Hiking to the Marijuana Fields: Adventures in Morocco
Backpackers from all over the world travel to Morocco and word of the mouth says – it’s not just for the spices. Chefchaouen, AKA, the blue city is known as the hash capital of the world. Supposedly there is so much weed grown here, you can run through the fields. I had to find out if the rumors were true.
I love this place.
You could spend days, just basking in the sun and taking in the fresh mountain air. The city is painted various shades of blue to warn off mosquitoes. The locals say the city gets it’s name because of the peaks of mountain are shaped like the horns of a goat.
It is everything you could dream of and then a bit more.
Since our riad (Moroccan guesthouse) was so accommodating, we asked our host for a tour of the marijuana farms. He agreed to take us, but our schedules never synced. Throughout our visit, almost everyone person we spoke to asked if we wanted to buy hash: the waiters hailing us down to eat at the restaurant, the shop keepers after browsing through their store, everyone! We refused to purchase, but asked if they could take us to the farm. Everyone said yes! We ended up going with a young guy, posted by the town’s main water supply: the river. We shook hands and we were off on a tour.
It was a decent hike, about 30 minutes, past the Spanish mosque. Honestly, I don’t think I was a mentally prepared for a hike so I would suggest bringing water in advance. Once we arrived, I was surprised to see a young 20 something couple from Amsterdam there. I thought they were on a tour, but they were doing chores like they lived there. After a brief chat, I discovered they come to Chefchaouen regularly on holiday and became friends with the farmers. They were staying at the farm for their entire holiday and even lived in the states for a brief time: small world.
I was expecting to see fields and fields of marijuana (best blog video of the year?), but the harvest had already been gathered. All that was left in the fields were wooden support structures that use to hold up the stalks. Ah, well.
I have never seen marijuana in real life. I had never seen marijuana it before. I have never smoked, not even a cigarette.
So two men, walked out with several bundles wrapped in heavy plastic: the big reveal – The Harvest!
Mission Accomplished.
What You Need to Know
Is smoking weed legal in Morocco?
No, it’s not legal. It is highly tolerated and you can’t go a couple steps, without being offered to buy some in Chefchaouen.
Where can you get a tour to the marijuana farms?
Ask the guys offering you the weed. Seriously! Repeat After Me: Can you take me to the farm where it’s grown? I’d like to see how they make it. We asked a local to take us and he was extremely friendly. Be prepared to pay for a tip!
How far away was the farm?
There are several farms throughout the Rif Mountains. Our guide took us on 30 minute walk (a decent hike), past the Spanish mosque (one of the biggest landmarks in town).
Did you run through the marijuana fields?
The plants were already harvested. When we arrived to the farm, we could see the remains of support stalks along the deserted field.
You’ll have to visit during the spring to run through the fields.
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Great post! Morocco is definitely in my 40 before 40 travel Bucket List. I would love to run through the fields as well. Icksnay on the smoking part. 🙂
Wow! I’d never think to go see a place where they openly harvest and produce weed! Was there a Taco Bell next door? 🙂
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It’s the land of hash! Great pictures 🙂
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