Rabat – Morocco is set to launch the sale of legal cannabis-based dietary supplements and cosmetic products in pharmacies beginning today, June 1, 2024.
The initiative follows the government’s recent authorization of cannabis cultivation and processing.
The first products to reach the shelves will include nine dietary supplements and ten cosmetic items, all registered with the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy (DMP).
The Confederation of Moroccan Pharmacists’ Unions (CSPM) confirmed that these products will initially be available exclusively in pharmacies across the country.
This news comes following a series of regulatory advancements, notably law 13-21, which allows processors and manufacturers to sell cannabis-based products directly to consumers, provided they meet stringent legal requirements and obtain authorization from the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC).
The announcement was made after a meeting at ANRAC’s headquarters, attended by representatives from the DMP and several pharmacists.
Mohammed El Guerrouj, governor and general director of ANRAC, chaired the meeting, focusing on the commercialization of both medicinal and non-medicinal cannabis-based products.
Key points discussed included the THC – the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis – content regulations for these products.
According to ANRAC, products with a THC content greater than 1% will be designated solely for the pharmaceutical industry, requiring further transformation into medications.
However, products with less than 1% THC can be developed into various forms, including cosmetics and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements must contain CBD with less than 0.3% THC, while cosmetic products must be made from CBD with 0% THC.
The Adbib Agricultural Cooperative in Ketama, near Al Hoceima, has been at the forefront of this movement, having received authorization to cultivate “Beldia,” a pure Moroccan variety of cannabis.
Pharmacists and industry stakeholders have expressed optimism about the new opportunities this presents. “This marks a pivotal moment for Morocco,” said a CSPM representative. “Our pharmacies will soon offer a range of innovative products that not only meet legal standards but also provide new health and wellness options for our customers.”
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