What is remarkable about the hemp presentation of the Minister of the Interior of Morocco

From an economic point of view, the adoption of an appropriate regulatory framework will create a production chain that will make Morocco an exporting country for medical, cosmetic and industrial products made from hemp raw materials, rather than continuing to import them.

On May 4, the Moroccan Parliament hosted a presentation prepared by the Ministry of the Interior on the basis of studies aimed at exploring the development opportunities in the country of various sectors of modern cannabis production. In particular, the Minister of the Interior of Morocco, Abdeluafi Lafitte, during the presentation of a bill aimed at regulating modern cannabis growing in the country, focused the attention of representatives of the Committee of the Interior of the House of Representatives of the Moroccan Parliament on research carried out by specialists of his department and aimed at studying the possibilities of using cannabis in industrial and medical purposes, paying particular attention to the cosmetic potential of the plant. The materials prepared concerned the economic component of regulating the possibilities of using the plant, in particular, the economic potential of using the physical, mechanical, and therapeutic properties of hemp was revealed, the prospects of the Moroccan business for the implementation of a number of projects aimed at using the exclusive properties of the hemp plant, as well as the risks that law enforcement agencies will have to face countries in the course of their implementation. 

The presentation presented by the Minister of the Interior can be divided into several key sections:

- the use of the properties of hemp for centuries;

- potential applications of plant properties in cosmetics, medicine or industry;

- economic indicators of the development of the global hemp market;

- the possibilities of Morocco for the implementation of projects in the hemp sector;

- conclusions.

Using the properties of cannabis for centuries

The first mentions of the therapeutic potential of the hemp plant were recorded in the 9th century, but the main emphasis in the report was on the use of hemp for medicinal purposes in the 10th-11th centuries. In particular, numerous examples were given proving the analgesic properties of cannabis, which were described in the treatises of the ancient healers of that period, primarily Avicena. In particular, they quoted extracts from the book of the medieval Persian scientist, philosopher and physician "Canon of Medicine" dating back to the 11th century.

Potential applications of plant properties in cosmetics, medicine or industry

Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of various components of the hemp plant, they are actively used in the production of cosmetic products or skin care products. It was noted that imported cosmetics made from various hemp constituents are already widely sold in pharmacies and retail stores, as well as through electronic sales in Morocco.

Hemp in its composition contains groups of components with enormous therapeutic potential (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, terpenoids, finols, etc.). At the moment, hemp leaves and inflorescences are actively used by economically developed countries of the world for the treatment of neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's), inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The therapeutic properties of cannabis are believed to be effective in treating epilepsy as well as reducing pain associated with AIDS, cancer and chemotherapy.

The use of the plant for industrial purposes involves the use of hemp raw materials for the production of building materials (wood concrete, paints and varnishes, sound and heat insulation materials), in the food, textile, automotive industries, and the total number of existing products reaches 25 thousand items.

Economic indicators of the development of the global hemp market

According to a study by the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior, based on 2018 data, the global legal cannabis market was $ 13.8 billion and is projected to grow to $ 233 billion in 2028. Moreover, the global market for medical cannabis in 2018 was $ 8.1 billion and may reach $ 114.2 billion in 2028.

In Europe alone (seen as the main region for Moroccan exports), the market for medicinal cannabis uses could grow from € 563.7 million to € 58 billion by 2028. The annual growth rate of the medical cannabis market is about 30% globally and 60% in Europe.

The European market is a priority market for Morocco due to its export potential and ease of access, as well as factors related to forecasts of consumption and imports. Knowing that in the US a federal ban makes international trade illegal and that the Canadian market is mature and closed to imports, the priority markets for Moroccan medical cannabis are Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany, with turnover forecasts of $ 25 billion in 2028. It is worth noting that the potential of the French and Italian markets could bring this figure to € 42 billion.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, it is possible to determine the goals of Moroccan cannabis export for legal use in Europe by 2028 according to two hypotheses: 

 - 10% of the target market for medical cannabis can bring about $ 4.2 billion or $ 420 million in annual agricultural income to the country's budget;

- 15% of the target market for medical cannabis could generate $ 6.3 billion in Morocco's budget, or $ 630 million in annual agricultural income.

This allows in both cases to exceed the current annual agricultural income, which is about $ 400 million, especially since these forecasts do not take into account income from the cultivation and processing of technical hemp for its industrial use.

Morocco's Opportunities for Hemp Projects

According to a study by specialists from the Ministry of the Interior, Morocco has several advantages, in particular, favorable natural and climatic conditions, proximity to rapidly developing European markets, logistics proposals (ports, airports, etc.). Attractiveness for foreign investment, as well as know-how inherited from the tradition of cultivating psychoactive cannabis in agricultural areas.

The number of residents affected by illicit marijuana cultivation in Morocco, according to a study by the Ministry of the Interior, is 400,000, or nearly 60,000 families, whose income can be as high as DH 75,000 per hectare per hectare for irrigated and fertile land. Research shows that net income per hectare can be as high as DH 110,000 per year, nearly 40% more than the highest current income.

In this way, this initiative will “increase incomes” and “incentivize farmers”, which, in addition to “Morocco's great experience in agriculture,” will contribute to the success of sustainable cannabis cultivation. 

Conclusions : From an economic point of view, the adoption of an appropriate regulatory framework will create a production chain that will make Morocco an exporting country for medical, cosmetic and industrial goods made from hemp raw materials, instead of continuing to import them.

Commentary of the specialists of the Association "Ukrainian technical hemp"

Specializing in making changes to the current regulatory framework that makes life easier for national cannabis growers, one can only envy our colleagues from Morocco, whose representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are not trying to arrange “their own corruption feeding trough” in the course of amending the current regulatory and legal framework (recall the departmental order, which directly contradicts several resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine), and foreseeing a surge in this industry, they not only conduct relevant research, but also seek changes in the current legislation, lobbying for amendments with representation at the ministerial level.