Pharma 5, a key player in the Moroccan pharmaceutical industry, has launched the first generic cannabis-based medicine in Morocco.
Presented at its premises in Ouled Saleh on December 19, this product, designed to meet the needs of thousands of patients, highlights the Kingdom’s potential in terms of innovation and health sovereignty.
Accessible treatment for an urgent request
Provisionally named Cannabidiol 100mg, this medication in the form of an oral solution targets the 400,000 Moroccan epilepsy patients, often faced with high treatment costs.
Produced via a “reverse engineering” process, it meets the strict requirements of European and American standards while being offered at a price 50% lower than that of Epidiolex, its international equivalent.
A legal framework and reinforced expertise
The launch of this product follows the legalization of the medical use of cannabis in Morocco in 2022. Pharma 5, in partnership with the National Agency for the Regulation of Activities Related to Cannabis (ANRAC) and the Ministry of Health, has quickly invested in this area, becoming the first Moroccan player to file a file in this sector.
Production to world standards
For this medicine, Pharma 5 chose a variety of cannabis specifically adapted to international standards for pharmaceutical production. This selection guarantees a therapeutically effective CBD content and a very low THC level, in compliance with global regulations.
Although the local variety “Beldiya” is not yet used in this product, it is the subject of advanced research and could be integrated into future ranges, in particular thanks to its unique properties.
Exemplary social and economic integration
Pharma 5 is based on an inclusive model by involving farmers from the Rif, a historically marginalized region, in this innovative project. This approach is part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy, aiming to integrate these populations into the legal cultivation of cannabis for therapeutic use. The first harvest of “Beldiya” took place in 2024 and could play a key role in future productions.
The overall investment of 250 million dirhams, a third of which has already been committed, enabled the construction of a dedicated factory, designed to meet international standards and allow possible export to world markets.
A revolution for public health
This project goes well beyond medical innovation. By legalizing the medical use of cannabis in 2022, Morocco has paved the way for initiatives such as that of Pharma 5, which illustrates the ability of private actors to seize opportunities as soon as the legal framework allows it. To date, six training courses have been organized for healthcare professionals to familiarize them with the medical use of cannabis.
Promising prospects
The launch of Cannabidiol 100mg, planned for the first half of 2025, will be accompanied by clinical studies to explore other therapeutic uses of cannabis. This project is part of a strategic vision aimed at normalizing the medical use of cannabis in Morocco, step by step.
If there is no official communication at the moment on its selling price, it should nevertheless be 50% cheaper than that of the original drug.
The Laboratory aims to treat 100,000 Moroccan patients today using this product.
A national and international ambition
With this drug, Pharma 5 is not limited to responding to local demand. By positioning Morocco as a key player in biotechnology and strengthening national health sovereignty, the company is paving the way for new opportunities in the global market.
Pharma 5 proves that by combining innovation, inclusion and social responsibility, Morocco can not only meet its own medical needs, but also play a major role in the future of the pharmaceutical industry.
Abdellah Ouardirhi
