Its early production was for local use, grown in orchards and gardens.

The regulations on cannabis cultivation in Morocco are strict. However, production privileges were given to several Rif tribes until the 1950s, when King Mohammed V prohibited the plant across the nation.

MOROCCAN HASHISH GOES GLOBAL

Commercial production of hashish came about during the ’60s and ’70s. When Morocco became a hotbed for Western tourists who sought to enjoy the product. As the demand caught on, so did the production techniques, which allowed the demand to be met across the Mediterranean and Europe.

The UN estimates tens of thousands of people rely on cannabis cultivation to live in the Rif region, allowing the country to be one of the world’s top suppliers of hashish. But still, the consequences of this kind of operation remain severe. Many farmers report being blackmailed by gendarmeries for their silence, while the kief or hashish sells locally for around $8 per kilo.

Big profits go to European buyers and smugglers who sell the product for around €5-10 per gram or more in Europe. Today, smuggling can be a less risky process because of the decriminalization of cannabis in neighboring countries like Spain and Portugal.

DECRIMINALIZATION IN MOROCCO?

Decriminalization in Moroccon Hash has been on the cards for quite some time for several reasons. Some politicians understand the economic benefits of the plant. Health officials, on the other hand, are keen to use it as a commercial drug. Again, many farmers are skeptical of such a move because they fear that a state agency will take over their entire crop. Processed factories will be set up. Production of the illustrious hashish would no longer be possible. It would mean the farmers would earn less than they already are.

On the other hand, cannabis could be a driver for the economy. Offering new jobs to the public and allowing for a regulation removes much of the corruption involved. Moreover, Moroccan Hash would mean people could get access to much-needed medicine and resource.

Regardless of what happens with the law, the farmers of the Rif mountains will always be allured by cannabis crops. Heavy droughts in the region kill most crops but allow the cannabis plant to thrive.