Morocco King Pardons Thousands Over Cannabis

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has pardoned 4,831 individuals linked to illegal cannabis cultivation, a move aimed at transitioning these individuals into the newly regulated cannabis sector. This pardon is part of Morocco's broader strategy to capitalize on the global legal cannabis market, following the legalization of cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes in 2021. The cannabis industry is vital for rural economies in Morocco, particularly in the Rif region, where cannabis cultivation has been a traditional practice for generations. The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) has been established to oversee legal production and has issued over 200 permits for cannabis-related activities. The 2021 reforms are intended to reduce illegal trafficking and improve farmers' livelihoods, contributing to the economic development of the region. With nearly a million people reliant on cannabis cultivation, this move is expected to enhance living conditions and integrate these farmers into the legal economy.