Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned almost 5,000 people involved in illegal cannabis cultivation, according to a statement from the justice ministry. The decision comes as part of efforts to shift farmers towards legal cannabis production.

Morocco, one of the world’s top cannabis producers, legalized the cultivation, export, and use of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes in 2021. However, the recreational use of the drug remains prohibited. The royal pardon is aimed at encouraging farmers to participate in the legal cannabis industry, which offers opportunities to improve their income and living conditions, according to Mohammed El Guerrouj, head of the Moroccan cannabis regulator ANRAC.

The country’s first legal cannabis harvest in 2023 totaled 294 metric tons, with 225 kilograms of legal exports recorded so far, according to official reports. As more farming permits are issued and local strains like Beldia are cultivated, legal production is expected to grow.

Cannabis farming is a major economic activity for nearly a million people in northern Morocco, where it has been grown and consumed, often mixed with tobacco, for generations. The 2021 legalization law was introduced to help boost farmers’ incomes while protecting them from drug traffickers who control much of the illegal trade.

Morocco is also looking to capitalize on the booming global legal cannabis market, issuing 54 export permits last year as part of its strategy to establish a stronger presence in the industry.

The legalization of cannabis in Morocco marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to its longstanding cannabis industry. For generations, cannabis cultivation has been a lifeline for many farmers in northern Morocco, where it is deeply ingrained in the local culture. However, much of this production has historically been controlled by illegal networks, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitation by drug traffickers.

By legalizing cannabis for medicinal and industrial use, the Moroccan government aims to formalize the industry and provide farmers with a legal pathway to earn a stable income. This move is part of a broader effort to integrate Morocco into the growing global cannabis market, which is projected to be worth billions of dollars in the coming years. By positioning itself as a legal supplier, Morocco hopes to attract foreign investment and boost its exports.

The expansion of legal cannabis cultivation has already begun to show positive results. With more permits being issued and new regulations allowing the cultivation of local strains like Beldia, Morocco is poised to increase both its domestic production and international exports. This shift is expected to improve the livelihoods of farmers who have long depended on cannabis as their primary source of income.

The government’s strategy also includes a focus on protecting farmers from the dangers of the illegal trade, offering them legal alternatives that ensure better working conditions and financial security. By cutting out the influence of traffickers, the legalization initiative aims to create a safer and more transparent cannabis industry.

Morocco’s efforts to tap into the global legal cannabis market come at a time when demand for medicinal and industrial cannabis is on the rise worldwide. With its favorable climate for cultivation and a well-established tradition of cannabis farming, the country is well-positioned to become a major player in the legal cannabis industry. As the market continues to grow, Morocco’s cannabis sector is likely to expand, providing new economic opportunities for the country and its people