In a historic move, Ghana’s Parliament has officially legalized the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, aligning the nation with the global trend of recognizing the diverse benefits of cannabis.
The groundbreaking decision, made on December 14, 2023, empowers the Interior Minister to issue licenses, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to cannabis regulations.
This decision reinforces Ghana’s dedication to unlocking the potential of cannabis, as highlighted by the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (Act 1019).
Ghana’s move reflects the broader international wave of countries embracing the economic potential of the cannabis industry, valued at an estimated $30 billion in global GDP as of January 2022.
The newly authorized licenses cover a comprehensive range of cannabis-related activities, encompassing cultivation, processing, distribution, sale, import, and export.
Crucially, these licenses adhere to strict standards for THC content, limiting levels to 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Experts argue that with proper management and regulation across the cannabis value chain, Ghana stands to address economic challenges, given the plant’s ability to thrive in various regions of the country.
One key sector anticipated to experience significant benefits is employment, as the cannabis industry has the potential to generate a substantial number of jobs.
