The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued licenses to two companies for the cultivation of cannabis (Wee) for medicinal and industrial use. The licenses will allow the two companies to cultivate cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol content of not more than 0.3 per cent for medicinal and industrial use. The move is aimed at creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting research under a tightly regulated framework.
The two companies; MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited were given the licenses after meeting the requirements set out under Ghana’s regulatory framework.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the licensing process was deliberately rigorous to ensure only qualified applicants entered the new industry.
According to him the two applicants underwent detailed technical assessments, field inspections and reviews by a multi-agency technical committee before recommendations were submitted to the Minister for the Interior for approval.
Major General Mantey stressed that cannabis cultivation remained illegal unless carried out under a valid license and within the approved THC limit of 0.3 per cent.
“Only licensed cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of not more than 0.3 per cent is legal. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and anyone who cultivates without a licence faces the full force of the law,” he said.
He explained that the initiative was being implemented as a pilot programme to allow the country to benefit from the medicinal and industrial value of cannabis while maintaining strict controls against abuse.
He warned the two firms their licenses will be revoked if they fail to comply with the strict regulations.
“If you comply with the regulations, the opportunities are significant. If you abuse the system, we will revoke the licence and enforce the law,” he said.
Major General Mantey added that NACOC officers would conduct inspections with or without prior notice and that licence holders whose crops exceeded the approved THC threshold must immediately notify the commission for appropriate disposal.
The licences are valid for three years, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements and renewal by NACOC.
