Morocco's National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) has issued the first 10 permits for the cultivation, processing, and export of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, according to an official statement on April 28, 2026.
The permits were granted under a 2021 law that legalized cannabis use for medical, cosmetic, and industrial applications, while maintaining a ban on recreational use. The law aims to regulate a long-standing informal economy and boost legal exports.
ANRAC specified that the permits cover the entire value chain, from cultivation to export, and are part of a pilot phase to ensure compliance with international standards. The agency did not disclose the names of the permit holders.
Morocco is one of the world's largest producers of cannabis, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating that the country produced over 700 tons of cannabis resin annually before legalization. The new permits are expected to help transition the sector into the legal economy.
The move aligns with Morocco's broader strategy to develop a regulated cannabis industry, potentially creating thousands of jobs and generating significant tax revenue, while also addressing concerns about illicit trafficking.
