Morocco's Legal Beldiya Cannabis Cultivation Triples in 2025, Boosting Medical Industry

orocco’s legal Beldiya cannabis cultivation expands to over 3,500 hectares in 2025, supporting the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Morocco has seen a dramatic rise in the legal cultivation of Beldiya, a traditional cannabis variety, with cultivated areas tripling to over 3,500 hectares in 2025 across the authorized provinces of Al Hoceïma, Chefchaouen, and Taounate. This surge, driven by favorable climatic conditions and regulatory support, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to develop a sustainable cannabis industry focused on medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Expansion of Beldiya Cultivation

Since early April 2025, farmers in the designated provinces have begun planting Beldiya, a resilient local cannabis strain. According to a source from the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC), the cultivated area this year has reached 3,500 hectares, a sharp increase from 1,100 hectares in the previous season. This growth is partly attributed to delayed planting caused by heavy rains and snowfall in February and March, which created optimal soil conditions for sowing.

The ANRAC, in collaboration with the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), is providing technical support to farmers to ensure compliance with agricultural, technical, and sanitary standards. Additionally, the importation of new cannabis seeds, set to be planted in June, is being finalized, with rigorous quality controls in place to maintain industry standards.

Regulatory Framework and Economic Goals

The expansion aligns with Morocco’s national strategy to structure and regulate the cannabis sector, legalized for medical and industrial use in 2021. The initiative aims to create a sustainable economic model in the northern provinces, historically known for illicit cannabis cultivation. Beldiya production is strictly designated for the medical and pharmaceutical industries, with cooperatives required to secure contracts with licensed buyers to ensure legal usage.

To prevent misuse, producers must reduce the THC content of any surplus harvest to below 1%, as mandated by law. This regulatory oversight ensures that the industry remains focused on legitimate applications while supporting local farmers’ livelihoods.

Impact on Sustainable Development

The growth of legal cannabis cultivation is poised to transform the economic landscape of Al Hoceïma, Chefchaouen, and Taounate. By providing an alternative income source, the initiative reduces reliance on illegal markets, promotes sustainable agriculture, and creates opportunities for rural development. The ANRAC’s efforts to modernize the sector, including the introduction of high-quality seeds and technical training, are expected to further enhance productivity and global competitiveness.

Morocco’s cannabis industry has also attracted international attention, with the country positioning itself as a key player in the global medical cannabis market. Recent reports from Business of Cannabis highlight Morocco’s first legal cannabis export in 2024, underscoring the sector’s potential.

Why This Matters

The tripling of Beldiya cultivation in 2025 reflects Morocco’s commitment to harnessing its traditional cannabis heritage for economic and social good. By focusing on the medical sector, the country is carving out a niche in a growing global market while promoting sustainable development in its rural regions. However, strict regulations and international cooperation will be key to ensuring the industry’s long-term success and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Morocco’s legal Beldiya cannabis cultivation area triples to over 3,500 hectares in 2025.
• Authorized provinces include Al Hoceïma, Chefchaouen, and Taounate, with planting starting in April.
• The ANRAC and ONSSA oversee the sector, ensuring compliance for medical and pharmaceutical use.
• The initiative supports sustainable development, aiming to boost local economies and reduce illegal cultivation.

Stay informed: Follow updates on Morocco’s cannabis industry and global medical cannabis trends.

Sources: APAnews, Atalayar, Business of Cannabis.