Morocco is accelerating its transformation into a regional hub for medical cannabis research and regulation following a new strategic alliance between Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC). The groundbreaking partnership, formalised this week, aims to anchor Morocco’s legal cannabis sector in cutting-edge science and global health standards.
The agreement focuses on advancing evidence-based research into the pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications of cannabis, positioning Morocco at the forefront of cannabis regulation, innovation, and education in Africa and beyond.
“This partnership allows us to build a robust scientific foundation for cannabis-based therapies that are safe, effective, and ethically sound,” said a spokesperson from UM6P. “Our goal is not only discovery, but also responsible translation of research into real-world applications.”
The collaboration will encompass clinical research, laboratory analysis, and computational modelling to investigate how key compounds such as cannabinoids interact with the human body. It will draw on multidisciplinary teams across pharmacology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, all under strict adherence to international health and safety protocols.
In addition to research, the partnership includes a professional training component, targeting physicians, pharmacists, and clinical researchers. The training will focus on the medical uses of cannabis and guide navigation of Morocco’s evolving regulatory frameworks. This outreach aligns with efforts to integrate cannabis into formal public health and biotechnology sectors.
In a related development, UM6P’s African Genome Centre signed a separate agreement with ANRAC to conduct a genomic study of Morocco’s indigenous cannabis strain, Beldia. The research aims to better understand the plant’s medicinal properties, ensure traceability, and protect it as a national biological and agricultural asset.
“Studying the Beldia genome is critical not only for scientific validation, but also for protecting local agricultural heritage in the face of commercial and genetic homogenization,” said the project’s lead geneticist.
Following the passage of landmark legislation in 2021 that legalised cannabis cultivation for medical, cosmetic, and industrial use, Morocco has steadily formalised its cannabis economy. Between 2022 and 2024, ANRAC issued thousands of cultivation and processing licenses in designated areas of the Rif region, covering more than 2,700 hectares and yielding over 4,000 tonnes of legal cannabis.
This latest partnership with UM6P is part of a broader national strategy to root Morocco’s cannabis industry in scientific integrity, economic development, and international collaboration. Authorities say the long-term vision is to ensure that Morocco is not just a producer of raw material but a global player in cannabis-based healthcare innovation.
Article by RB Correspondent
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