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Jemima Okang Addae
2 minutes read
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has reminded the public that only cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0.3 per cent on a dry weight basis is permitted for cultivation under licence in Ghana.
In a public notice issued on April 30, the Commission emphasised that all licences granted are strictly limited to cannabis that meets this threshold, warning that any deviation would fall outside the law.
Legal framework
Ghana legalised the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes following the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which was later amended to refine its scope and enforcement provisions.
Under the law, only low-THC cannabis — commonly referred to as industrial hemp — may be cultivated, and solely for industrial and medicinal applications. The legislation maintains a clear distinction between hemp and high-THC cannabis, the latter remaining prohibited due to its psychoactive effects.
The Commission noted that the 0.3 per cent THC threshold aligns with international benchmarks, including standards adopted in the European Union and other jurisdictions where industrial hemp farming is regulated.
Licensing and compliance
NACOC, the state body mandated to regulate narcotics and controlled substances, is responsible for issuing licences for authorised cannabis cultivation as part of efforts to position Ghana within the growing global hemp and medicinal cannabis industry.
The Commission encouraged prospective applicants to consult its official website for detailed guidance on licensing procedures, regulatory requirements and compliance obligations, stressing that adherence to the THC limit remains a fundamental condition for all approvals.
The reminder comes amid increasing interest in Ghana’s emerging industrial hemp sector, which authorities say offers economic potential while requiring strict oversight to prevent misuse.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh