The 1st therapeutic cannabis factory is born

It is official. The first legal cannabis processing plant is born. Located in the province of Taounate, the plant was recently inaugurated in the presence of the Director General of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC), Mohamed El Guerrouj, and Saleh Daha, governor of the province.

This initiative marks a key stage in the implementation of Law 13-21, which regulates the legal uses of cannabis, with the aim of boosting the local economy, creating jobs and developing a responsible industry.

The infrastructure, built on an area of over 3,000 square meters, is nestled in Sahel Boutahar in the commune of Mezraoua. The unit required an investment of 20 million dirhams (USD 2 million) and has already created 25 permanent and 300 seasonal jobs. It includes state-of-the-art nurseries and extraction units, guaranteeing the production of high value-added products. All this is achieved thanks to a regulated partnership with cooperatives whose production is constantly monitored, notably using drones. The rigorous control program launched by ANRAC aims to guarantee compliance with standards, while encouraging adaptation to changes in the sector. «All the conditions are in place for the successful launch of this new industry», added ANRAC’s director. The agency he heads has set up a rigorous control program to ensure compliance with standards and regulations in the legal cannabis industry. Evaluated on a regular basis, this program aims to promote a responsible, quality industry in line with international standards. ANRAC is also committed to supporting local farmers and offering them training and coaching opportunities. The aim is to integrate them fully into the value chain of this new industry, and make it a source of wealth and progress.

For his part, investor Mustapha El Missouri expressed his optimism about the positive impact of this initiative on the local economy, while recalling the journey taken to obtain the necessary permits and the significant contribution to the region. «It is a complex process, requiring several authorizations from various bodies including ANRAC, the regional authorities, the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy, ONSSA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry», he said. «This project is seen as an opportunity for the people of Taounate and a driving force for the province’s economy», concluded El Missouri.

Youness SAAD ALAMI