Morocco’s Cannabis Legalization Could Spike Drug Prices in France, Police Warn

The enactment of the law on the use of cannabis for medical purposes is a step forward in Morocco, but it could have direct consequences on the illicit French market. This is at least what the anti-narcotics office (OFAST) thinks in a note consulted by Europe 1. The kingdom plans that 30% of the cultivated area of cannabis will be reserved for this legal activity. Specialized police officers already see "a loss for drug traffickers." According to them, there will be a "transition period necessary for traffickers to implement their strategy," which could negatively impact the markets and consequently increase the price of cannabis.

The legalization of Moroccan cannabis could also have another consequence: the production by criminal organizations of resins even more concentrated in THC, products highly sought after by French consumers and sold at higher prices (between 15 and 25 euros per gram, compared to 8 euros for the classic resin). In addition to the impact of the Moroccan law on local criminal organizations - illegal cannabis generates around 19 billion euros per year and supports between 90,000 and 140,000 families according to a 2019 report - "this intensification of violence between rival groups could thus manifest itself [...] also on French territory," write the specialized police officers.

OFAST also fears the development of new forms of crime, particularly with the possible arrival of foreign investors in the Rif Valley within the legal cannabis sector, as was the case for Argentina.