King Mohammed VI Pardons Thousands to Promote Legal Cannabis Cultivation in Morocco
- King of Morocco has pardoned 5,000 cannabis farmers.
- Morocco allows cannabis for medicinal use but faces issues with illegal exports to Europe.
- The decision to pardon the farmers highlights the complexities of cannabis production in the region.
In a significant move to bolster the legal cannabis industry, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted pardons to nearly 5,000 individuals convicted or wanted for offenses related to illegal cannabis cultivation. This initiative aims to encourage these individuals to transition to lawful cannabis farming, following the country's legalization of cannabis cultivation, export, and medicinal use in 2021, while still prohibiting recreational use. Mohammed El Guerrouj, the head of Morocco's cannabis regulatory body Anrac, emphasized that the king's decision is intended to motivate farmers to participate in the legal cannabis market, thereby enhancing their income and living standards. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to regulate and benefit from the cannabis industry, which has been a significant part of the local economy, particularly in the Rif mountains. The first legal cannabis harvest in 2023 yielded 294 tonnes, but legal exports were minimal, totaling only 225 kilograms. This stark contrast highlights the challenges faced by the nascent legal market, especially when compared to the estimated 100,000 tonnes of cannabis harvested annually in the region. The king's pardon is seen as a crucial step in addressing these challenges and fostering a more sustainable and profitable cannabis industry. As Morocco navigates the complexities of legal cannabis cultivation, the king's actions may pave the way for a more structured and economically beneficial approach to cannabis farming, potentially transforming the lives of thousands involved in the industry.