Morocco’s relationship with cannabis spans centuries, with the plant deeply woven into the country’s cultural and economic fabric, particularly in the Rif Mountains region. Cannabis cultivation began in the 15th century, introduced by Arab traders who brought seeds from India via Egypt. The plant found an ideal home in the Rif Mountains’ unique microclimate, characterized by high altitude, moderate rainfall, and cool temperatures. “Our ancestors recognized that these mountains were perfect for cannabis – the soil, the weather, everything worked together,” explains Mohammed, a third-generation farmer. The region’s traditional hashish production, known as “dry sift,” involves an intricate process refined over generations. “Each family has its own methods, handed down through time. We harvest in autumn, then dry the plants on rooftops. The morning sieving through mesh screens when the air is cool and damp preserves the trichomes that give Moroccan hash its distinctive character.” The collected kif is then pressed to create the signature blocks that have established Morocco’s reputation for quality.

Prior to the 2021 legalization, cannabis cultivation existed in a complex gray zone shaped by colonial history and international politics. While officially illegal under international conventions Morocco signed in the 1950s, enforcement was sporadic and often influenced by political considerations. “In these mountains, cannabis was never just a crop – it was the backbone of our entire community’s survival,” notes Dr. Khalid Mouna, a Moroccan anthropologist studying the region. Through the 1960s and 1970s, increasing European demand transformed small-scale traditional farming into a significant industry. The “hippie trail” of the 1960s brought Western travellers seeking hashish, leading to expanded production and sophisticated smuggling networks. The government’s tacit tolerance was largely motivated by the need to preserve social stability, as the trade supported nearly a million Moroccans. Traditional cultivation methods were passed down through families, with specific villages specializing in different aspects of production and trade. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime consistently ranked Morocco among the world’s leading cannabis producers, estimating the country produced up to 70% of Europe’s hashish. Failed eradication attempts in the 1990s, which led to social unrest and economic hardship, ultimately influenced the government’s decision to pursue legalization.

The path to legalization accelerated in the 2010s as global attitudes shifted and policymakers recognized the ineffectiveness of criminalization. Law 13-21 established a comprehensive framework for legal cultivation, production, and export for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. The impact on traditional farming communities has been mixed. “The legal framework has finally given us dignity,” states Abdelkrim Boulalam, a farmer from Ketama who became one of the first licensed producers. “For generations, we lived in fear despite this being our only means of survival. Now we can hold our heads high and plan for our children’s future.” However, others face challenges adapting to the new system. “The licensing process is complicated, and many traditional farmers are struggling with the requirements,” reveals Hassan, a third-generation farmer. “The costs of meeting the new standards are high, and some worry that only bigger companies will survive.”

Mohamed El Morabiti, head of a newly formed farming cooperative in Al Hoceima province, offers a balanced perspective: “The transition isn’t easy. We’re learning new standards, dealing with paperwork we never had to before. But for the first time, we can access bank loans and insurance. We’re business owners now, not outlaws.” Morocco’s external trade office projects the legal industry could generate annual revenues of $12 billion by 2028, positioning the country as a leading global supplier of legal cannabis products. While challenges remain ensuring fair prices for farmers, the country’s approach demonstrates how traditional cannabis-producing regions can adapt to changing global regulations while preserving their cultural heritage. Morocco’s bold experiment in transforming an illegal industry into a regulated, productive sector may well become a model for balanced drug policy reform worldwide.