Is cannabis legal in Morocco?

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Morocco, with possession carrying 2-12 months in prison. Medical and industrial cannabis cultivation was legalized in 2021, with over 3,300 licenses issued, but this does not extend to recreational use or tourist access.

How much hashish does Morocco produce?

Morocco is the world's largest hashish producer, with over 37,000 hectares of cannabis cultivation in the Rif mountains. Morocco supplies an estimated 35-40% of the global hashish market.

Is it safe to buy hash from dealers in Morocco?

No. While hash is openly offered to tourists in Chefchaouen, Marrakech, and Tangier, buying carries genuine legal risk. A well-documented scam involves dealers selling to tourists and then alerting police, who demand bribes to avoid arrest.

Can tourists visit cannabis farms in Morocco?

Some informal tours exist in the Rif region, but these are not legal tourist activities. The 2021 legalization covers licensed medical and industrial cultivation only, not recreational tourism.

What are the penalties for cannabis possession in Morocco?

Possession carries 2 months to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of 2,400-24,000 MAD. Trafficking carries 5-10 years. Police may also demand bribes from tourists, particularly in Marrakech.

Cannabis in Morocco — Top Producer, Illegal

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects Global cannabis law as of March 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the Multiple International Authorities or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: March 2026

Universal Rule: Never carry cannabis across any international border — even between two legal countries. This is a serious criminal offense everywhere on Earth, with no exceptions. Read more →

Limited Access — Illegal / High Visibility

Legal Status	Recreational use illegal; medical/industrial legal since 2021
Possession Penalty	2 months to 1 year imprisonment + 2,400-24,000 MAD fine
Trafficking Penalty	5-10 years imprisonment
Cannabis Cultivation	37,000+ hectares in Rif mountains (much of it technically illegal)
Licensed Cultivation	3,300+ legal licenses for medical/industrial under 2021 law
Hash Production	Morocco produces an estimated 35-40% of world hashish supply
Tourist Risk	Dealers approach tourists openly; buying carries real legal risk
Key Danger Areas	Chefchaouen, Marrakech medina, Tangier

The Paradox of Morocco

Morocco is the most contradictory cannabis destination on Earth. The Rif mountain region in northern Morocco contains over 37,000 hectares of cannabis cultivation — the largest concentration anywhere in the world. Morocco supplies an estimated 35-40% of the global hashish market, and cannabis cultivation sustains entire communities in the Rif.

Yet recreational cannabis use remains illegal, with prison sentences of 2 months to 1 year for possession. This contradiction creates a unique and potentially dangerous environment for tourists.

The 2021 Medical/Industrial Legalization

In 2021, Morocco legalized cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, issuing over 3,300 cultivation licenses. This was partly a pragmatic recognition of the existing reality — tens of thousands of families in the Rif depend on cannabis farming — and partly an effort to redirect production into legal channels for export.

However, the 2021 law does not legalize recreational use, personal possession, or tourist access. It is a commercial and medical framework, not a decriminalization measure.

What Actually Happens to Tourists

The practical reality for tourists varies dramatically by location and situation:

Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

Chefchaouen, in the heart of the Rif, is Morocco's most famous cannabis destination. Dealers approach tourists openly and persistently. Hash is offered on virtually every street corner. Many tourists buy without consequence — but the legal risk is real. Police occasionally conduct sweeps, and tourists have been detained, fined, and in some cases jailed.

Marrakech

In the Marrakech medina, dealers target tourists in alleys and near popular attractions. A common scam involves selling hash and then tipping off police for a share of the bribe or fine. This is not urban legend — it is a documented pattern.

Tangier and the North

Similar dynamics to Chefchaouen, with dealers approaching tourists on ferries from Spain and in the medina. The proximity to Europe makes Tangier a particularly active area for cannabis-related enforcement targeting tourists.

Critical Safety Warning: In Marrakech and other tourist areas, a common pattern involves dealers selling to tourists and then alerting police, who demand a bribe to avoid arrest. This dealer-police collaboration is well-documented. Buying cannabis from street dealers puts you at risk of both the transaction and what follows.

The Real Risks

Arrest: While uncommon for small amounts in tourist areas, it happens. Moroccan prisons are harsh by Western standards.
Bribery/extortion: Police may demand cash payments (bribes) to avoid formal arrest. Amounts range from 200-2,000 MAD (~$20-$200 USD).
Dealer scams: Quality varies enormously. Fake hash, overpriced product, and dealer-police collaboration are all common.
Border crossings: If traveling between Morocco and Spain (Ceuta/Melilla or ferry), enforcement is strict on both sides.

Practical Advice for Tourists

The visible availability of hash does not mean it is legal — buying carries genuine risk
Be especially cautious in Marrakech, where dealer-police collaboration is most common
If you choose to buy despite the risks, never carry large amounts
Never attempt to take hash out of Morocco — border enforcement is serious and penalties for trafficking are severe (5-10 years)
If detained, contact your embassy immediately. Do not pay bribes without understanding the full situation
Politely declining persistent dealers is your safest option