Following the generous pardon that HM King Mohammed VI graciously granted to 4,831 people who were convicted, prosecuted, or wanted in cases related to cannabis cultivation on the occasion of the anniversary of the King and the People's Revolution, these wanted individuals—213 in the province of Taounate alone—could not hide their immense joy and profound relief at being reunited with their loved ones and enjoying their full rights.
At the weekly market in Bani Walid, about twenty kilometers from Taounate, this Royal Pardon with great human significance has brought happiness to many. Small farmers who had previously been sought by the authorities were able to fully enjoy their first day of freedom, shopping for the week without constantly looking over their shoulders.
"This is a blessing and immense joy granted to us by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him," J.Z. told MAP. Living in the rural commune of Louta, a remote village a few miles from Taounate, J.Z. had lived in fear for four years of falling into the hands of justice, which had been searching for him in connection with an illegal cannabis cultivation case. "Now, I am free to reunite with my two children and my wife, and to do my shopping without the fear of being reported," he rejoiced.
The same sentiment was echoed by his cousin, N.Z., 38, who had also been prosecuted for a similar case for the past two years. "Besides regaining our freedom of movement, we can now also renew our identity papers, which are essential for accessing many services," he explained.
This Royal Pardon is a boon for the many cooperatives specializing in the legal cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes in the province of Taounate.
The day after this magnanimous gesture was announced, members of cooperatives flocked to the provincial headquarters of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) to inquire about the possibility of obtaining the necessary permits for formerly wanted farmers so that they could legally join the cannabis production chain.
According to Mohamed El Kacimi, vice-president of the Oudka Agricultural Cooperative, the pardon granted by His Majesty the King to the province's farmers is likely to promote their participation in the regulated cannabis production project while facilitating their economic integration by providing a regular income.
"This Royal Pardon will allow many farmers in conflict with the law to apply for the necessary permits to cultivate cannabis legally," said Otmane El Ayadi, president of the Nass Douar Cannabis Cultivation Cooperative, noting that this decision will have a significant impact on the social and economic situation of these individuals and their families by providing a stable annual income.
This view was shared by the provincial director of ANRAC in Taounate, Ihssane Sidki, who welcomed this "fundamentally humanitarian royal decision." "A wanted individual cannot fully enjoy their rights and often ends up living outside of society and separated from their family," he observed, noting that this Royal Solicitude also has economic significance.
The farmers who benefit from this Royal Pardon represent an economic force that has so far been marginalized and can now aspire to cultivate cannabis legally in accordance with the regulations established by ANRAC since its creation two years ago, he explained.
According to data from the province of Taounate, 1,341 people from the province benefited from the pardon that His Majesty the King graciously granted on the occasion of the anniversary of the King and the People's Revolution. Of these 1,341 individuals, 1,083 were free, 45 were in detention, and 213 were wanted.
The Royal Decision serves as an incentive for farmers to engage in legal activities, which helps combat illicit cannabis cultivation and facilitates their integration into society and their social and family stability.