Rabat – Morocco’s Cannabis Regulation Agency (ANRAC) has revealed that it had granted 609 authorizations out of 1,063 processed applications, for the legal production of cannabis as of the end of November.
The granted authorizations encompass various aspects of the cannabis industry, with 430 allocated to farmers for cultivation and production.
Another 179 were granted for activities ranging from industrial and medical purposes to commercialization, exportation, importation of seeds, and transportation.
The 179 authorizations were distributed among 82 operators, including 7 pharmaceutical establishments, 13 cooperatives, 45 companies, and 17 individuals.
ANRAC emphasized its commitment to ensuring compliance with regulations, citing thorough monitoring of activities with record-keeping, declared acreages, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) levels, and quantities delivered by production cooperatives.
In 2023, ANRAC certified approximately 2.1 million cannabis seeds for 32 production cooperatives comprising 416 farmers. The total recorded cannabis production in the regulated provinces reached 294 tonnes, with an average yield ranging from 10 to 27 quintals per hectare.
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During a board meeting this month, the agency presented its achievements in 2022, progress in technical and financial aspects for 2023, and outlined the action plan for the 2024 campaign.
Notably, Moroccan Cannabidiol-based products are now permitted for national and international marketing in dietary supplements and cosmetics, following approvals in November 2023 by the ministries of health and agriculture.
The agency highlighted the growing interest from farmers and investors in legal cannabis activities, stressing that farmers are eager to transition to lawful cannabis production.
Looking ahead to 2024, ANRAC aims to focus on promoting local cannabis varieties and encouraging investment in the Moroccan cannabis sector to align with global market demands.
The agency noted that Moroccan laboratories are now authorized to conduct THC and CBD level analyses, providing farmers and operators with the necessary certificates for cannabis and its products’ commercialization.
Morocco adopted Bill 13-21 in 2021, allowing the use of cannabis for medical and therapeutic purposes.
