Moroccan flag

Opportunities in the Moroccan Cannabis Market

Although cannabis is illegal in the country, the Moroccan cannabis market is actually quite large. Cannabis is most commonly consumed in the form of hashish, a cannabis resin, which is often smoked through pipes or hookahs. Cannabis usage may officially be illegal, but behind closed doors its use is often tolerated.

Moroccan Cannabis Laws

The Moroccan cannabis market has a long history in the country. Morocco has long been known throughout Europe for its inexpensive and plentiful hashish and cannabis cultivation has been secretly taking place in Morocco’s Northern Rif Mountains since the 1950s. 

Many Moroccans enjoy hashish and cannabis recreationally and the country has also become known as a tourist destination for cannabis enthusiasts. Despite cannabis’ popularity, those caught possessing and consuming cannabiscould face large fines, be sent to a drug treatment facility, have their assets confiscated, or receive up to 30 years in prison. Even someone who is not consuming cannabis that is caught in the company of another who is consuming cannabis could receive the same punishment.

In an effort to slow the growth of the Moroccan cannabis industry, authorities in Morocco have conducted large-scale seizures of tons of cannabis flower and hashish. The Moroccan government has even tried to incentivize the production of other agricultural crops in the country, but the Moroccan cannabis industry continues to expand.

Moroccan Cannabis Market

Cannabis entrepreneurs have managed to grow a large Moroccan cannabis market in response to Europe’s high demand for hashish. An annual report from the United Nations in 2018 determined that approximately 70% of Europe’s hashish originated from Morocco, making Morocco into the world’s largest hashish producer and exporter. 

According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “Morocco remains the world’s largest producer of cannabis, producing over three times more than the next highest contender, the European country Moldova.” Production of cannabis flower and hashish has been increasing yearly and the illegal Moroccan cannabis market is currently estimated to be worth about $8.84 billion, potentially the most valuable cannabis market in Europe.

Future of the Moroccan Cannabis Market

While legalization is largely a taboo subject, the movement has been gaining support in recent years. Many believe that cannabis should be legalized since cannabis has always been a part of Morocco’s history and culture. Others believe that the taxes raised from a legal cannabis industry would create an economic boom in the country. It will likely be some time before the country approves the legalization of recreational cannabis, but many are hopeful that Morocco will decriminalize cannabis in the near future.

On March 11, Morocco’s House of Representatives approved Bill 13.21 which permits the use of medicinal cannabis. Officials hope that this will create new job opportunities for the people of Morocco and improve the finances of many who work within Morocco’s agricultural sector. The legalization of medicinal cannabis in Morocco is the start of creating the framework for a regulated industry in one of the largest cannabis markets in the world.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of application writers and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have assisted on cannabis business applications in multiple countries. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with global cannabis industry updates!