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Morocco's Cannabis Legalization Faces Farmer Protests, Illicit Trade

12/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Morocco, the world's largest cannabis producer, legalized certain forms of cannabis cultivation in 2022, becoming the first Muslim-majority country to do so.
The policy aims to integrate veteran growers such as Mohamed Makhlouf into the formal economy.
The legal market remains small relative to illicit trade, with over 67,000 acres still dedicated to illegal cultivation.
Farmers protest unpaid promises from cooperatives.

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Story summary

Morocco, the world's largest cannabis producer, legalized certain forms of cannabis cultivation in 2022, becoming the first Muslim-majority country to do so.
The policy aims to integrate veteran growers such as Mohamed Makhlouf into the formal economy.
The legal market remains small relative to illicit trade, with over 67,000 acres still dedicated to illegal cultivation.
Farmers protest unpaid promises from cooperatives.