Moroccan Lawmakers Approve Medical Cannabis Legalization with Majority Vote
Morocco's House of Representatives has passed a bill legalizing medical cannabis, aiming to regulate its use and boost economic development in cannabis-producing regions
Key Points
- 1Moroccan lawmakers approved medical cannabis legalization with a 61 to 25 vote
- 2The bill aims to regulate cannabis use and boost regional economic development
- 3Interior Minister Laftit highlighted the bill's potential for sustainable growth
- 4The law aligns with international commitments and sets a licensing framework
- 5Next steps include the publication of the law in the Official Bulletin
In a significant move, Morocco's House of Representatives has passed bill n°13.21, legalizing the use of medical cannabis. The bill was approved with a majority vote of 61 to 25, with opposition coming solely from the Justice and Development Party (PJD). This legislation marks a pivotal step in Morocco's approach to cannabis, aiming to regulate its medical use and pave the way for economic development in regions where illicit cultivation has been prevalent
The legislative process for the cannabis bill has been progressing steadily. Last week, the House of Councillors gave their approval, following the initial acceptance by the lower house on May 26, where the bill received 119 votes in favor and 48 against. The consistent opposition from the PJD highlights the ongoing debate within Morocco about the role of cannabis in society and its potential benefits versus moral concerns
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit emphasized the bill's potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of cannabis-producing regions. He pointed out that international perspectives are shifting away from purely repressive drug policies, which have historically failed to address the economic and social challenges faced by producer countries. The new law is expected to open avenues for sustainable development and market opportunities for local communities
The bill aligns with Morocco's international commitments and establishes a framework for licensing all activities related to the cultivation, production, and commercialization of medical cannabis and hemp. By regulating these sectors, the government aims to attract local actors and position Morocco as a competitive player in the global cannabis market, which is experiencing significant growth
Looking forward, the publication of the organic law in the Official Bulletin will be the next step in formalizing this legislative change. The Moroccan government anticipates that this move will not only boost the national economy but also address environmental concerns linked to illegal cannabis farming, such as soil degradation and water resource depletion. The law is seen as a progressive step towards integrating cannabis into the legal economy, offering a model for other nations grappling with similar issues