NACOC to begin issuing licenses for cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced that it will soon begin
implementing the licensing regime for medicinal and industrial cannabis cultivation in Ghana.

This comes at the back of parliament’s approval of the regulatory and cost framework to operationalise the
licensing regime for controlled cultivation, processing, and use of cannabis with
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 percent for medicinal and industrial
purposes.

Parliament in 2024 passed into law the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023 and bestowed the Ministry of Interior with the responsibility of issuing licenses for the cultivation of cannabis, opening up avenues for the utilization of this versatile plant in various beneficial applications.

This came being after the Supreme Court intervened and declared section 43 of the law as unconstitutional, thereby hindering the smooth passage of the legislation.

In release signed by the Ag. Director, Public Affairs
and International Relations,
Francis Opoku Amoah he, announced the commission’s intension to commence granting license s to qualified entities that
meet stringent requirements.

Below are the requirements for the license as enlisted by NACOC in the release

1. Security protocols

2. Product traceability systems

3. Quality assurance standards

4. Full compliance with applicable laws and regulations

The Commission has however, cautioned prospective applicants to deal directly and with NACOC through the Cannabis Regulations
Department (CRD).

It has forbid entities not to engage with any individuals, groups, or associations claiming to facilitate
licensing.

The commission wants prospective applicants to only follow the officially approved licensing processes and guidelines for smooth process.

It emphasized that recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Ghana, stressing that NACOC
will work closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including the Ministry of
Interior, Ghana Standards Authority, and the Food and Drugs Authority, to ensure effective
implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of this framework.

The commission has had stated that it remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety while supporting lawful
innovation and industrial development in Ghana.