Best Cannabis Law Lawyers in Tétouan

About Cannabis Law in Tétouan, Morocco

Morocco has a long history of prohibiting cannabis for recreational purposes. In 2021, the country adopted a new regulatory framework that permits cannabis cultivation and use for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial purposes under strict state control. This reform does not legalize recreational consumption. Tétouan remains subject to national law, which means personal possession, use, and unlicensed cultivation or sale of cannabis are illegal.

The legal framework allows licensed activities in specific geographic zones designated by the government, primarily in parts of the Rif region. Only licensed actors may cultivate, process, transport, or commercialize cannabis within the legal supply chain. Outside that framework, criminal penalties apply.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer with experience in Moroccan cannabis law can help in many situations, including the following:

- You are stopped by police in Tétouan and accused of possession or use of cannabis.- Your home, car, or business is searched and you need to challenge the legality of the search or the seizure of items.- You face allegations of trafficking, cultivation, or supply to others, including claims of intent to sell based on quantity or packaging.- You are a farmer or business exploring opportunities under the regulated medical and industrial framework and need guidance on eligibility, licensing, and compliance.- You are a visitor or expatriate and require assistance with consular notification, interpretation, and navigating local procedures after an arrest.- You run a logistics, laboratory, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical operation and need advice on permits, contracts, traceability, and inspections.- You received a summons or court date and need defense strategy, plea negotiations, or mitigation of penalties.- You seek to appeal a conviction, request sentence reduction, or address immigration consequences of a drug case.

Local Laws Overview

- Core prohibitions: Moroccan narcotics laws prohibit possession, consumption, cultivation, and trafficking of cannabis outside the regulated medical and industrial system. Penalties involve fines and imprisonment, with severity depending on quantity, intent to sell, aggravating factors, and recidivism.

- 2021 reform: Law 13-21 created a lawful framework for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses of cannabis, overseen by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities, known as ANRAC. This framework does not authorize recreational use or retail sales to the general public.

- Licensing and zones: Cultivation and related activities are allowed only in government-designated provinces and communes. Farmers typically must be residents of authorized areas, hold rights to the land, and operate through approved cooperatives. Companies may apply for licenses related to processing, manufacturing, transport, export, seed and plant import, and research. Tétouan is not automatically an authorized cultivation area, and eligibility depends on the most recent governmental decrees.

- Compliance duties: Licensed actors must follow strict rules on approved seed varieties, THC thresholds as set by regulation, security, storage, record keeping, product testing, labeling, traceability, waste disposal, and reporting to ANRAC. Breaches can lead to administrative sanctions, license suspension or withdrawal, fines, and possible criminal liability.

- Policing and procedure: Police may conduct checks and investigations. If approached, you can request a lawyer and an interpreter, especially if you do not understand Arabic or French. You should not sign documents you do not understand. Foreign nationals can request that their consulate be notified. Procedures and timelines are governed by Morocco’s Code of Criminal Procedure.

- Driving: Driving under the influence of narcotics is a criminal offense. Police may order tests. Conviction can lead to fines, license suspension, and imprisonment, especially if there is an accident or injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recreational cannabis legal in Tétouan?

No. Recreational use, possession, and sale are illegal throughout Morocco, including Tétouan. Only licensed medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial activities are allowed within the regulated system.

Can I use medical cannabis in Morocco as a patient?

Medical use is recognized within the regulated system, but it is not a general right to possess cannabis. Access depends on products lawfully produced and distributed through authorized channels. Until the supply chain is fully operational and products are dispensed through authorized pharmacies or institutions, personal possession without authorization remains illegal.

Can farmers in or near Tétouan get a cultivation license?

Licenses are available only in designated zones announced by the government. Eligibility generally requires residence in an authorized area, land rights, and participation in an approved cooperative. If your land is outside the designated zones, you cannot legally cultivate cannabis. A lawyer can check the latest decrees and advise on cooperative formation and documentation.

What happens if police find a small amount on me?

