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The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced preparations to begin licensing medical and industrial cannabis growing in Ghana, following Parliament’s ratification of a complete regulatory and cost framework to operationalise the industry.
The action will allow for the controlled production, processing, and consumption of cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level of no more than 0.3% for medical and industrial applications.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at NACOC, licenses would be provided only to qualified organisations that meet severe operational and regulatory requirements.
These consist of stringent quality assurance procedures, dependable product tracking systems, strong security mechanisms, and complete adherence to all relevant legal requirements.
Prospective applicants were advised by the Commission to only do business with NACOC directly through its Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD).
It further cautioned against working with people, organisations, or associations who make claims to expedite or simplify the licensing procedure.
NACOC emphasised that applicants must adhere to just the officially authorised licensing procedures and standards.
The Commission reaffirmed that cannabis use for recreational purposes is still prohibited in Ghana and will continue to be punishable by law, even with the new framework.
To guarantee efficient implementation, oversight, and enforcement of the licensing regime, NACOC stated that it will work closely with important organisations, such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Standards Authority, and the Food and Drugs Authority.
The initiative seeks to protect public health and safety while fostering legal innovation and industrial progress, according to the Commission.
Source: newsthemegh.com
