The term “Khardala” comes from the Berber dialect spoken in the Rif region of northern Morocco and often means “mixture” or “blend”. In the context of cannabis, it refers to a hybrid strain of unknown parentage that is known for its resilience and adaptability to harsh climate conditions, such as those found in North Africa.
Over the years, Khardala has become synonymous with Moroccan cannabis plants, renowned for their contribution to the production of the area’s famous hashish, which has led Morocco to become one of the world’s leading hashish-producing countries. Hundreds of Moroccan farmers have cultivated this strain, which has established itself as one of the most representative of the country’s cannabis culture, offering cannabis with its characteristics, both in its genetics and in its effect. Today we tell you more about it.
Where is Khardala grown?
As we have already mentioned, Khardala cultivation is concentrated in the Rif Mountains, a region located in the north of Morocco that has historically been the heart of cannabis cultivation and hashish production in the country. This area has ideal climatic conditions for the development of cannabis plants, thanks to its altitude and sunny but dry climate. The combination of mild winters and hot summers gives the plants the hours of light and heat necessary for good growth and optimal resin production.
Although cultivation has traditionally been carried out outdoors, some farmers in recent decades have begun to explore controlled cultivation methods to maximize the quality of the final product. Nevertheless, the hills and valleys of the Rif remain the main spot for the production of legendary varieties such as Beldia or Khardala, where generations of farmers have perfected the cultivation and hashish production techniques that have been passed down for decades.
Origins and evolution of Moroccan hashish
Traditionally, and before people started to grow their own pot in Spain, Morocco had become the main source of hashish for most European countries. While hashish production in Morocco dates back only some decades, since the 60s it has become – along with Afghanistan – one of the major world producers of this cannabis resin concentrate. In this article we tell you more about the origins of Moroccan hashish and the evolution experienced during the past years.
Seizures by various European authorities in recent years have shown that something is changing in Moroccan crops; indeed, the increase in the use of this variety (and other European and American hybrids) for the production of hashish has coincided with a change in both the form and potency of this substance. Today it is even difficult to find the classic rectangular 250g pieces that were so popular only a few decades ago, which have given way to different formats, such as 200 or 10g round-shaped pieces or 100g tablets.
This change in the shape of the pieces has also coincided with an increase in the potency of this substance, as seen in analyses carried out by both the Spanish and French authorities, which are the two main consumer countries of Moroccan hashish. It has been shown that, since approximately the year 2000, the potency of these pieces has been increasing, most likely due to a change in the genetics used to produce them, as attested by the Moroccan producers themselves. Today, indigenous varieties have been relegated to the background in favor of hybrid varieties, with a much higher resin production that allows producers to cultivate less land to obtain the same amount of resin, as well as greater potency.
Features of Khardala
Khardala is a cannabis strain that stands out for its unique properties, both in growth and in the final product. It is a robust plant, capable of withstanding the harsh environmental conditions of northern Morocco, including long periods of drought and nutrient-poor soils. In terms of appearance, Khardala plants are usually medium-tall, with sturdy branches and wide leaves, with a Sativa predominance but clear characteristics of hybrid varieties. Flowering is usually fast, although not as fast as the traditional Beldia variety, which is usually harvested at the end of August and is also known as Maghribiya, Aadiya, or Kdima Dyalna.
One of the main qualities of Khardala is its high resin production, which makes it an ideal strain for the production of hashish. The hashish produced from this strain is known for its potency, offering a relaxing and deep effect, characteristic of indica varieties. As for its organoleptic profile, Khardala presents earthy aromas and flavors, with spicy and woody nuances, which gives it a unique identity compared to other hybrid varieties of foreign origin.
The future of cannabis cultivation in Morocco
Cannabis cultivation in Morocco is transforming. For decades, Morocco has been one of the world’s leading producers of hashish, but the industry is evolving rapidly due to the recent legalization of medicinal and industrial cannabis in the country, which has already begun exporting cannabis to other countries. This legislative change opens up new opportunities for farmers in the Rif region, who will be able to integrate their traditional knowledge with new, more professional cultivation and production techniques.
However, the future of cannabis in Morocco is not without its challenges. On the one hand, the introduction of new hybrid varieties from Europe and North America is beginning to displace traditional varieties such as Beldia or Khardala. Although these new varieties such as Gaouriya, Romiya, or Hajala may offer higher yields or shorter flowering times, there is a risk that traditional genetics will be lost in the process. The preservation of Beldia, Khardala, and other indigenous varieties will be key to maintaining Morocco’s cannabis identity on the international scene.
On the other hand, Moroccan farmers will have to adapt both to the needs of these new varieties (nutrition, irrigation, etc.) and to the demands of the global medicinal and recreational cannabis market, which may involve the adoption of more sophisticated cultivation and processing techniques (something that has already been happening for years). As Morocco positions itself as a key player in the global cannabis industry, the challenge will be to balance modernization with the preservation of its rich cannabis heritage. The future of Khardala cultivation will largely depend on the ability of farmers to adapt to these changes without losing sight of their roots.
We’ll see how the situation develops!
