is monitored by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities.
- Products Allowed:
- Cannabis can be used to produce medicines, therapeutic products, industrial goods, and cosmetics.
- Recreational cannabis remains excluded from this legal framework.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Possession and Use:
- Even small amounts of cannabis for personal use can result in arrest and imprisonment.
- Unauthorized Cultivation:
- Growing cannabis without a license is illegal and subject to significant penalties, including imprisonment.
- Trafficking:
- Trafficking or smuggling cannabis remains a major offense, punishable by lengthy prison terms and heavy fines.
Social and Cultural Attitudes
1. Traditional Cannabis Use
- Morocco has a long history of cannabis cultivation, particularly in the Rif Mountains, where cannabis (locally known as “kif”) has been grown for centuries.
- Despite its illegal status, recreational cannabis use is widespread in rural areas, and Morocco is one of the world’s largest producers of hashish.
2. Government Stance
- The Moroccan government has historically tolerated small-scale cannabis farming in certain regions, but the 2021 legalization marks a shift toward regulated production to benefit the economy and farmers.
- The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy for recreational use outside the legal framework.
Challenges to Cannabis Reform
1. Illegal Trafficking
- Morocco remains a significant source of illegal cannabis trafficking, particularly to Europe, which complicates law enforcement efforts.
2. Farmer Inclusion
- While legalization aims to benefit traditional cannabis farmers, many still operate in the illegal market due to licensing barriers and lack of infrastructure.
3. Social Stigma
- Cannabis use is stigmatized in Moroccan society, especially in urban areas, where public opinion tends to oppose legalization for recreational purposes.
Future Outlook
- Medical Cannabis Expansion:
- Morocco aims to become a major exporter of medical cannabis, leveraging its agricultural expertise and favorable climate.
- Recreational Legalization:
- Full legalization of recreational cannabis is unlikely in the near future due to societal and governmental resistance.
- Industrial Hemp Growth:
- Industrial cannabis products, such as textiles and cosmetics, are expected to drive growth in the legal cannabis sector.
Key Takeaways
- Recreational Cannabis: Illegal, with penalties for possession, use, trafficking, and unauthorized cultivation.
- Medical Cannabis: Legal for licensed cultivation, production, and export.
- Industrial Hemp: Legal under a regulated framework for industrial and cosmetic purposes.
- Enforcement: Strict penalties remain for recreational use and illegal trafficking.
Morocco’s cannabis reform reflects a significant step toward economic development and regulation of its historic cannabis industry. While recreational use remains strictly prohibited, the country’s focus on medical and industrial cannabis positions it as a leader in the global cannabis market.
