Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned over 4,800 individuals who were convicted or wanted for illegal cannabis cultivation, the Ministry of Justice announced on Monday. The move comes as part of the country’s ongoing transition towards regulated cannabis production.
The royal pardon was granted to 4,831 people involved in cannabis-related cases, just ahead of a national holiday on Tuesday, according to the ministry’s statement.
Morocco is recognised as the world’s leading producer of cannabis, according to the United Nations. In 2021, the country enacted a law permitting the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, focusing on rural provinces in the northeastern Rif region, where cannabis has been grown for centuries. The law aims to combat illegal trafficking while positioning Morocco as a key player in the global legal cannabis market.
This pardon is intended to help those previously involved in illegal cultivation to transition into the legal framework, aligning with Morocco’s broader strategy. The country has established a dedicated agency, ANRAC, to oversee the regulated cultivation and export of cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses. ANRAC has already issued over 200 permits for processing cannabis, importing seeds, and exporting cannabis-based products.
In 2019, the Rif region’s cannabis production was estimated to support between 80,000 and 120,000 families.