Morocco sets rules for regulated medical cannabis cultivation
The Moroccan government took earlier this month a decisive step in implementing Law 13-21 on lawful cannabis uses by publishing Decree 2.24.130 in the Official Gazette. This comprehensive text precisely defines conditions and obligations for agricultural cooperatives authorized to cultivate cannabis within strictly medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial frameworks, marking a significant milestone in sector regulation and control.
This decree represents a crucial implementation phase of the 2021 law by specifying criteria that cultivation entities must respect to obtain and maintain authorization. While recreational cannabis cultivation remains prohibited, medical-use cultivation is now governed by technical, agronomic, land-use, and environmental prescriptions covering agricultural practices, soil management, and environmental preservation. This responsible cultivation framework exclusively addresses legally constituted cooperatives composed of cultivators residing in government-authorized zones.
Currently regulated provinces are limited to Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate areas in the Rif region, historically known for cannabis production. These regions receive particular attention due to their cultural specificity and sector regularization challenges. Selecting these zones reflects the government’s commitment to supporting transition toward lawful production models while supporting local communities within rural development contexts.
Decree 2.24.130 establishes strict traceability, security, and quality control obligations throughout cultivation and harvest delivery processes to approved establishments. Cooperatives must ensure cultivation traceability and comply with security requirements preventing diversion or illegal sales. Severe sanctions ranging from suspension to authorization cancellation by the National Agency for Cannabis Activity Regulation (ANRAC) are prescribed for non-compliance.
This regulatory text’s adoption continues the progressive implementation of Law 13-21, establishing legal foundations for strict non-recreational cannabis cultivation regulation. The May 15, 2025 decree completes regulatory architecture by providing agricultural cooperatives with binding references applicable to public administration and third parties, reinforcing sector transparency and predictability.
Morocco confirms its commitment to integrating cannabis cultivation within structured, controlled approaches while opening economic development perspectives in rural areas. However, managing transition between informal economy and regulated sector, plus supporting producers in this new dynamic, remains crucial for initiative success. Decree 2.24.130 provides solid legal framework and adapted control mechanisms, marking significant advancement in Morocco’s cannabis cultivation regulation process.