The work of the new research laboratory for the development of cannabis to be built in Al Hoceima will cost 1.558 million dirhams (MDH). The aim is not only to develop this sector, but also to promote the conversion of farmers from illicit to legal, sustainable and income-generating crops.
The Agency for the Promotion and Development of the North (APDN) recently launched a call for tenders for the construction of a research laboratory for the development of the legal cannabis sector in the commune of Bni Boufrah in the province of Al Hoceima.
The territorial development put forward through this laboratory project
The estimated cost of this project, which is part of the “Al Hoceima, Manarat Al Moutawasset” territorial development program, is estimated at 1.558 million dirhams (MDH).
According to the tender, this building will include a research laboratory, a fertiliser shop, a chemical warehouse, work surfaces, a shed for agricultural machinery, and administrative offices.
This call for tenders concerns construction work, floor and wall coverings, plumbing, installation of electrical networks, painting and fire prevention.
Large-scale production for medical and other purposes
This comes after the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) announced that it had issued 10 licences for the processing and manufacture of cannabis, as well as the marketing and export of cannabis and its products for medical, pharmaceutical and industrial purposes.
This issue is part of the implementation of the provisions of law n°13-21 on the legal use of cannabis.
Following the issuance of these authorisations, the Agency will start, in accordance with the provisions of law n°13-21, the process of authorising farmers installed in the regulatory perimeter (provinces of Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen and Taounate) to carry out the activity of cultivation and production of cannabis in the framework of agricultural cooperatives.
It should be emphasised that the Agency continues to explore the opportunities offered by the cannabis market in order to develop this sector and promote the conversion of farmers from illicit cultivation to legal, sustainable and income-generating cultivation.
