Rabat- The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC) has reported a staggering surge in cannabis-related licenses issued since the start of 2024. According to the latest data, the agency has approved nearly 3,000 licenses, a dramatic increase from the 609 issued in the entirety of 2023.
The majority of these licenses, totaling 2,800, have been granted to 2,600 farmers across the provinces of Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceïma for cannabis cultivation and production. This represents a significant expansion from the 430 licenses issued in these regions last year.
ANRAC has also approved 200 licenses for cannabis-related activities to 98 operators. This group includes a pharmaceutical establishment, 23 cooperatives, 24 individuals, and 50 companies.
These licenses, building on the 179 issued in 2023, cover a range of activities: 59 for industrial purposes, one for medical transformation, 49 for commercialization, 39 for export, 24 for seed importation, 18 for transportation, and one for nursery establishment.
The Ministry of Health has issued 19 registration certificates: nine for dietary supplements and ten for cosmetic and personal hygiene products. Additional products are currently under review and are expected to receive certification upon meeting the necessary standards.
At a workshop on the medicinal and pharmaceutical benefits of cannabis, held on Friday, May 17, by the Moroccan Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry and Innovation (FMIIP), President Mohamed El Bouhmadi emphasized the economic potential of this expanding sector. He stated that the sector “could generate annual revenues of 4.2 to 6.3 billion dirhams by 2028, provided Morocco achieves a 10-15% share of the European market.”
The government has targeted a cultivation area of 2,400 hectares across the northern provinces of Taounate, Chefchaouen, and Al Hoceïma for this year. To date, 1,700 hectares have been planted, with 1,500 hectares dedicated to Beldia cannabis, which is currently being harvested.
