Key Takeaways
- Morocco completed its first international sale of a cannabis-based medicine, marking its entry into the global medical cannabis market.
- The export involved Beldiya Plus°, developed by CANNAFLEX, and delivered to a patient in South Africa.
- This achievement highlights Morocco’s agricultural capabilities and commitment to a compliant cannabis sector.
- A key partnership with DRA Pharmaceuticals ensures that Moroccan products meet international standards.
- With significant domestic progress, Morocco positions itself as a serious contender in the growing global cannabis market.
Morocco’s legal cannabis industry has entered a new era, completing its first international sale of a cannabis-based medicine. This event signals the country’s official entry into the global medical cannabis market. It highlights its potential as a key player in the pharmaceutical and wellness sectors.
The export. first reported by ecofin agency, involved a drug named Beldiya Plus°, developed by the Moroccan laboratory CANNAFLEX. On October 17, Moroccan laboratory CANNAFLEX prescribed and delivered this medicine, made from locally grown cannabis, to a patient in South Africa. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Morocco’s regulated cannabis industry, which has steadily progressed since it established its legal framework.
This move not only showcases Morocco’s agricultural capabilities but also its commitment to building a compliant and research-driven cannabis sector. By successfully navigating international regulations, Morocco is positioning itself to compete on a global scale.
A Strategic Partnership for Global Reach
CANNAFLEX and DRA Pharmaceuticals partnered to make the export a success. The latter is a South African manufacturer specializing in pharmaceutical quality and compliance. This collaboration was essential to ensure that the Moroccan-made product met the rigorous international standards required for medical use.
Chris Hutton, CEO of DRA Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “Our advanced pharmaceutical laboratories and expertise are essential to ensure that Beldiya Plus° meets the strictest international standards.” He added that the collaboration aims to provide patients with safe, reliable, and evidence-based cannabis therapies.
This partnership serves as a model for how Moroccan producers can align with international regulations to gain access to foreign markets. It validates Morocco’s ability to produce high-quality, compliant medical cannabis products for a global audience.
Building on Domestic Progress
This international breakthrough is built upon significant progress within Morocco. In December of the previous year, Moroccan pharmaceutical company Pharma 5 launched the country’s first generic cannabis-based drug, Cannabidiol Pharma 5. Positioned as a treatment for epilepsy, this product received national marketing authorization. It marked a major step forward for the domestic market.
These developments demonstrate a clear strategy by Morocco to leverage its rich agricultural history, new legal framework, and growing pharmaceutical expertise. The country is taking measured steps to establish a robust local industry. Simultaneously, it is looking outward to capture a share of the expanding global market.
A Look at the Future
The global medical cannabis market is on a significant growth trajectory. According to projections from Statista, the market is expected to reach $21.4 billion by the end of 2025. It is projected to grow to $23.9 billion by 2030.
With its first successful export, Morocco has taken a decisive step toward securing its place in this lucrative market. By focusing on quality, compliance, and strategic partnerships, the nation can become a significant contributor to the global medical cannabis supply. This initial success paves the way for future growth and establishes Morocco as a serious contender in the international cannabis industry.
