In Morocco, the INRA (National Institute for Agricultural Research) has begun an initiative to protect the country’s traditionalMoroccan cannabis seeds from being altered and lost by imported seeds. The main goal of this project is to preserve and register a specific cannabis strain from Morocco. After registration, the cannabis strain can be sold commercially, which would be beneficial to the Moroccan economy.

The Moroccan institute considers the preservation of traditional cannabis seeds important. After all, they have a rich history and cultural significance in Morocco. With the increasing importation of foreign seeds, for example from the Netherlands, the diversity of local varieties is in danger of being lost. To prevent this, they will research Moroccan seeds, refine them and record their characteristics.

The plan is to use different techniques to create a unique cannabis variety that retains its traditional value and meets the commercial needs of the market. This initiative aims to support local farmers, boost the economy and ensure the preservation of Morocco’s traditional cannabis seeds for future generations.

Protection of Moroccan cannabis seeds: How do they approach it?

The legalization of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes in Morocco has brought about a significant change in the cultivation of this plant. Previously, cannabis production was illegal, but now the transition to a regulated sector has brought new challenges. One of these challenges is the preservation of biodiversity and the quality of local cannabis seeds.

Research needed

Traditional Moroccan cannabis seeds have been grown for centuries in the country’s northern regions. Farmers are concerned about imports of foreign seeds that are better adapted to the demands of European markets.

To counter this threat, the INRA has launched an ambitious research program. The goal of this program is to collect, preserve and characterize Moroccan cannabis seeds. 

The conservation of local cannabis seeds is essential to protect genetic diversity and ensure that the unique characteristics and quality of Moroccan cannabis are preserved. Through this research program, the agencies involved hope to ensure that traditional seeds are not lost and that the local cannabis industry can participate in the regulated sector.

Maroccan cannabis

How do they go about it?

Collecting cannabis

The main goal of the research is to collect and categorize different strains of native cannabis, looking at their external characteristics, yields and chemical composition. To get their hands on these strains, the researchers worked with traditional farmers. It is important that the samples collected do not come from farmers growing imported hybrid plants. In other words, they must be pure Moroccan cannabis.

Experiments

In addition to collecting seeds, some samples are kept in a gene bank, while others are used for experiments. The seeds are thoroughly analyzed for their external characteristics. Researchers also check how they grow, and look at the genetic level to analyze their diversity and interrelatedness.

These experiments look at the external characteristics of the plants, such as the shape and size of the leaves. They also consider how many seeds the plants yield, how fast they grow and whether they are suitable for cultivation. In this way, they hope to develop the best Moroccan cannabis.

What does Morocco want to achieve?

The main goal of the project is to develop a special strain of cannabis from Morocco that can be officially recognized and commercialized. This is important to ensure that the strain can be sold and protected from unauthorized copying.

Cannabis at The Border

Stop by The Border to try out different strains of cannabis. We are located at the edge of the Amsterdamse Bos. Who knows, maybe you too will soon be enjoying true native Moroccan cannabis!