"Its like Bradford in the 80'S" Zine

While cannabis has been illegal in Morocco since the nation’s independence in 1956, its growth across the mountainous Rif region in the far north of the country is – partially, at least – tolerated. Morocco is said to supply almost half of the world’s hashish, with an estimated 800,000 Moroccans risking arrest to make a living from the industry. From as early as the 1960s, the area has been a pilgrimage for Weed-smoking Westerners – and one that James Edson and Samuel Stamper know all about.

Inspired by its audacious history, the duo decided to take same 4000-mile route across Morocco used by drug smugglers in the 1970s, photographing the journey as they went along. Starting in Taghazout, they trekked up to Marakkech, into the mountains to Chefchaouen and Ketama, then back down to Fez, and into the Sahara to Ouarzazet, M’hamid and beyond to the Algerian boarder. Now, the photos – shot entirely on film – they gathered throughout the summer-long road trip are forming the base of It’s Like Bradford In The 80s, an exhibition and accompanying zine that documents their journey along the country’s iconic hash trail.