Rabat, Morocco — A pioneering study published in the journal Pollutants has meticulously charted the environmental and social impacts of Morocco’s cannabis seed oil industry, marking the first comprehensive assessment of the sector’s footprint.
The research, spearheaded by scholars from Mohammed V University in Rabat and collaborating institutions, delves into the comparative performance of three distinct production methodologies: traditional artisanal, producer cooperatives, and regulated industrial plants.
The study’s findings underscore the cooperative model’s superior sustainability credentials, with the lowest carbon footprint of 3. 02 kg CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of oil, a testament to the cooperative’s efficiency.
The researchers’insights highlight the cooperative’s role in environmental stewardship, with a 3. 0 kg seed-to-oil conversion ratio, a 0. 54 kWh energy consumption rate, and seed losses of less than 0.
15 kg, all of which are significantly better than the artisanal and industrial counterparts. Electricity consumption emerged as the primary environmental impact driver, with artisanal models accounting for a substantial portion of climate change impact.
The study suggests that a shift towards renewable energy sources could significantly mitigate these effects, with a potential 25% reduction in climate impacts from a 50% renewable energy mix.
On the social front, the cooperative model excelled, scoring 4. 0 out of 5 on the ISO 26000:2010 social responsibility evaluation, reflecting a high degree of community involvement and reinvestment. Industrial plants, while scoring slightly higher, were lauded for their organizational governance and fair operating practices.
The study’s recommendations for enhancing sustainability include adopting drip irrigation to reduce water usage, improving seed yields through cultivar selection, and increasing the adoption of renewable energy.
The research underscores the importance of eco — designed packaging and strengthening cooperative governance structures. Morocco’s 2021 legalization of industrial and medicinal cannabis has catalyzed a rapid expansion in the cannabis seed oil industry, with the global hemp seed oil market valued at approximately $3. 26 billion in 2025 and projected to grow to $15.
63 billion by 2034.
The study’s findings are timely, offering a roadmap for sustainable growth in the sector.
As Morocco continues to position itself as a leader in the cannabis industry, the study’s emphasis on sustainability and social equity underscores the nation’s commitment to responsible development.
The cooperative model, with its potential for balancing economic growth with environmental and social benefits, appears to be a key component of Morocco’s strategic vision for the future of its cannabis industry.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Adil Faouzi
