High Stakes: Cannabis Cultivation and Decriminalization in Morocco

• In Event: Minimizing the Role of Law Enforcement in Addressing Drug Use and Mental Health Crises

Abstract

Cannabis cultivation has long been a significant yet controversial aspect of Morocco's agricultural sector, particularly in the North. The following paper explores the evolution of cannabis cultivation policy in Morocco, analyzing the religio-political and criminal factors that shaped the legal framework and the local informal practices surrounding the crop. The paper will commence by examining the historical production of cannabis, tracing its roots from cultural usage to its status as a significant export. The impact of pressure from international institutions gradually shifted government policy from the black market to regulation and, finally, decriminalization. The study will critically review policy changes, including the 2021 legalization of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, the 2024 monarchical pardons of close to 5,000 convicted cannabis growers, and the implications of these shifts for Moroccan farmers, the national economy, and the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking. In the analysis, the chapter considers the challenges of these shifts in the context of corruption, poverty, and local resistance to government intervention. Ultimately, the paper argues that while these evolving cannabis policies reflect broader global trends toward decriminalization and legalization, Morocco's success will depend on balancing economic interests, sustainable development, and social justice.

Author

• Nabil Ouassini, Prairie View A&M University