Morocco has long been known for producing hashish, or kif, but international recognition for the substance did not come about until the early 1970s, despite decades of manufacturing in the country.
A large portion of the cannabis grown in Morocco met the country’s need for kif, a concoction of chopped marijuana and tobacco, until the late 20th century, when an increasing number of foreign “hippies” began to enter the nation. Morocco is thought to be the producer of one-third to almost half of the hashish sold globally today, meeting the great bulk of the demand in Europe.
Although the purpose of this article is not to encourage any unlawful activity, it is a fact that many visitors to Morocco use hashish, and everyone needs to be aware of a few issues related to hashish and kif.
The Rif’s Kif
Moroccan men have been known to smoke kif regularly, particularly since the Spanish invaders started promoting its production in an attempt to maintain peace. Currently, the Rif Mountains, which run from the Mediterranean Sea to Tangier’s harbor, are home to almost all of Morocco’s cannabis crops. Due to the historically tense relations between the Berber tribes and the Arab-led central government, this predominantly Berber-populated region is among the poorest in the nation. For the impoverished in this area, who mostly depend on crops for livelihood, the drug business consequently offers a much-needed economic foundation. This helps to explain why attempts by the government to close down the country’s pharma business have not been successful.
Morocco has recently reviewed its legislation governing the production of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses. The Moroccan Parliament has also adopted these regulations. Consequently, farmers in the northern mountain regions of Al Houceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen who form cooperatives will progressively be permitted to cultivate cannabis to satisfy the demands of the legal market. The purpose of this legislative reform is to protect farmers from drug traffickers who control the cannabis trade and illegally export it to Europe, not to increase farmers’ revenues. Therefore, the use of cannabis for recreational purposes is not permitted.
However, the strong demand for superior cannabis grown and processed in Morocco has also contributed to the growth of this multimillion-dollar sector. Though most people agree that hashish is Morocco’s most lucrative industry (and export), there are always a lot of unseen forces at work in and around these mountains.
In Morocco, is Kif allowed?
Although the new law, which was established in 2021, permits the use of cannabis for industrial, medical, and cosmetic uses, it still forbids the use of cannabis for recreational purposes in Morocco. Growing, processing, selling, and smoking cannabis are all prohibited, with the severity of the penalties ranging according to the amount and location of the plant.
Many Moroccan cities are thought to be welcoming to those looking for kifs. Although buying and using hashish is generally seen as safe in many places, police informants frequently operate as dealers.
If discovered purchasing or smoking kif, the punishment can be up to ten years in a local jail; however, foreigners may also be released with a fine (which might be costly).
Purchasing Kif in Morocco
Backpackers searching for kifs regard the Rif Mountains’ Chefchaouen as a sanctuary.
Due to its proximity to Morocco’s hash production core, the substance is easily accessible and there are plenty of dealers. It is advisable to exercise caution in other parts of the Rif, as the mountainous regions are largely occupied by military and law enforcement personnel and have a lower population density. In these locations, it is preferable to stay out of the drug trade because there is a greater chance that you will be discovered and face consequences. It’s also not a good idea to take pictures of cannabis fields while hiking in the Rif Mountains, and not of the farmers themselves—a local farmer might not want to appear in your next Instagram clip because of legal concerns.
Hash is also bought and sold in Marrakesh and Fez, two of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations. In these locations, vendors typically wait until sundown and congregate in the busier sections and popular tourist destinations (such as Jemaa el-Fnaa Plaza) before approaching visitors who are interested in purchasing Moroccan hash. Even though the police occasionally fail to notice them, these transfers are prohibited. Small-time dealers may approach tourists in these regions with considerable perseverance. If you are not interested in purchasing hashish, it is okay to say “no” or to express your preference in the local dialect, Lla.
Kif smoking in Morocco
In Morocco, smoking kif is very widespread, especially among men. It is commonly smoked in a pipe, which is available in most Moroccan markets, or in a joint made by rolling it up with tobacco. You can find this pipe, called a sebsi in Darija, in the medina next to souvenir t-shirts and carpets, but just because you may light up your sebsi with your atay as a tourist doesn’t mean you should take it for granted!
You may discover little cafes where local guys smoke pipes, play cards, and sip tea in most Moroccan cities. For men, this is a good area to smoke, but only if you go with a local. There are lots of guesthouses and hostels where people feel comfortable enough to smoke, especially if you’re a lady or don’t have a reliable local to assist you. Here in Chefchaouen, this is particularly true. People typically flock to beaches or other natural places far from crowds to smoke. Most people try to avoid smoking in public or while strolling about town because it will attract attention.
It is crucial to remember that purchasing and consuming hashish and kif is still prohibited in Morocco and is not advised for tourists.
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