As a rookie smoker years ago I probably couldn’t tell what type of strain I was smoking based on its smoke, appearance, or smell but with time I was able to determine the effects of the strains I obtained. The differences in strain appearance were always vivid with almost all strains showing plenty of sticky resin but the smell would always differ. It wasn’t until about a few years down into smoking medical marijuana I was able to tell the difference between sativa and indica strains. Also, with the introduction of “hybrid strains” the possibilities of effects are almost endless.

According to a recent report by a joint EU watchdog, published on May 24, 2016; Europeans spend a colossal 24 billion euros ($26.8 billion) on illicit substances which, according to the report, fund crime syndicates and terrorism and“are one of the key threats to the security of the EU”.

The largest proportion of this expenditure goes to cannabis, which makes up 38% of the illegal drug market in Europe. That amounts to 9.3 billion euros ($10.4 billion). The majority of this cannabis is grown within European borders.

Ilyass El Omari, President of the Regional Council of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, organized the first international conference on drugs and cannabis on 18 and 19 March in Tangier. 

Under the motto “All for Alternatives Based on Sustainable Development, Health and Human Rights,” elected officials, experts and scholars presented their views on the issue of cannabis plantations and alternatives available to local cultivators.

Although the Koran does not specifically outlaw cannabis, and it was apparently never mentioned by Mohammed himself, the plant and products made from it are still considered haraam (forbidden). However, cannabis grows and is processed into hashish in many Muslim-majority countries around the world, and it has been an undeniable part of the culture for centuries in many of these countries.  

Rabat – The 2015 report by the International Narcotics Control Board reported that Morocco remains one of the world’s largest producers of cannabis and is Europe’s leading supplier of cannabis resin.

The UN-affiliated board noted that since its visit to the Moroccan government in 2009, the kingdom has demonstrated a “high” level of cooperation in anti-narcotics efforts, especially in the fields of preventing citizens from using cannabis, reducing the area of lands cultivating the plant, and treating narcotics addiction.

Morocco is one of the largest producers of cannabis resin in the world, according to the 2015 report published by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

Much of this production destined for Europe is smuggled from Morocco, notes the report of the INCB, an independent body to monitor the implementation of United Nations international conventions on drug control.

"Morocco remains one of the largest producers of cannabis resin and remains one of the main countries where the resin is smuggled to Europe," says the document, noting that "Morocco was these past ten years, among the three most frequently cited countries as source or transit area of ​​the seized resin in the world".

Rabat  –  Six suspects were arrested by Agadir’s judiciary police following the interception of a truck, which was carrying 6.6 tons of cannabis (marijuana).

Investigations led to the arrest of six people, including the truck driver, the vehicle owner and the main suspect, said national police (DGSN) in a statement.

Investigations are still ongoing to determine possible links between this ring and other criminal organizations and to arrest those involved in the traffic.