DR ‹ › Cannabis seed oil produced through cooperatives delivers the lowest environmental impact in Morocco, outperforming both artisanal and industrial models, according to a recent study based on international ISO sustainability standards. The research, published in the scientific journal Pollutants (MDPI), compares three production systems, artisanal presses, cooperatives, and industrial plants, using a life cycle assessment of 1 kg of oil, examining energy use, resource consumption, and emissions, alongside governance and labor conditions. Findings show that cooperatives are the most efficient, requiring around 3 kg of seeds per kg of oil and consuming less energy (0.54 kWh), while artisanal production is more resource-intensive and generates higher environmental burdens. Industrial facilities can match cooperative performance «if powered by renewable electricity», the researchers stress. Beyond environmental gains, the study also highlights improvements in governance, labor conditions, and community involvement following legalization, with cooperatives offering the most balanced overall model. For the record, Morocco legalized cannabis under Law 13-21 in 2021 for medical and industrial use, as part of a broader effort to regulate the sector and develop an industrial value chain.
