Introduction
Starting in mid-June 2024, Morocco will embark on a groundbreaking journey by offering legal cannabis-based products in pharmacies. This move is part of the recently enacted law, 13-21, which permits the sale of cannabis products under stringent regulations. As the cannabis industry evolves, Morocco’s approach could set a new standard in cannabis regulation.
The New Regulations: An Overview
Under law 13-21, Moroccan pharmacies will stock a range of cannabis-based products, including cosmetics and dietary supplements. The Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy (DMP) has approved nine dietary products and ten cosmetic products for sale. These products will contain cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, and low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance responsible for the “high” effect in cannabis.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
To ensure consumer safety, dietary supplements will contain less than 0.3% THC, while cosmetics will be entirely THC-free. The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC) oversees this process, ensuring that all products comply with legal requirements before reaching consumers.
Pharmacies will be the exclusive distribution points for these products, following a decisive meeting at ANRAC’s headquarters attended by pharmacists and DMP representatives. Hamza Guedira, President of the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists, stressed that this controlled distribution aims to protect society, particularly the youth, from potential misuse.
Industry Support and Calls for Clarity
The initiative has garnered substantial support from pharmacists and industry leaders. Mohammed El Guerrouj, governor and general director of ANRAC, highlighted the importance of regulating THC content to ensure product safety. However, some experts, like the President of the Confederation of Pharmacist Syndicates of Morocco, Lahbabi, have called for more clarity and a robust legal framework to support this initiative.
Implications for the Cannabis Industry
Morocco’s decision to legalize and regulate cannabis-based health products represents a significant advancement. By ensuring that these products are safe and legally available in pharmacies, Morocco aims to promote the healthy and controlled use of cannabis derivatives. This move could have far-reaching implications for the global cannabis industry, particularly in regions looking to establish similar regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
As Morocco prepares to introduce legal cannabis products in pharmacies, the country sets a precedent in cannabis regulation. The stringent measures in place aim to protect consumers while promoting the health benefits of cannabis derivatives. This initiative not only reflects Morocco’s progressive stance but also its commitment to ensuring safety and compliance in the evolving cannabis industry.
