Morocco is said to produce nearly half of the world's hashish supply. The Rif region in North Africa is probably the largest acreage of cannabis cultivation in the world. Most of its hashish production is exported to, and consumed in, Western Europe.

The region has expanded rapidly since the 80's, mainly because of increasing demand from Europe. It's been tolerated for various political and economic reasons - hash production has become the regions main economic activity.

Hash production in Morocco is different from opium production in Afghanistan and Myanmar, and from coca production in Colombia. There's no armed conflict challenges. Although cultivating the plant is illegal, a complex set of colonial, political and economic factors has led to an unshakeable tolerance of the cannabis plant.

The production of Hashish is of tremendous importance not only to the Rif area, but also to Morocco as a whole. The future is uncertain. It represents numerous economic, political and ecological challenges for both Morocco and the European Community.

Be warned! The possession and consumption of cannabis are illegal in Morocco. Drugs users face the same penalties as dealers: five to ten years in prison.