Adverse weather conditions affecting several regions of Morocco, particularly in the north, have delayed the start of the new planting season for the traditional "Beldia" cannabis variety, which farmers had expected to begin cultivating in late January.
Heads of cannabis farming cooperatives said preparations remain underway to ensure a successful planting season, noting a significant rise in farmer participation in Morocco's regulated cannabis framework, with membership in some cooperatives increasing by as much as 50%.
According to a previous announcement by Morocco's National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities, planting of the traditional local variety is normally authorized between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, with the possibility of extending the period until March 31 if weather conditions require it. Cultivation after that date is prohibited. Imported cannabis seed varieties, locally referred to as "Romiya," are expected to be planted between April 1 and June 30.
Farid Ahithour, head of the Tizi Ifri cooperative specializing in the Beldia variety, said the unusual weather conditions prompted farmers to postpone planting until weather patterns stabilize. He added that cooperatives have nonetheless begun distributing seeds licensed by the national regulatory agency.
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