Is CBD legal in Morocco in 2025?
The CBD industry is expanding globally, and Morocco is emerging as a key player in the North African cannabis market. However, while CBD products are now legal under Morocco’s regulated system, many consumers and businesses are still uncertain about the exact legal framework. Is CBD legal in Morocco, or does it fall into a restricted grey category? The country’s strict state-controlled approach to cannabis regulation makes navigating CBD laws complex, leading to cautious investment and consumer hesitancy.
At Essentia Pura, we aim to provide clear and accurate insights into the evolving CBD market in Morocco. Whether you are a consumer, entrepreneur, or investor, this article will help you understand the current legal status of CBD in the country. By the end, you will learn:
- Is CBD legal in Morocco?
- What are Morocco’s cannabis regulations?
- Can you use medical CBD in Morocco?
- What is the future of CBD in Morocco?
- Where can you buy CBD in Morocco?
- Can you bring CBD products into Morocco?
If you're interested in any of these topics, read on as we break down the legal framework of CBD in Morocco in 2025.
What is CBD?
If you're looking for clarity on CBD Morocco's legal status, it’s important to first understand what CBD is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana, CBD is non-intoxicating. This distinction has played a crucial role in CBD’s growing acceptance worldwide, as research continues to highlight its potential health benefits without the mind-altering effects of THC.
While cannabis remains controversial in many legal systems, CBD in Morocco is derived from industrial hemp, which contains low levels of THC and is cultivated specifically for non-psychoactive uses. The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each with unique properties, but CBD has gained the most attention due to its widespread applications in wellness products.
It’s also essential to recognize that not all cannabis plants are the same. There is a key distinction between hemp and marijuana—two varieties of the Cannabis sativa species. Hemp contains high concentrations of CBD and minimal THC, making it the preferred source for legal CBD products. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone navigating CBD oil Morocco's legal status and the broader cannabis regulations in the country.
Marijuana
Marijuana, or high-THC cannabis, has long been associated with Morocco due to its historic cannabis cultivation in the Rif Mountains. However, despite this deep-rooted tradition, is weed legal in Morocco? The answer is no for recreational use, but yes under strict regulations for medical and industrial purposes.
Recreational Marijuana: Still Illegal
Unlike some EU countries that have moved toward decriminalization, Morocco maintains a firm prohibition on recreational cannabis use. The possession, sale, transportation, and cultivation of marijuana outside of the licensed system remains illegal under Moroccan narcotics laws. Individuals caught with marijuana for personal use can still face criminal charges, though enforcement may vary by region.
Law No. 13-21 (2021) officially legalized cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses, but it did not legalize recreational consumption. Unlicensed possession or sale of marijuana remains a criminal offense. Penalties for illegal cannabis activities remain strict, and Moroccan law enforcement continues to combat illicit drug trafficking in line with international anti-narcotics agreements.
Medical Marijuana: Legal Under Strict Regulations
Morocco has a legalized medical cannabis system, but only under state-controlled licensing. Medical marijuana production is legal under ANRAC (National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis) oversight. However, Moroccan residents cannot simply purchase medical cannabis from pharmacies yet.
As of 2025:
- Licensed companies can cultivate and produce medical cannabis.
- Exports of Moroccan medical cannabis have started, but domestic access remains limited.
- Medical cannabis remains strictly regulated, and only authorized entities can distribute it.
While Morocco allows medical cannabis, it does not yet have a broad patient access program like some European nations. Patients cannot walk into a pharmacy and buy cannabis products without prescription and government approval. However, with the country's investment in medical cannabis, there is potential for future expansions in patient access.
Hemp
Hemp has long been part of Morocco’s agricultural sector and is now legally cultivated under strict government control. Law No. 13-21 (2021) permits licensed hemp farming for industrial, medical, and cosmetic use, overseen by ANRAC.
Hemp Cultivation: Legal but Regulated
- Legal only with government authorization
- THC limit: 1% (higher than EU’s 0.3%)
- Restricted to approved northern regions (e.g., Chefchaouen, Al Hoceima)
- Farmers must join licensed cooperatives
Hemp Products & CBD Regulation
- Hemp fibers, seeds, and industrial oil are legal
- CBD oil Morocco must contain ≤1% THC
- Only licensed companies can produce and sell CBD
- Retail sale of CBD remains restricted
While Morocco allows hemp and CBD production, the market is strictly regulated, and importing foreign CBD remains difficult.
Buying and selling CBD in Morocco
Navigating Morocco’s strictly regulated CBD market requires understanding the country’s licensing system, as CBD is legal only within the state-controlled framework.
Purchasing CBD
Unlike in many European countries, CBD oil in Morocco is not available for general retail purchase. Consumers cannot walk into a shop or order CBD online unless the seller is government-approved. The only legal sources of CBD are licensed distributors who operate within the official supply chain. Imported CBD products also face heavy restrictions, as foreign CBD must meet Morocco’s strict licensing and import duties, making local production the preferred option.
Starting a CBD Business
For entrepreneurs, entering the CBD market in Morocco requires full government approval. Companies must obtain ANRAC licensing to cultivate hemp, process CBD, or distribute products. Morocco maintains full state oversight of its cannabis and hemp industries. The law sets a 1% THC limit for hemp-derived CBD, higher than the EU’s 0.3%, but businesses must still follow strict traceability and compliance rules.
While CBD oil production is legal, it must occur within Morocco using locally sourced hemp. Independent retailers cannot open CBD shops without authorization, and online sales remain restricted. Many businesses focus on export, as Morocco’s CBD industry is still in its early stages domestically.
Morocco’s approach to CBD regulation ensures quality control and state oversight, but it also limits market accessibility. As a result, CBD businesses must operate strictly within legal boundaries, and consumers have few direct purchasing options.
Selling CBD
Setting up a CBD business in Morocco requires strict compliance with Law No. 13-21 (2021), which regulates cannabis cultivation, processing, and commercialization. CBD oil in Morocco can only be produced, distributed, and sold by companies that have obtained licenses from ANRAC (National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis).
Business Models
Companies looking to enter the Moroccan CBD market must align with government regulations. One option is to partner with licensed Moroccan CBD producers to distribute approved products, ensuring compliance with state oversight. Alternatively, businesses can establish local processing and export operations, as Morocco is positioning itself as a major supplier of cannabis-based products for the global market.
Conclusion: Is CBD legal in Morocco?
Understanding CBD legality in Morocco requires navigating the country's strictly regulated cannabis framework. While CBD is legal under Moroccan law, it is not freely available for retail purchase, as all activities involving cannabis derivatives must be licensed by the state.
Key Points:
- CBD is legal but strictly regulated, requiring government approval for production and sale.
- THC Content: Legal CBD products must contain ≤1% THC, higher than the EU’s 0.3% limit.
- Licensing Required: Only ANRAC-authorized companies can cultivate, process, and distribute CBD.
- Food & Supplements: CBD-infused food products fall under Morocco’s strict cannabis regulation, and no over-the-counter sales are allowed yet.
- Medical Use: Pharmaceutical CBD and medical cannabis require special authorization, and domestic patient access remains limited.
- Cosmetics & Industrial Use: Hemp-derived CBD cosmetics and industrial products are legal, provided they comply with government regulations.
- Recreational Use: Marijuana remains illegal for personal use, and unlicensed CBD possession or sales are subject to criminal penalties.
If you want to learn more about cannabis laws in a different country, you can read our articles about these countries in Europe:
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
