The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC) and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) signed a framework agreement on June 17 in Benguerir to develop applied research on the medical and pharmaceutical use of cannabis. The collaboration focuses on producing knowledge about therapeutic applications through proven scientific tools and recognized biomedical protocols. Research will concentrate on the chemical and pharmacological characterization of cannabis's active compounds and their potential effectiveness in treating specific pathologies, reads a press release. The partnership employs approaches combining experimentation, modeling, and data analysis to explore the conditions under which these substances could contribute to managing certain conditions while respecting regulatory requirements and health safety standards. Beyond scientific production, the agreement establishes a mechanism to transfer results to relevant stakeholders in the health, pharmacy, and clinical research sectors. Training programs will target researchers, doctors, pharmacists, and health professionals to strengthen expertise in therapeutic cannabis uses, covering pharmacological aspects, applicable legal frameworks, and integration conditions into care pathways. A separate agreement with UM6P's African Genome Center will conduct genetic characterization of the local Beldia variety using next-generation sequencing technologies to characterize this endemic resource, ensure traceability, and provide protection through ANRAC.
