Commission Cautions Public To Avoid Middlemen
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has reiterated 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 cautioned all prospective applicants not to pay money to anyone purporting to act as an agent, intermediary, or consultant for cannabis licensing. All licensing processes will be conducted only by the Commission, not through third parties.
The Commission will publish official fees applicable to the licensing process upon approval by Parliament, a statement issued on Monday, September 1, said.
“The public is advised to exercise patience and allow Parliament to complete its work on the procedures for acquiring a cannabis licence and to pass the relevant bill,” the statement said.
For public information, 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 to cultivate cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis, for industrial purposes (fibre or seed) or for medicinal purposes. It does not authorise recreational use.
NACOC, in accordance with the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475), has instituted the necessary policies and measures to ensure a transparent, fair, and robust cannabis regulatory regime for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
“Until the framework is finalised and licences are duly issued, the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis and other narcotic drugs remain prohibited by law, except as expressly permitted under Act 1019. Official updates will be communicated only through NACOC’s verified channels,” the statement said.