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Cannabis cultivation in Morocco's Rif Mountains dates back centuries, with hashish production evolving due to global demand. Humboldt Seed Company (HSC) collaborates with local farmers, combining traditional methods with modern standards. HSC's initiatives include breeding resilient strains and documenting farmers' traditions. The post highlights innovation coexisting with tradition, ensuring Moroccan hash remains a global treasure.

Morocco: The World’s Largest Hash Exporter

May 30, 2025

Melissa Reid

Cannabis Now



Cannabis cultivation in Morocco’s Rif Mountains dates back centuries,
believed to have been introduced to the North African nation by Arab
traders in the 7th century. The region’s dry, cold and mountainous climate
proved ideal for growing cannabis, embedding the plant deeply into local
culture. Initially consumed as *kif*, a blend of cannabis and tobacco
smoked in traditional pipes called *sebsi*, the practice evolved into
hashish production by the late 20th century. This shift was influenced by
increased global demand and new techniques introduced by international
travelers in the 1960s and ’70s. Today, Morocco is the world’s largest
producer of hashish, with the Rif Valley serving as a hub for cultivation
and processing rooted in tradition.

The farms in Morocco’s Rif Valley have mastered hash production over
generations. Now, they’re merging traditional methods with modern GMP (Good
Manufacturing Practices) standards to create high-quality products suitable
for global export. Traditional Ketama drums (Tam Tams) remain central to
processing and preserving cultural heritage while ensuring compliance with
international standards.

Humboldt Seed Company (HSC), the Northern Californian entity renowned for
its expertise in cannabis genetics, has been actively involved in this
transformation.
*The Four Seasons Of Moroccan Hash Making*

HSC collaborated closely with local farmers while visiting during all four
seasons to better understand their practices. HSC Founder and CEO Nathaniel
Pennington and his team have been helping Rif Valley farmers identify
challenges while introducing innovative breeding techniques that both honor
tradition and improve economic viability.

“We found ourselves sharing the same message with all the farmers we met:
‘Hold on to your heritage genetics because you have something very special
here,'” shares Pennington, who also says the Moroccan Beldia hash offers “a
much more visual high, almost like a mild acid trip.”
*Winter And Ramadan: Quiet Processing Period*

Winter is considered the “sleeping season” in the Rif Valley, marked by
quietude during Ramadan. However, it’s also the primary hash processing
season. As temperatures drop below 50°F, the valley echoes with the
rhythmic sounds of Ketama drums, signaling hash production.

Processing follows a simple yet effective technique: Dried cannabis is
sifted through silkscreens using sticks to extract trichomes. This method
reflects more than 6,000 years of inherited knowledge passed down orally
through generations. Workers sing traditional songs while working in
synchronicity, creating a communal atmosphere steeped in history.

During their winter visit, HSC observed these practices firsthand, noting
how extended families and seasonal workers gather to process hash through
the night. Once finished, the hash is stored in refrigerators before being
pressed into bricks for export. Morocco remains the largest global exporter
of hashish, with significant shipments to Europe.
*Spring: Planting Practices*

Spring marks planting season in the Rif Valley. Local farmers use a unique
circular planting system around their compounds. The “Inner Circle” is for
Romea Flower (foreign genetics) and requires more water and care. The
“Middle Circle” is reserved for

Beldia-Romea hybrids and only needs moderate attention. Lastly, the “Outer
Circle” is for Beldia landrace varieties. Hardy and adapted to local
conditions, these varietals yield only three percent cannabinoids and need
very little attention.

HSC worked alongside farmers in the spring to observe planting methods
firsthand and explore ways to enhance yields while respecting traditional
practices. They also began pheno-hunting efforts to identify resilient
strains suited to Morocco’s climate.
*Summer: Plant-Tending Challenges*

Summer is dedicated to tending cannabis plants. Farmers face challenges
such as Fusarium pathogens that threaten crops. HSC focused on identifying
resistant phenotypes through extensive pheno-hunting efforts—a process
they’ve mastered globally across regions such as California, Jamaica and
Antigua. Their goal was to develop strains that combine resilience with
high yields, ensuring farmers can meet market demands without sacrificing
traditional values.
*Fall: Harvesting And Storage*

Fall marks harvest time in the Rif Valley. Farmers gently sun-dry cannabis
on large tarps, flipping plants carefully to preserve trichomes. After
drying, plants are stacked into compact formations resembling brick walls
that are generally 4 feet wide and 8 feet high and can reach lengths of up
to 100 feet. This ancient storage practice preserves the terpenes and
cannabinoids.

During this season, HSC identified opportunities for boosting farmer
returns by improving yields: Beldia Flower delivers 100kg yields with 1kg
of hash, and Romea Flower delivers 100kg yields with 13kg of hash. HSC’s
breeding initiatives aim to find a middle ground—developing strains that
combine Beldia’s resilience with Romea’s productivity while retaining
traditional characteristics.
*Humboldt Seed Company’s Global Pheno-Hunting Efforts*

HSC’s work in Morocco is part of their broader global pheno-hunting
initiative aimed at preserving ancient landrace strains while adapting them
to modern market demands. In Morocco specifically, they documented farmers’
stories and traditions to ensure their voices were heard amid legalization
shifts. The team explored genetic diversity within Beldia strains—valued
for their drought resistance—and introduced international genetics to
enhance cannabinoid production.

HSC’s efforts include breeding triploid strains that promise seedless
plants better suited for hash production under Morocco’s unique
environmental conditions. This approach mirrors HSC’s Latitudes Project
collaboration with Dr. Machel Emanuel in the Caribbean, where they have
modernized Indigenous landrace genetics while preserving agricultural
biodiversity.
*Sustaining Tradition Through Innovation*

The Four Seasons approach highlights how innovation can coexist with
tradition—ensuring Moroccan hash remains a global treasure while supporting
local farmers economically and culturally. Humboldt Seed Company
exemplifies this balance by combining cutting-edge modern breeding
techniques with respect for heritage practices that produce the best
cannabis.

The post Morocco: The World’s Largest Hash Exporter appeared first on Cannabis
Now.

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