Moroccan legislature Moves To Legalise Cannabis

The Moroccan parliament has passed a new law legalising the production of cannabis for medicinal and industrial uses.

The government aims to tap into a growing global market, boost agriculture and create jobs in underdeveloped rural areas.

Morocco is one of the world’s biggest producers of cannabis for illicit and recreational uses which will remain illegal under the new legislation

In order to take advantage of a growing legal market and to improve farmers’ incomes, the Moroccan government seeks to legalise cannabis while regulating its production for medical and industrial use.

The draft law still needs to be discussed and validated by the parliament. However, it is already the subject of much debate, and for good reason.

Slimane El Omrani, deputy secretary-general of the ruling party PJD said “This was seen as a decision on which it is preferable that PJD officials and members do not communicate. Within the party, this bill creates a dispute, there are the ‘for’ and the ‘against.’ Some believe that the bill is in the country’s best interest, others deplore the fact that it is being presented in an electoral context [legislative elections are scheduled for September]. In any case, we advocate dialogue, a wider, even national, debate, and insist that the government carry out an impact study to serve as a basis for the work of parliamentarians.”