From Shadows to Sunlight: Morocco's Cannabis Revolution

After decades in hiding, Moroccan cannabis farmers like Mohamed Makhlouf gain legal status as the country regulates cannabis cultivation. The shift aims to provide economic stability for farmers and to integrate them into the formal economy, though challenges and illegal markets persist alongside the legal industry.

Morocco, the world's leading cannabis producer, is undergoing a significant transformation as it integrates long-time underground farmers into its now-legal cultivation industry. The move has brought a sense of freedom to growers like Mohamed Makhlouf, who spent years in the shadows fearing legal repercussions.

Since legalisation began in 2022, Moroccan authorities have strictly regulated every aspect of cannabis production, from seed distribution to sales, aiming to lift impoverished farmers out of poverty. However, the transition remains fraught with challenges, including protests over unpaid farmer dues and the continued dominance of the black market.

While the legal cannabis economy sprouts in the Rif Mountains, illegal trade still thrives, with many farmers hesitant or unable to transition. For now, Morocco navigates a delicate balance between its historic illicit trade and the emerging legal landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)