Farmers in Morocco’s regulated cannabis growing areas are planting the traditional local strain known as beldia while waiting to see whether authorities will extend the legal planting deadline after heavy rains left many fields too wet to cultivate.
Under current rules set by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Related Activities, planting of the local variety runs from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 and may be extended to March 31 if weather conditions require it.
Farmers in Al Hoceima and Chefchaouen told local media that recent rain and snow delayed field preparation, with some land still too muddy to plough. Farid Ahitour, head of a cooperative in the Sanhaja area of Al Hoceima, said growers had been given indications that planting could be extended to April 10 or April 15.
Farmers said the additional time would help them recover delays caused by exceptional weather, while also noting renewed interest in the regulated sector despite weaker yields from the traditional strain compared with hybrid varieties.
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