Morocco's King Mohammad VI has pardoned over 4,800 farmers who illegally cultivated cannabis. This is stated by the country's Ministry of Justice.
The pardon came ahead of the country's national day, which falls on Tuesday.
According to the UN, Morocco is the world's largest cannabis producer, and the government is trying to combat illegal cultivation while promoting legal cultivation.
Three years ago, a law was adopted allowing cultivation in the northeastern part of the country. At the same time, the use of cannabis for medical purposes was legalized.
A new authority has been established to promote cultivation and facilitate the import and export of legally grown cannabis. The current pardon is a step towards integrating farmers "into the new strategy", according to the Ministry of Justice.
Between 80,000 and 120,000 people made a living from legal cannabis cultivation in the country five years ago, a figure that has increased since 2021.
