Morocco has been making hashish (or kif) for centuries, but it wasn’t until the early 1970s that the country started getting worldwide attention for it. Over time, many people now associate Morocco with this drug.
For a long time, most of the cannabis grown in Morocco was used locally to make kif, which is a mix of tobacco and chopped marijuana. However, in the late 20th century, as more foreign “hippies” started visiting, the country saw an increase in demand. Today, it’s believed that Morocco produces between one-third and nearly half of the hashish sold around the world, mostly supplying Europe.
While this article doesn’t aim to promote any illegal activities, it’s important to note that many tourists do use hashish when visiting Morocco. With that in mind, it’s essential to understand some of the issues that can come with hashish and kif.
Kif in the Heart of the Rif
Most of Morocco’s cannabis is grown in the Rif Mountains, which stretch from the Mediterranean Sea to the port city of Tangier. This area has long been home to Berber tribes and is one of the poorest regions in the country, largely because of a strained relationship between the tribes and the Arab-led central government. As a result, the drug trade has become an important source of income for many people in the area, who rely on growing cannabis for their livelihoods. This is partly due to the fact that Spanish conquerors once encouraged the cultivation of kif to help keep peace in the region.
Recently, Morocco has updated its cannabis regulations to control the plant’s production for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. Farmers in northern mountain regions like Al Houceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen, who are part of cooperatives, will be allowed to grow cannabis in order to meet the legal market’s needs. This law change is aimed at protecting farmers from criminal drug traffickers who illegally send cannabis to Europe, not at making cannabis legal for recreational use.
The high demand for top-quality cannabis from Morocco has helped turn it into a multimillion-dollar industry. Many people believe that hashish is Morocco’s most profitable export, which means there is often a lot of illegal activity happening in and around the mountain areas where it’s grown.
Does Morocco Allow Kif
While Morocco passed a law in 2021 allowing cannabis to be used legally for industrial, medical, and cosmetic purposes, recreational use of kif (marijuana) is still strictly illegal. Growing, selling, smoking, or possessing cannabis is against the law, and punishments can vary depending on the amount and where it’s found.
Some cities in Morocco are known to be more open to tourists looking for kif, but it’s important to know that buying or using hashish can still lead to trouble. Even though it might seem safe in some places, there are often undercover informers working as dealers.
Foreigners may sometimes avoid fines, though they can still be hefty. On the other hand, local people caught buying or smoking kif can face serious consequences, including up to ten years in prison
Where to Buy Kif in Morocco
Backpackers often see the city of Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains, as a safe spot for finding kif. Its proximity to Morocco’s main hash production area makes the substance easy to find, and traffickers are common in the area. However, the Rif Mountains are also heavily patrolled by law enforcement and the military, so it’s important to be careful if you’re venturing further out.
To avoid getting into trouble, it’s best to stay away from the drug trade in these regions. Taking photos of cannabis plants or workers is also not a good idea. Many local farmers prefer to stay out of the spotlight due to legal reasons and might not want their images shared on social media. If you’re hiking in the Rif, it’s respectful to be mindful of these concerns.
Hash is also sold in Fez and Marrakesh, two popular tourist cities in Morocco. Vendors often wait until evening to gather in busy neighborhoods and tourist spots like Jemaa el-Fnaa square. They approach tourists looking to buy hash. While the police may not always catch them, these transactions are illegal.
If a seller approaches you, it’s okay to say “no” if you’re not interested. You can also politely decline in the local language. Stay calm and don’t feel pressured—it’s perfectly normal to turn them down.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that purchasing and sIt’s crucial to remember, though, that purchasing and smoking hashish and kif is still prohibited in Morocco and is not advised for tourists.