Morocco has solid prospects to become a major player in the production of medical cannabis-based medicines, moving beyond regulatory debates toward concrete industrial output, research and exports, according to a study published on the ScienceDirect platform.
The study argues that recent developments have fundamentally reshaped the cannabis landscape in Morocco, noting that the country now combines a clear legal framework, expanding scientific expertise and an established pharmaceutical industry. Together, these factors provide the foundations needed to develop medicines derived from medical cannabis.
A key milestone cited by the researchers came in 2025, when the first Moroccan-produced medicine based on medical cannabis entered the market. The drug, a generic medicine containing cannabidiol (CBD), is used to treat forms of epilepsy that are resistant to standard therapies, particularly in children. For the authors, this marked a decisive shift from legal texts to tangible pharmaceutical production.
This transition was enabled by Law 13-21, which authorizes the use of cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial purposes. Since the law’s adoption, Morocco has focused on building an integrated national value chain, starting with licensed cultivation and extending through processing, research and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The study also highlights the partnership between Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities as a strategic step linking academic research with industrial needs. This collaboration is seen as essential for translating scientific findings into approved and market-ready medicines.
Researchers emphasized the broad medical potential of cannabinoids, which are already being studied for applications in pain management, neurological and mental health disorders, cancer care and ophthalmology. They also pointed to the diversity of products that could be developed, including oral solutions, soft capsules, sprays, transdermal patches and inhalers.
Morocco’s experience in producing generic medicines is identified as a further competitive advantage. With numerous local manufacturing units already operating, the study suggests that medical cannabis-based products could be integrated into existing production lines, helping reduce imports while supporting the development of high-quality finished drugs.
From an economic perspective, the study estimates that Morocco aims to capture between 10 and 15% of the European medical cannabis market by 2028. This share could translate into annual revenues ranging from $420 million to $620 million, alongside job creation and increased innovation in both agriculture and the pharmaceutical sector.
In 2023, Morocco recorded its first legal cannabis harvest, totaling 294 tonnes, following the issuance of official licenses for medical and industrial use. The researchers describe this as a clear break with decades of informal production practices.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the study cautions that long-term success will depend on sustained scientific research, strict regulatory oversight and full compliance with international quality and safety standards.
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