Unveiling a Controversial Partnership: Moroccan-Zionist Cannabis Alliance Raises Concerns Across Maghreb and Africa

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In a startling development that has sent shockwaves across the Maghreb and Africa, Morocco’s growing normalization with the Zionist entity has taken a contentious turn. The two parties have forged a partnership to exploit cannabis production under the guise of “medical reasons,” a move that has sparked concerns about its potential to jeopardize regional security and stability. Reports indicate that a conference is scheduled to take place in Tangier from November 16 to 18, where the partnership’s intentions will be unveiled, raising alarm bells among experts and political analysts.

The collaboration between Moroccan agencies and Zionist entities in the cultivation and manufacture of cannabis has ignited a heated debate about its implications. This factory, intended to produce substances under the pretext of medical usage, has become a focal point for critics who fear it could pose a serious threat to the entire region. The involvement of the Zionist entity, which is well-versed in technologies related to the field, is seen as a concerning element, with experts questioning the motives behind such an alliance.

Prominent security experts and political analysts have issued stern warnings about the ramifications of this Moroccan-Zionist cannabis partnership. Mohamed Ali Salem, a Mauritanian political analyst specializing in African affairs, has expressed grave concerns about the alliance’s potential to destabilize the region. Salem pointed out that the revenues from the production and distribution of these substances could potentially be used to fund activities detrimental to global security, urging for a reevaluation of the partnership’s consequences.

The Moroccan Agency for the Legalization of Activities Related to Cannabis set the stage for this controversial endeavor with its inaugural meeting in March 2022. The subsequent legalization of cannabis cultivation and manufacturing has led to a surge in drug production within the region. Criminal networks engaged in money laundering and drug trafficking have exploited the situation, further intensifying their activities across Africa and Europe.

Notably, the distribution of licenses for cannabis-related activities has predominantly favored Zionist companies, including former officials. This fact has fueled suspicions about the motives and objectives of the partnership. Ibrahim Al-Yousifi, a Moroccan agricultural expert, revealed that a Zionist company specializing in cannabis manufacture and export is poised to invest substantial resources in the sector. With dozens of licenses already issued for hashish production, concerns over the burgeoning drug trade continue to mount.

Despite the criticism, Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit disclosed that 195 licenses have been granted since the legalization of cannabis-related activities in 2021. These licenses primarily pertain to rural areas in the northern region, specifically near Al Hoceima in the Taounate region. The move has raised questions about the true motivations behind such a significant shift in policy, with skeptics viewing it as an attempt to legitimize the drug trade.

Amidst the controversy, the Moroccan government remains optimistic about the potential financial gains from this endeavor. Anticipating revenues of up to $42 billion annually by 2028, the government hopes that investment in the cannabis sector will bolster the country’s economy. However, critics argue that these potential gains would come at the expense of regional stability and security.