The Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Mr. Francis Amoah, has clarified that marijuana for recreational smoking has not been legalized in Ghana.
Speaking on iKulcha TV and Radio Kulcha with host Kwesi E. Baako, Mr. Amoah explained that the law only permits the cultivation of industrial hemp under strict regulation.
He stated that Marijuana for smoking has not been legalized in Ghana and only a certain type of cannabis which cannot be smoked is under consideration for industrial and medicinal uses.
According to him, Ghana’s legislation allows for the cultivation of cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 percent, strictly for industrial and medicinal purposes. He stressed that any form of cannabis exceeding that threshold or intended for recreational use remains illegal.
Mr. Amoah urged the public to be guided by accurate information and warned that individuals found engaging in the unauthorized use or distribution of marijuana would face the full rigors of the law.
He however added that the new regulation also provides for non-custodial punishment for people caught with up to a certain amount of marijuana. He however also admitted that the said amount is yet to be determined by lawmakers.
Responding to suggestions that the proposed licensing fees for the cultivation of industrial hemp in Ghana is too high, Mr. Amoah said no official figures have been announced yet. He said any opposition to the fee regime should only be discussed after the official figures have been announced.
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