Rabat – Morocco has launched a scientific study to explore the possibility of using cannabis in animal feed, aiming to expand the plant’s legal applications in agriculture and veterinary fields.
The Moroccan Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC) announced the study following a framework agreement signed with the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine in Rabat. The program will examine the use of a cannabis-based molecule as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics in poultry farming.
Researchers plan to develop clear protocols for integrating the cannabis molecule into animal feed. The 10-month program will focus on creating a feed formula suitable for industrial-scale use in the poultry sector. The Veterinary Medicine Department at the institute will lead the study, examining how the molecule can improve gut health, strengthen immune systems, and increase productivity in chickens.
The program also aims to generate scientific data to support the adoption of the cannabis molecule as a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics, improving both poultry productivity and product quality.
Morocco began reforming its cannabis laws in 2021, allowing legal use for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. The new legal framework replaces decades of informal production with a regulated industry. Since then, ANRAC has issued thousands of licenses for cultivation and production. In 2024 alone, around 3,000 permits were granted to farmers, cooperatives, and operators, a significant increase from the previous year.
The country has also approved licensed cannabis products, including cosmetics and dietary items. Authorities say regulation supports rural economies, creates jobs, and encourages farmers to move away from illegal markets. Recreational use of cannabis, however, remains illegal, and some observers express concern about the potential for continued illegal cultivation and trafficking.
