Morocco: Creating Economic Zone for Cannabis Activity in Al Hoceima to Tighten Grip on Historical Opposition Stronghold
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a move seemingly aimed at legitimizing the use of cannabis, the Moroccan government, led by the Makhzen, has decided to allocate a financial envelope of 45 million dirhams (approximately $5 million) for the establishment of an “economic zone” dedicated to cannabis-related activities in the commune of Issaguen, affiliated with the Al Hoceima province.
According to the Moroccan news outlet 24 heures, the project, led by the regional agency for project implementation under the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, supervised by the Al Hoceima province, aims to create an “economic activities” zone spanning 10 hectares. This zone is intended for diverse activities related to the processing and valorization of cannabis, with a focus on producing products designated for medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses.
The agency is set to issue a total of 430 licenses by the end of November 2023, with a collective area of 277 hectares allocated to farmers engaged in cannabis cultivation. These licenses will benefit 32 production cooperatives encompassing 416 farmers.
The expected cannabis production for 2023, spanning three regulated provinces, is estimated to be 294 tons, with yields ranging between 10 and 27 kilograms per hectare.
The agency has issued 179 licenses for processing activities, including 47 for industrial purposes, 7 for medical purposes, 51 for marketing, 54 for export purposes, 17 for seed importation, and 3 for transportation terminals.
This strategic move has raised skepticism about the transparency of the licensing process. Moroccan political analyst Abdessamad Benabbad questioned the integrity of the entities responsible for issuing licenses and emphasized the importance of publicly disclosing the names of those granted licenses for cannabis-related activities. Benabbad also raised concerns that drug barons might exploit these licenses to enter the competitive cannabis market.
This initiative is in line with the colonial strategy adopted by the Moroccan regime in the Rif region. The move appears to be an attempt to tighten the government’s grip on a region that has historically exposed its negative image and discriminatory policies. Instead of seeking genuine strategies and developmental plans to uplift the Rif region from its multifaceted struggles, the Moroccan authorities continue to explore dubious opportunities, further entangling the region’s youth in the complexities of the cannabis industry.
Rather than addressing the root causes of the region’s issues and improving the social conditions, the Moroccan government’s decision to “develop cannabis cultivation and improve its quality” is expected to deepen the crisis in the region, with the youth being the primary victims.
The move also aligns with the accusations made by former royal palace spokesman Hussein Ouerd, who, in recent years, accused the drug mafia of “seizing control of political decisions in the kingdom.”
It is essential to note that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported in its 2022 World Drug Report that Morocco leads the primary countries of origin and transit for cannabis. The report underscores Morocco’s status as the largest producer and source of this type of drug.
In conclusion, the Moroccan government’s allocation of funds for a cannabis-dedicated economic zone in Al Hoceima raises critical questions about the intentions behind this move. Whether it is a genuine effort to boost economic development or a systematic attempt to consolidate control over the region, the repercussions of this decision could have far-reaching effects on the Rif’s socio-economic landscape. The move also sparks concerns about transparency, potential exploitation by drug barons, and the environmental impact of intensified cannabis cultivation in the region.
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