Moroccan state agency issues first 10 permits for the use of cannabis in industry, medicine and export

MENA reports

Morocco has issued 10 permits for the production and export of cannabis for medicinal, pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.

The National Agency for the Legalisation of Activities Related to Cannabis (Anrac) has issued the permits for farmers in the three northern mountainous cities of Al Houceima, Taounat and Chefchaouen, which are known for cannabis farming, the Moroccan news agency (Map) reported, quoting a statement issued by the state agency.

The statement said the licensed farmers would be allowed to establish co-operatives to be registered with Anrac to legally cultivate and produce cannabis.

The law was approved by the House of Representatives in May 2021 with an overwhelming majority of 119 votes to 48 and no abstentions.

The law does not permit the recreational use of cannabis, allowing its use only for medicinal and industrial purposes. It is intended to improve farmers’ incomes and protect them from drug traffickers who control the cannabis trade and export it illegally to Europe.

Medicinal cannabis is used in some countries to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

“Permits will be granted to farmers gradually, based on the needs expressed by the licensed industrial operators,” the agency said.

“The National Agency for the Legalisation of Activities Related to Cannabis continues to explore the opportunities offered by the cannabis market in order to develop this sector and promote the transformation of farmers from illegal activity towards legal, sustainable and income-generating cultivation.”

Foreign investment

The state agency, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, held its first board of directors meeting in June.

After the meeting, the ministry said in a statement published by the official news agency that the agency is tasked with implementing the kingdom’s strategy in the field of cultivation, production, manufacturing, transformation, marketing, export and import of cannabis products for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.

The agency is also responsible for monitoring and supervising the various stages of this legalised cannabis activity, from seed production to the marketing of the final product, and support for research.

It is also hoped that it will help to attract foreign investments in the processing of cannabis products and transform the illegal cultivation of the plant into legal sustainable activities as well as crack down on smuggling networks.

Read more at  https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2022/10/06/morocco-issues-first-permits-to-produce-cannabis-for-medicinal-and-industrial-use/

Primary Sponsor

 


Karma Koala Podcast

Top Marijuana Blog