Lawful uses of cannabis: The Cannabis Implementing Decree in the Official Gazette
The legalization of cannabis is gradually being put in place. After the adoption of the law authorizing the legalization of the use of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, an implementing decree for this text has just been published in the Official Gazette. In particular, the decree defines the areas where cultivation of this crop is authorized. These are the (northern) provinces of Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, and Taounate.
• Authorizations
This text also specifies the procedures for granting authorizations for the cultivation of cannabis, provided for by a series of articles found in the law. The content of the application file for these authorizations must be defined by a joint order of the Ministries of the Interior, Health, Agriculture, and Industry. Applicants will be supported by the new National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-related Activities, with specific support given during the procedures preceding the granting of authorizations. An advisory commission will be created within this agency, by virtue of article 3 of the decree, in order to examine the applications for authorization and to issue opinions. The commission will be made up of representatives of the Ministries of the Interior, Health, Agriculture, Industry, and ONSSA (the Moroccan food safety agency). The operating procedures of this commission will be defined in its rules of procedure. The latter must be validated by the Ministry of the Interior.
• Stock status
The decree also sets a series of obligations for the holders of cannabis cultivation permits. In particular, they will be required to inform the regulatory agency on a quarterly basis of the quantities of cannabis processed, the status of the stock, and other information. Holders of authorizations must also submit an annual inventory to this entity, to be submitted before January 31 of the following year.
M.A.M.
