The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has cautioned the public against falling victim to individuals or groups claiming to facilitate the acquisition of cannabis licences in Ghana.

In a statement issued on September 1, the Commission stressed that it has not “authorised, accredited, or certified any individual, group, or association to facilitate, broker, or secure the acquisition or issuance of cannabis licences.”

NACOC warned prospective applicants not to pay money to any person purporting to act as an intermediary or consultant, emphasising that all licensing procedures will be managed solely by the Commission.

“Official fees and charges applicable to the licensing process will be published by the Commission upon approval by Parliament,” the statement noted.

The Commission further urged the public to remain patient while Parliament finalises the legal framework for acquiring a cannabis licence. The passage of the relevant bill will pave the way for a transparent and regulated licensing system.

Providing clarity on the legal framework, NACOC explained that Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1100), empowers the Minister for the Interior to grant licences for cannabis cultivation. However, this applies only to cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis, strictly for industrial or medicinal use. Recreational use remains prohibited.

The Commission assured the public that robust regulatory measures have been put in place under the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475), to ensure fairness and transparency in the licensing process.

It reiterated that until the framework is finalised, “the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis and other narcotic drugs remain prohibited by law, except as expressly permitted under Act 1019.”

NACOC emphasised that any official updates on the licensing regime will only be communicated through its verified channels.