Even small amounts can lead to arrest, charges, and seizure of the substance. Outcomes vary based on the facts, prior record, and prosecutorial discretion. A lawyer can challenge the stop or search where appropriate, seek release measures, and negotiate for reduced penalties or alternatives when available.

Are CBD products legal in Tétouan?

CBD legality is not straightforward. Products derived from cannabis remain tightly controlled unless they come from approved varieties and enter the market through the licensed system. Many CBD oils, vapes, or edibles sold elsewhere may be illegal in Morocco. Possessing or importing them can lead to seizure and charges.

Can I bring cannabis or CBD into Morocco when I travel?

No. Bringing cannabis, hashish, marijuana, or most CBD products into Morocco is unlawful. Customs and police can seize items and initiate proceedings. Travelers should avoid carrying any cannabis related products, including paraphernalia.

How are cannabis businesses licensed and supervised?

ANRAC issues licenses for specific activities such as cultivation in authorized zones, processing, manufacturing, transport, export, seed and plant import, and research. Applicants must meet technical, security, and compliance criteria and are subject to audits and inspections. Licenses are activity specific, non transferable without approval, and can be suspended or revoked for violations.

What should I do if I am stopped while driving and the officer suspects cannabis use?

Be polite and provide identification. You can request a lawyer and an interpreter if needed. Do not admit use or impairment. If testing is ordered, refusal can have consequences. A lawyer can later review whether the stop, testing, and evidence handling complied with legal standards.

Can my landlord evict me for cannabis related issues?

Illegal activity in a rental unit can be grounds for termination of the lease under Moroccan law and standard lease terms. Landlords and tenants should seek legal advice before taking action. Tenants facing eviction should consult a lawyer promptly to protect their rights.

What outcomes are possible in a cannabis case?

Possible outcomes include dismissal, acquittal, fines, suspended sentences, probation like measures, imprisonment, or license consequences for drivers. In regulatory matters, outcomes include warnings, fines, corrective orders, license suspension, or revocation. Appeals and sentence reductions may be available within strict deadlines.

Additional Resources

- ANRAC - Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Activités Relatives au Cannabis.- Ministry of Interior - departments overseeing public order and local administration.- Ministry of Health and Social Protection - oversight of medical and pharmaceutical uses.- Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes - customs enforcement regarding imports and exports.- General Directorate of National Security - DGSN - police authority in urban areas including Tétouan.- Royal Gendarmerie - rural law enforcement outside urban zones.- Court of First Instance of Tétouan - criminal and civil jurisdiction at the local level.- Bar Association of Tétouan - Ordre des avocats de Tétouan - for referrals to licensed attorneys.- Local agricultural cooperatives and chambers - for information on cooperative requirements and documentation for farmers.- Official bulletins and government gazettes - for the latest decrees designating authorized cultivation zones and regulatory updates.

Next Steps

- If you have been detained or contacted by police: remain calm, request a lawyer, ask for an interpreter if you need one, and avoid signing statements you do not understand.- Document everything: note dates, times, officer names, witnesses, and any searches or seizures. Keep copies of summonses or reports.- Consult a local lawyer in Tétouan: seek a practitioner experienced in narcotics offenses and the cannabis regulatory framework. Ask about strategy, timelines, and expected costs.- For farmers and businesses: verify whether your location is within a designated zone, gather land title or use documents, prepare corporate records, and map your intended activities to the specific license categories issued by ANRAC. Build compliance plans for security, traceability, and quality control.- For travelers and expatriates: do not carry cannabis or CBD products. If you face an issue at the airport or a checkpoint, contact a lawyer and your consulate promptly.- Monitor legal changes: cannabis regulations evolve. Have your lawyer check the latest decrees, circulars, and ANRAC guidance before making decisions.- Protect deadlines: criminal cases and license applications have strict time limits. Missing a deadline can limit your options.

This guide is for general information only. For advice on your situation in Tétouan, consult a qualified Moroccan lawyer.