Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Morocco: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Morocco operates a dual regulatory regime. Recreational cannabis (including hashish) remains fully illegal. At the same time, a comprehensive licensing system under Law No. 13-21 permits the cultivation, processing, commercialization and export of cannabis strictly for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. This guide summarises the current legal position as of 2026, including the role of the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities relating to Cannabis (ANRAC), THC limits, CBD status and practical advice.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical / pharmaceutical cannabis: Legal under ANRAC licence
- Industrial cannabis / hemp: Legal under ANRAC licence (THC ≤ 1% for non-medical uses)
- CBD products: Available within the regulated supply chain; not freely available as unlicensed consumer products
- Personal possession outside the licensed system: Criminal offence
The cornerstone legislation is Law No. 13-21 relative to the licit uses of cannabis (adopted 2021). It created the Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Activités relatives au Cannabis (ANRAC), which issues authorisations, monitors compliance and implements the State strategy for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial cannabis. Recreational use and unlicensed activity remain prohibited under existing narcotics legislation.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation, sale and trafficking of cannabis for recreational purposes remain illegal. Morocco has long been a major producer of hashish, particularly in the Rif region, and informal cultivation continues. Law 13-21 did not decriminalise personal recreational use. Enforcement against unlicensed activity continues alongside the development of the regulated sector.
Medical, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Cannabis (Licensed Regime)
Since the entry into force of Law 13-21, Morocco has built a regulated value chain. ANRAC authorises nine categories of activity, including:
- Cultivation and production
- Creation and operation of nurseries
- Import and export of seeds and plants
- Processing and manufacturing
- Transport
- Commercialisation
- Export of cannabis and its products
- Import of cannabis products
Geographic restriction: Cultivation is authorised only in the three designated northern provinces of Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen and Taounate.
2025 production snapshot (official ANRAC figures): approximately 19,576 quintals of dry cannabis produced on 3,141 hectares by around 4,776 licensed growers; total active licences reached about 5,765 (the large majority for cultivation); processing capacity expanded with operational factories and more under construction; regulated products available at more than 600 authorised points of sale; over 140 cannabis-based products registered (including food supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations); exports recorded to several countries including France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal, Australia and South Africa.
Licences are subject to strict conditions, sales contracts, traceability rules, authorised surface areas and regular inspections. Non-compliance can lead to licence withdrawal and other sanctions.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
- Industrial uses (non-medical): THC content is limited to a maximum of 1%. Cultivation or processing of varieties exceeding this threshold is reserved exclusively for the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
- Medical / pharmaceutical uses: Higher-THC varieties may be authorised under specific ANRAC licences for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.
- CBD: CBD-containing products are produced and marketed within the regulated chain. More than 100 CBD-based products have been reported on the market. There is no free, unlicensed consumer retail market for CBD outside the authorised supply chain. Personal importation of unlicensed CBD products carries risk.
Morocco deliberately avoided adopting a low overall THC threshold for the entire sector, allowing higher-THC material for medical uses while capping industrial applications at 1%.
Penalties for Violations
Unlicensed possession, cultivation, sale or trafficking of cannabis remains a criminal offence under Morocco’s narcotics laws. Penalties can include imprisonment and fines. The regulated sector is subject to administrative sanctions (including licence withdrawal) for breaches of Law 13-21 and ANRAC rules. Travellers and residents should treat any activity outside the licensed system as illegal.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing recreational cannabis, hashish or unlicensed CBD products into Morocco carries a real risk of seizure, arrest and prosecution. Foreign medical prescriptions are not a substitute for the domestic regulated pathway. Participation in the legal industry requires an ANRAC authorisation and compliance with all applicable conditions. Products purchased at authorised points of sale within Morocco form part of the regulated chain; unlicensed street or informal sources do not.
Comparison with Neighbouring / Regional Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical / Industrial | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Illegal | Licensed (Law 13-21 / ANRAC) | Industrial ≤ 1% THC; CBD within regulated chain |
| Algeria | Illegal | Illegal | Strict prohibition |
| Tunisia | Illegal | Limited / restricted | Mostly prohibitionist |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (≤ 0.3% THC) | Licensed low-THC medical & industrial pathway |
| South Africa | Private adult use limited | Limited framework | CBD under dosage rules |
| Lesotho / Malawi / Zimbabwe | Illegal | Licensed medical/industrial | Export-oriented licensed regimes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Morocco in 2026?
Recreational cannabis and hashish remain illegal. Medical, pharmaceutical and industrial cannabis are legal only under ANRAC licences issued pursuant to Law 13-21.
Is CBD legal in Morocco?
CBD products exist within the regulated supply chain and have been registered for sale at authorised points. Unlicensed CBD products and personal imports outside the authorised system are not permitted.
Can I grow cannabis or hemp in Morocco?
Only with a valid ANRAC cultivation authorisation and only in the designated provinces (Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Taounate). Unlicensed cultivation remains illegal.
What is the THC limit?
For industrial (non-medical) activities the THC limit is 1%. Higher-THC varieties are reserved for medical and pharmaceutical uses under specific authorisation.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
Foreign prescriptions do not automatically authorise personal importation or use. Access should be sought through the domestic regulated pathway where available.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Morocco has one of the most developed regulated cannabis frameworks in Africa. Law 13-21 and ANRAC have enabled licensed cultivation, processing, domestic distribution of medical/industrial products and initial exports, while recreational use remains fully prohibited. Production volumes, the number of licences, processing capacity and the range of registered products continued to expand in 2025. Challenges remain around full integration of traditional growers, consistent compliance, medical uptake by physicians and further export market access.
Anyone considering travel, investment, cultivation or personal use should treat recreational cannabis as illegal and pursue only the official ANRAC licensing pathway for authorised medical or industrial activities. Always verify the latest requirements directly with ANRAC and relevant ministries, as implementing texts and operational rules continue to evolve.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official sources (ANRAC, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Health) and qualified Moroccan counsel before taking any action related to controlled substances in Morocco.