Why is cannabis so common in Morocco despite it’s illegal status?

To understand how I chose the #1 cannabis friendly hotel in Fez, you must first know that Morocco’s history of cannabis farming and hashish production dates back to between 10th-15th century. The Arab’s conquering North Africa at the time introduced the plant to their way of life; and ever since it’s remained a durable part of Moroccan culture. 

Despite it’s cultural acceptance, Cannabis was made illegal in Morocco in 1956. The government confirmed their stance in 1974 when they introduced their legislation on narcotic drugs and it remains federally illegal to this day.

Though Marijuana is technically illegal in Morocco, it’s been so culturally engrained for centuries, that it’s actually “tolerated” by the authorities. This legal grey-area makes criminal charges rare, but cannabis loving tourists should still take precautions to purchase and consume safely to avoid problems with police.

How tourists can safely purchase hash in Fez

The best way to safely purchase and consume hashish in Fes is through a trusted local. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking “But I’m a tourist and don’t know any locals?!” In that case, your choice of hotel can make all the difference!

I HIGHLY recommend staying inside the Medina, the historic walled-in old city of Fes. It’s the heart of the city and the reason you travel here. I stayed in 3 different hotels inside the Medina and had good experiences at them all.

All 3 places I stayed were under $30 USD per night and were beautifully decorated in traditional Moroccan styles. All 3 also had rooftop terraces, an important factor for safely consuming hash as a tourist. But one of the 3 stood out from the others and I must rate it as the #1 Cannabis friendly hotel in Fez for the 420 enthusiast.

And the #1 Cannabis friendly Hotel in Fez is…

Dar Berrada in the Ziat area of Fes is THE spot! The primary reason I recommend this hotel for your 420 needs was a specific member of the excellent staff here. A tattooed and pierced fellow by the name of Yahweh. Or Ishmael. Or Ismail.

Within 30 minutes of our arrival it was determined that he would be my hash plug for the trip. And better yet, right there as we drank our welcome mint tea on the rooftop terrace, Yahweh hooked me up with his personal stash and let me roll a spliff to kick off the trip.

I’m not surprised one bit that the staff rating on booking.com is a 9.7 out of 10 as of May 2026. They were incredibly helpful in picking us up from the airport, answering any questions we had, and spoiling us with fresh mint tea on the rooftop whenever we requested. A beautiful breakfast spread was provided each morning: a basket of freshly baked pastries with bowls of fruit preserves and local honey, boiled eggs, yogurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, aromatic coffee and mint tea. It really hit the spot each morning alongside a wake’n’bake spliff and the rooftop terrace views.

RELATED: Read the full story here: High on Morocco, Part 1: Our First Time in Fez

The Ziat area of the Medina is a very quiet and residential neighborhood in the old city. We felt very safe here and it was a short walk to the busier central parts of the Medina, including the Blue Gate. The narrow alleyways can get confusing but putting your phone on airplane mode and using google maps can help with navigation.

Yahweh’s hashish connection came from a small family farm located in the Rif Mountains. I paid him 400 Dihram, about $40 USD, for a 5 gram ball of decent quality, which lasted me the full 10 days in Morocco (though I did supplement my stash some with other hash and flower in Chefchaouen). 

Whether you stay at Dar Berrada or not, I definitely recommend asking a younger member of staff at whichever hotel you choose if they’d be able to help you obtain some hash. Cannabis doesn’t have the same negative stigma in Morocco as it does it around most of the world. Don’t be afraid to ask, the locals are very familiar with Cannabis and won’t look down upon you.

As of May 2026, Dar Berrada is rated 8.8 on booking.com and a double room with a queen size bed for 2 guests is $21 per night before taxes and fees. 

Its located at N 25 Derb El Bakraoui, Ziat Area, Fes El Bali, Fes 30000, Morocco

I booked my reservation here: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ma/dar-berrada.html

My #2 and #3 choices for Cannabis Friendly Hotels in Fez

The other hotels I stayed in were great too, but I didn’t need to buy any more hash during my stays at these hotels so I can’t confirm if staff might be helpful; but everyone was very friendly and I imagine they would be happy to assist. Both hotels were nice, clean, affordable and covered in traditional Moroccan decor. Both had rooftop terraces where I felt comfortable smoking. 

Riad Dar Guennoun- As of may 2026 it’s rate 8.8 out of 10 on booking.com and the standard double room for 2 guests is about $25 USD before taxes and fees.

Riad Dar Najum- As of May 2026 it’s rated at 8.9 out of 10 on booking.com and the double room with Queen size bed for 2 guests is $23 before taxes and fees.

Do you have a different choice for the #1 cannabis friendly hotel in Fez?

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