Morocco, which is considered the top marijuana provider in the world, is considering legalizing the production of hash for medical and industrial purposes.
A new draft law aims to legalize marijuana growing, but the proposal might face stiff opposition in the country. The draft was proposed by the Party of Authenticity and Modernity. The law would keep pot consumption illegal, but legalize production. Morocco is thus joining many other countries in the world as well as some US states in re-examining drug policies.
Under the proposed law, the entire crop would be managed by a state agency that would use it to produce new cannabis based medications that have been developed to aid cancer and sclerosis patients, and also for industrial uses in the fields of textile, fiberboard and paper. Factories would be set up in the region with jobs provided to the local population. This would prevent cannabis from being turned into hash and going to smugglers.
Mehdi Bensaid from the Party of Authenticity and Modernity sees legalization as an economic savior. He said: “If Morocco has a crop that could produce these medicines that could be sold today in the U.S., Canada and France, it is an employment opportunity for citizens living in a miserable situation. It’s a win-win, for the state, because there is tax, for the citizens, because they are in an illegal situation, and for the sick who will get their medicine.” He also added that many European and American pharmaceutical companies have contacted him to express their interest in investing if the law passes.
Party of Istiqlal supports the draft presented by the Party of Authenticity and Modernity.
According to UN estimates, around 80000 families in Northern Morocco make their living from growing hash. Morocco is the world’s top supplier along with Afghanistan and the north of the countr supplies nearly all of Europe. It was reported by the World Customs Authority that 65% of hashish seized at customs worldwide in 2013 was from Morocco.
The Moroccan Times.
