Adverse weather conditions affecting several regions of Morocco, particularly in the north, have delayed the start of the new planting season for the traditional “Beldia” cannabis variety, which farmers had expected to begin cultivating in late January.
Heads of cannabis farming cooperatives said preparations remain underway to ensure a successful planting season, noting a significant rise in farmer participation in Morocco’s regulated cannabis framework, with membership in some cooperatives increasing by as much as 50%.
According to a previous announcement by Morocco’s National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities, planting of the traditional local variety is normally authorized between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, with the possibility of extending the period until March 31 if weather conditions require it. Cultivation after that date is prohibited. Imported cannabis seed varieties, locally referred to as “Romiya,” are expected to be planted between April 1 and June 30.
Farid Ahithour, head of the Tizi Ifri cooperative specializing in the Beldia variety, said the unusual weather conditions prompted farmers to postpone planting until weather patterns stabilize. He added that cooperatives have nonetheless begun distributing seeds licensed by the national regulatory agency.
Ahithour said the current season is expected to see a notable increase in cultivated areas as more farmers join the regulated sector, adding that unregulated cultivation has significantly declined. Membership in his cooperative in the Sanhaja region of Al Hoceima province has increased by roughly 50% this year.
He also noted that cooperatives are seeking additional commercial partners to market their products, although interest from investors has already grown due to the reputation of cannabis products from the Tizi Ifri region.
Abdelatif Adbib, president of the Adbib cooperative in Issaguen, Al Hoceima province, said areas such as Ketama and the broader Sanhaja region remain historically known for producing high-quality Beldia cannabis. However, mountainous weather conditions mean many farmers traditionally begin planting later, typically in April or May.
Adbib added that the regulatory agency recently conducted laboratory studies aimed at improving seed productivity, though farmers will continue using current seed stocks this season while improved varieties are expected to be introduced next year. He stressed the importance of preserving local seed varieties rather than relying on imported or genetically modified alternatives.
He also called for greater state support to improve cultivation techniques, irrigation systems, access to fertilizers and energy, and the establishment of drying facilities, particularly to support small-scale farmers.
Meanwhile, some cooperatives in the Ghafsai area of Taounate province continue to report delayed payments from a contracted company, creating financial strain ahead of the current season. Ezzedine Taghi, head of the Najmat Addoukan cooperative, said farmers had considered staging protests but postponed such actions following intervention by the regulatory agency, although the payment dispute remains unresolved.
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