Ghana Parliament passes NACOC Bill to Legalize Cannabis Cultivation For Medical & Industrial Use

In a momentous move, Ghana's parliament has successfully passed the Narcotics Control Commission Bill of 2023 into law. Consequently, the Ministry of Interior has been granted the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis, heralding new opportunities for harnessing the versatility of this plant in a wide range of beneficial applications.

This significant achievement follows a crucial intervention by the Supreme Court, which deemed section 43 of the legislation unconstitutional, thereby impeding its smooth passage. Previously, section 43 of Act 1019 granted the Minister the power to grant licenses for cannabis cultivation, commonly known as “wee” in Ghana. However, this provision has been eliminated due to its constitutional flaws.

On July 12, 2023, Parliament deliberated on the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill consists of a single clause that, upon approval, will empower the Minister to issue licenses for cannabis cultivation within the country.

The enactment of this law marks a significant stride for Ghana in leveraging the potential benefits of cannabis cultivation. By permitting controlled cultivation of cannabis with restricted THC levels, the government aims to tap into its industrial potential and explore its application in fiber and seed production. Furthermore, this move allows for the regulated exploration and utilization of cannabis's medicinal properties.

This legislative breakthrough is expected to pave the way for the development of a well-regulated cannabis industry in Ghana, ensuring that cultivation and usage strictly adhere to comprehensive guidelines and quality standards.