Bamako – In a decision reflecting Morocco’s evolving stance on cannabis regulation, King Mohammed VI has granted royal pardons to 4,831 individuals involved in cannabis-related cases, many of whom are from the Rif region.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Justice, coincides with the anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution, highlighting a broader commitment to legal and economic reform.
The royal pardon primarily targets individuals “convicted, prosecuted, or wanted in connection with cannabis cultivation,” noted the Ministry’s statement. It added that these pardons are conditional, with beneficiaries required to meet specific criteria.
This initiative is closely tied to Morocco’s broader strategy, following the creation of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities. The agency oversees the legal cultivation, industrialization, and export of cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes.
“The King’s pardon is a crucial step towards integrating traditional cannabis farmers, especially in the Rif region, into the formal economy,” the Ministry emphasized.
The Rif, a region long associated with cannabis cultivation, now plays a central role in the country’s efforts to regulate the industry and promote sustainable agriculture.
The National Agency is also tasked with developing alternative crops and fostering new economic opportunities in these historically dependent regions.
In addition to the cannabis-related pardons, King Mohammed VI extended clemency to 685 individuals sentenced by various courts across the Kingdom.
This group includes 548 detainees, some of whom received full pardons, while others had their sentences reduced. The remaining 137 individuals, who are not in detention, were pardoned from prison sentences, fines, or both.
In total, the royal pardon encompasses 5,516 individuals, reflecting a significant effort to balance legal enforcement with social and economic reintegration.
