• Morocco launches cannabis research on Beldia with UM6P and ANRAC.
• Focus on genome, medical use, training, and sustainability.
• Exports rising, 4,082 tons produced in 2024.

Morocco advanced its legal cannabis industry on June 17, 2025, when Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) signed a framework agreement.

This partnership aims to boost scientific research on therapeutic cannabis, with a specific focus on the local "Beldia" strain.

Officials stated the collaboration seeks to characterize the active compounds in Moroccan cannabis, explore their medical potential, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The agreement also includes a training program for healthcare professionals. A strategic component involves the African Genome Center sequencing the Beldia genome to protect and enhance its value.

Biotech firm Novogene explains that genetic sequencing helps identify specific genes and genetic variations linked to key agronomic traits, such as disease resistance, yield, or drought tolerance. This technology provides a foundational tool for marker-assisted breeding, aiming to develop higher-performing and more productive seeds.

The Beldia strain, traditionally cultivated for generations in the Rif region, already exhibits notable agronomic advantages. Unlike imported seeds, it can be grown with minimal irrigation, making it a sustainable choice for small-scale farmers, according to ANRAC.

Opportunities in the Global Market

More broadly, this new scientific initiative is developing as the Beldia strain begins to enter the legal export market. On April 10, Moroccan company CANNAFLEX announced it had shipped the country’s first cargo of medical cannabis derived from Beldia to pharmaceutical labs in Europe and Africa.

For the regulator, the challenge now involves increasing the domestic supply of legal cannabis and supporting exports in a rapidly expanding global market. Projections published on the Statista platform anticipate the global medical cannabis market will reach $21 billion by 2025, with an average annual growth of 1.65% through 2029.

Following a modest initial harvest of 294 tonnes in 2023, Morocco’s legal cannabis production significantly increased to 4,082 tonnes in 2024. This momentum is expected to strengthen in 2025, driven by efforts to consolidate gains, improve traceability, and enhance product quality for export.