ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the specific nature of cannabis cultivation in the Rif region, while providing the widest possible overview of the agricultural economy. Originally cultivated in small quantities and consumed using traditional methods, Moroccan cannabis was not initially produced to satisfy the international market. Since independence in 1956 cultivation has been forbidden throughout Morocco except in the traditional cultivation area where it has been tolerated in order to mitigate the conflicts inherited, in particular, from the Rif War. In the traditional cannabis area, cultivation forms part of the 'domestic economy', that is the whole family unit must be involved in cultivation-related tasks. Moroccan cannabis and its cultivation possess unique characteristics linked to the climate, landscape, and knowledge of the farmers in the Rif. Cannabis cultivation takes place in six stages: sowing, cleaning, harvesting, drying, transformation, and commercialization. Transformation of the cannabis plant into resin, or hashish, is usually carried out using the beating method.
