Morocco is embarking on a pioneering agricultural research effort to explore whether certain compounds from the cannabis plant can be added to chicken feed as a natural alternative to antibiotics. This initiative reflects rising consumer demand for healthier, antibiotic-free poultry products and growing concern among scientists and farmers about the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture. Instead of relying on traditional antibiotic growth promoters, which have long been used to boost productivity, Moroccan researchers are testing whether hemp-derived substances can help improve chicken health, bolster immunity, and support growth in a sustainable way.
At the center of this project is a formal scientific trial lasting several months, led by the country’s authority on cannabis regulation in cooperation with an institute specializing in agriculture and veterinary science. The main goal is to carefully assess how cannabidiol, or CBD—a compound from the cannabis plant that does not produce psychoactive effects—interacts with poultry biology when included in feed. Researchers want to understand whether CBD has measurable effects on overall animal welfare, resistance to common diseases, feed conversion efficiency, and the quality of meat produced. If proven effective, this could mark a major shift in how farmers raise poultry and reduce reliance on antibiotics that may contribute to broader public health issues.
Antibiotics were traditionally incorporated into livestock diets to prevent disease and promote faster weight gain, but this practice is increasingly scrutinized. Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture is one factor linked to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, a phenomenon where harmful bacteria evolve to withstand drug treatment. As resistant bacteria become more common, infections in humans and animals become harder to treat with standard medicines. This growing challenge has encouraged scientists, policymakers, and producers worldwide to search for alternative methods that maintain animal health without exacerbating resistance problems.
Preliminary studies conducted in other parts of the world have hinted that cannabis by-products might support gut health in chickens, contribute to stronger immune responses, and even lower mortality rates. However, these early findings are not yet definitive, and each animal species responds differently to dietary changes. That’s why the Moroccan trial is designed to generate robust data over many months, tracking not just growth metrics but also veterinary health indicators and potentially beneficial effects on physiology. Researchers will closely observe how the birds respond at each stage of development, comparing CBD-supplemented groups with control groups on standard feed.
Beyond questions of biology and health, the team is also examining the economic feasibility of using hemp-based feed additives on a larger scale. Morocco’s poultry industry is a multibillion-dollar sector that supports many jobs and contributes significantly to the nation’s food supply. Any new feed component must therefore make economic sense for farmers, feed producers, and supply chains. Cost, availability, and ease of integration into existing production systems will all factor into whether hemp derivatives could realistically be adopted more widely.
Consumer preferences are also shifting. Urban populations in major Moroccan cities are increasingly interested in premium food products that are marketed as natural, organic, or free from artificial additives. Poultry labeled as antibiotic-free or raised with plant-based supplements could appeal to health-conscious buyers and command higher prices. Meeting this demand while safeguarding animal health and farm profitability is a central motivation for the research.
While replacing antibiotics entirely is unlikely to happen quickly, even partial substitution with effective, natural additives could reduce antibiotic usage and contribute to more sustainable farming practices. The outcomes of Morocco’s research may provide valuable insights not only for local producers but also for other countries searching for innovative ways to balance productivity with animal welfare, food safety, and long-term public health goals.
