Morocco voted “Yes” in a historical vote that resulted in removing Cannabis for medicinal purposes from the UN’s Schedule IV category of the world’s most dangerous drugs that have limited or no therapeutic use. Cannabis, or better known as Marijuana, has been in that category since 1961.

Today’s vote is a vital one that will allow for an expansion in Marijuana research and how it can further be used medicinally.

Morocco was the only CND (Commission on Narcotic Drugs) member from the MENA region and one of only two African countries (South Africa) that voted in favor of medicinal Cannabis. Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and Bahrain voted against the removal of medicinal Cannabis from the Schedule IV category. The vote ended with a 27-25 majority, with one absent CND member state.

Out of the world’s top 5 Cannabis producers (US, Morocco, Afghanistan, Mexico, Colombia), only one nation (Afghanistan) voted against the removal of the drug from the Schedule IV category.

Before today’s vote, Cannabis and its derivatives were previously listed in the same category as some more dangerous and highly addictive drugs such as opioids and heroin.

Although the vote looks like a win for Cannabis advocates all over the globe, experts say that today’s is nothing but symbolic, as countries will still impose regulations and restrictions on how Cannabis is used and commercialized.

Cannabis has seen many victories in the previous years, as it has been legalized for medicinal and recreational use in several US states and the entirety of Canada, as well as some other parts of the world.

It is important to note that Morocco is one of the world’s biggest producers of Cannabis and is currently responsible for producing 70% of the EU’s Cannabis supply. The vote will benefit Morocco in the long run as the country could start taxing and regulating one of its most famous products.

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