The mental health crisis in Morocco is becoming increasingly alarming, particularly as it coincides with the rising prevalence of drug use in a country renowned for its cannabis production. Recent studies reveal a troubling correlation between cannabis consumption and heightened suicide risks among the youth population, with approximately 6.5 million Moroccans currently suffering from mental health disorders—of which a staggering 85% do not receive the necessary care they require.
These statistics underscore a significant social and health crisis that extends beyond isolated cases. The Moroccan Ministry of Health acknowledged in a recent statement, widely reported by local media, that nearly 6.5 million individuals are grappling with mental health challenges, yet the vast majority of them lack access to adequate support. This situation highlights the growing gap between the mental health needs of the population and the capabilities of the healthcare system to address these needs appropriately.
The gravity of the situation is exacerbated by the drug issue. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Morocco remains a primary source of cannabis resin in Europe, and various research sources classify it as one of the largest producers of cannabis globally. The relationship between drug use and mental health is not coincidental; a study published in the British journal "Discover Public Health" involving 1,191 students from a northern Moroccan university found that 27% of participants fell into the category of suicide risk, with cannabis use identified as one of the contributing factors alongside family history of mental disorders and exposure to physical violence.
Worryingly, the same study reported a notable prevalence of cannabis users among those classified as being at risk, reinforcing the idea that drug use is not a standalone issue but rather intertwined with the broader mental health crisis affecting young people. This intertwining of factors leaves vulnerable groups to confront compounded crises due to ineffective policies. The troubling trend is echoed among younger demographics as well; a study published in 2025 in the Swiss journal "Health Care" found that 16.66% of middle and high school students reported suicidal thoughts, and 25% admitted to current use of psychoactive substances.
It is crucial to recognize that while drugs are not the sole cause of mental disorders or suicides in Morocco, the persistent emergence of cannabis and other psychoactive substances as risk factors in Moroccan studies makes it difficult to overlook this aspect, especially when concerning adolescents and young adults. The situation becomes even more dire when examining children; UNICEF's latest report indicates that over 276,000 students left school during the 2024-2025 academic year, with around 103,000 children aged 7 to 17 entering the workforce, while approximately 6.9 million children face increasing risks associated with water stress and climate change.
These data suggest that the crisis does not merely arise with the emergence of mental disorders; rather, it is shaped by social, educational, and economic pressures that exacerbate the problems faced by many youths, particularly those who turn to drugs and psychoactive substances as a coping mechanism. The responsibility for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment thus becomes a direct test of the authorities' ability to protect vulnerable populations.
The cost of this crisis extends beyond health and societal implications. An economic analysis based on an international study published in the British journal "Nature Medicine" estimated that depression could cost Morocco around $21.23 billion between 2025 and 2050, with annual losses exceeding $800 million in several years due to declines in productivity and reduced workforce participation. Consequently, a heavy array of indicators converges into a single picture: 6.5 million individuals suffering from mental disorders, 85% lacking the necessary care, 27% from a university sample at suicide risk, and 25% from a school sample admitting to using psychoactive substances, all while Morocco maintains its position as a major global source of cannabis and a primary supplier of cannabis resin.
The significance of these figures lies not only in their magnitude but also in their interconnections: the proliferation of drugs, psychological fragility among the youth, elevated suicide indicators, and a substantial treatment gap. These insights reveal that the mental health crisis in Morocco transcends a mere health issue, placing clear responsibility on the authorities to confront its underlying causes and ramifications.
As reported by al24news.dz.
