فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Taounate – (Akbar Al-Yawm) – The city of Taounate witnessed the launch of Morocco’s first cannabis processing plant, a historic step that opens new horizons for the country’s agricultural sector.
This inauguration, marking the beginning of a new era for the cannabis industry in Morocco, comes within the framework of implementing Law 13-21 concerning the legal uses of cannabis, which is expected to bring about positive changes, particularly in job creation.
In a statement, an authorized source confirmed that the start of operations at the first cannabis processing plant opens new horizons for the local economy.
They added: “Thanks to the joint efforts of the government and the National Agency for the Regulation and Marketing of Cannabis (ANRAC), all conditions have been met for the successful launch of this new industry.”
The source emphasized that among the priorities of this step is supporting investors and farmers, noting that “this initiative will enable a growing number of local actors to benefit from the opportunities offered by this new legal industry.”
For his part, the Director General of ANRAC confirmed that the agency has launched a program of strict control to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
He explained: “This program aims to promote a responsible and high-quality industry, and it will be regularly evaluated to ensure its effectiveness and adaptation to the sector’s developments.”
On the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony, an investor from Taounate expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities offered by this new industry.
He stated: “This new cannabis processing unit is the result of a major investment worth 20 million dirhams and a long-term vision, relying on the latest extraction technologies.”
He emphasized the positive impact on local job opportunities, noting that this project has contributed to creating 25 permanent jobs, in addition to over 300 seasonal jobs throughout the year.
He pointed out that this represents a real opportunity for the local workforce and a boost to the economy in the Taounate region.
The speaker also highlighted the complex, but fruitful, path that led to this inauguration.
He explained: “Since the legalization of cannabis, we have worked tirelessly to obtain all the necessary licenses. Our activities began in 2023, thanks to the joint efforts of ANRAC, local authorities, the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmaceuticals, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.”
He highlighted the royal pardon granted on the occasion of the anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution, to individuals who were sentenced, prosecuted, or sought in cases related to cannabis cultivation, which contributed to the success of this project.
He confirmed: “We are receiving numerous requests for participation, which demonstrates the hope that this new legal industry has sparked. We aspire to make this plant a model of success, benefiting the entire region and beyond.”
It is worth noting that ANRAC, as part of its efforts to ensure high-quality processing that adheres to standards, has implemented a series of measures, ranging from strengthening control to expanding opportunities for local farmers, and including supporting investors and investing heavily in training for sector workers.
This inauguration aims to serve as a true starting point for economic development in the region and for Morocco as a whole.
Source: Fes News
