Growing cannabis for medical and industrial purposes is now allowed in Morocco, but only in three northern states and under strict control by authorities.
During a weekly cabinet meeting Thursday, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit presented and adopted a draft decree amending parts of the country’s cannabis law.
The law was adopted last August and established a regulatory body. It allows farming, export and sale of cannabis for industrial and medical purposes, but prohibits adult use.
Read more: Morocco approves cannabis bill, establishes regulatory body
Read more: Morocco moves to legalize cannabis for medical and industrial use
The new decree assigns the National Agency for the Legalization of Cannabis-related Activities the task of supporting applicants and facilitating administrative procedures in close coordination with all stakeholders, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas explains in statement.
But the legislation has strict geographic requirements. The regions that will be allowed to grow and use cannabis include Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen and Taounate with the possibility of adding other provinces depending on the demand from national and international investors.
The decree establishes requirements for licences and asks for monthly reports on the inflow, outflow and stock of seeds, plants and products. It also requires an annual inventory report for each nursery.
The measure also authorizes government officials in agriculture, health and trade sectors to make decisions regarding licensees’ processes for cultivation, production, processing, manufacturing, transportation and export.
Morocco is the world’s top producer of illicit cannabis, according to a 2019 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
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