Ghana’s parliament has made a groundbreaking move by passing the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023 into law.
As a result, the Ministry of Interior has been entrusted with the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis, opening up new possibilities for the utilization of this versatile plant in various beneficial applications.
This achievement comes after the Supreme Court intervened and declared section 43 of the law unconstitutional, which had previously authorized the Minister, upon the Commission’s recommendation, to grant licenses for cannabis cultivation, locally known as “wee” in Ghana. This provision has now been eliminated due to its unconstitutional nature.
On July 12, 2023, Parliament took up the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which includes a single clause that empowers the Minister to grant licenses for cannabis cultivation within the country once passed.
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With the implementation of this law, Ghana takes a significant step towards harnessing the potential benefits of cannabis cultivation.
By allowing controlled cultivation with limited THC content, the government aims to explore the plant’s industrial potential for fiber and seed production.
Additionally, the medicinal properties of cannabis can now be further researched and utilized in a regulated manner.
This legislative milestone is expected to pave the way for the development of a well-regulated cannabis industry in Ghana.
It will ensure that cultivation and usage adhere to strict guidelines and quality standards, fostering a responsible and beneficial cannabis sector in the country.
