Morocco evaluates hemp use in poultry feed to reduce antibiotics
Agreement between regulatory agency and veterinary institute evaluates the use of cannabidiol as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming
Published on 01/13/2026
Initiative in Morocco examines hemp feed for chickens | CanvaPro
The National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC) and the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II) in Rabat have signed an agreement to carry out the first scientific study in Morocco on the use of legal cannabis extracts in bird feed. The initiative involves incorporating molecules extracted from the plant, focusing on cannabidiol (CBD), into feed formulations for the poultry sector.
Research aims to replace growth-promoting antibiotics
According to information from the Barlamane portal, the project's goal is to reduce or replace the use of chemical growth-promoting antibiotics, the restriction of which is considered a global health priority. The study will last for ten months and will be conducted by the veterinary department of IAV Hassan II.
Development of feed with cannabis extracts
During the research period, scientists will develop a feed formulation for birds enriched with cannabis extracts, with the possibility of large-scale production and in compliance with health standards and international regulations. The work will also evaluate the biological effects of cannabidiol, including impacts on digestive health, the immune system, and poultry productivity.
Scientific and economic evaluation of cannabidiol
According to a statement cited by the Les Infos portal, ANRAC has given "the green light to analyze the effects of cannabidiol on immune activity and antimicrobial protection in birds." The agreement also includes an analysis of the economic aspects of adopting CBD-based food additives, including production costs and impacts on poultry farm profitability.
National strategy for legal cannabis
The initiative is part of Morocco's national strategy for the industrial exploitation of legal cannabis, launched in 2022, with the aim of diversifying the uses of the plant and stimulating economic innovation. In an official statement published on the ANRAC website, the regulator highlighted that similar research has been conducted in other countries, including studies carried out in Thailand in 2022 on the use of cannabis-based supplements in poultry farming.
