The implementation of Morocco’s cannabis legalization framework has taken a significant step forward with the official approval of the “Rimald” initiative. As reported by Hespress, this move represents one of the most concrete efforts to operationalize Law 13-21, which governs the legal uses of cannabis for medical, industrial, and pharmaceutical purposes.
Regulated Zones and Licensing
Under the new regulatory structure, cultivation is restricted to designated geographic zones—an approach aimed at preventing environmental damage and ensuring effective oversight. Farmers and cooperatives operating in these zones must obtain a license issued by ANRAC (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Activités liées au Cannabis), the regulatory authority in charge of supervising the sector.
The licensing system is built to encourage transparency, ensure traceability from seed to sale, and reduce the risks associated with informal or unregulated activities.
ANRAC’s Expanding Role
With the advancement of projects like Rimald, ANRAC’s responsibilities are becoming more defined and comprehensive. These include evaluating license applications, verifying environmental compliance, and coordinating with local and national institutions. The agency is also responsible for setting out technical standards for cannabis cultivation and post-harvest handling, including Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP).
Addressing Legal and Practical Challenges
The rollout of the legal cannabis framework has not been without challenges. Many stakeholders—including farmers, cooperatives, and private investors—have expressed uncertainty about the practical application of the law. The introduction of the Rimald project offers a clearer pathway, but legal guidance and institutional support remain crucial to ensure proper alignment with Moroccan and international regulations.
This is especially important given the multi-layered nature of compliance, which includes national laws, regulatory decrees, environmental protections, and international agreements ratified by Morocco.
National and International Impact
The legalization of cannabis in Morocco is not only a domestic matter—it has implications for trade, public health, and rural development. The success of the Rimald project will be closely watched as a benchmark for future investment and regional expansion. It also signals Morocco’s commitment to building a cannabis industry that is ethical, competitive, and legally sound.
By creating projects like Rimald, the state is gradually building the institutional and legal infrastructure needed to transition cannabis cultivation from an informal sector into a regulated industry capable of contributing to sustainable development.
