Ghana is set to take a major regulatory step in the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, as the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) announces the imminent rollout of a formal licensing regime, following parliamentary approval of the legal and cost framework governing the sector.
In a press statement issued on 11 February 2026, NACOC confirmed that it will begin implementing the licensing system that will regulate the cultivation, processing, and use of cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels not exceeding 0.3 per cent, in line with the legal provisions for medicinal and industrial cannabis.
The move operationalises reforms that were previously passed by Parliament but had remained largely inactive due to the absence of a regulatory and cost structure.
The Commission emphasized that licensing will not be open-ended or loosely managed, but strictly controlled and limited to qualified entities that meet clearly defined standards.
According to NACOC, applicants must demonstrate compliance with robust security protocols, product traceability systems, quality assurance standards, and full adherence to all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
These conditions are designed to prevent diversion into illegal markets and to ensure that cannabis cultivation remains strictly within the bounds of medical and industrial use.
In a strong warning to the public, NACOC cautioned prospective applicants against dealing with middlemen, unofficial agents, or self-styled “facilitators” claiming to have influence over the licensing process.
The Commission directed all interested parties to engage only and directly with NACOC through its Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD) and to follow the officially approved licensing procedures.
The statement reflects growing concern within state institutions over the rise of fraudsters and informal networks exploiting public interest in cannabis-related business opportunities, especially as global demand for medicinal cannabis products continues to grow.
Importantly, NACOC reiterated that recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Ghana, stressing that the new licensing framework does not legalise cannabis consumption for non-medical or non-industrial purposes.
The Commission made it clear that enforcement against illegal possession, trafficking, and recreational use will continue under existing narcotics laws.
To ensure effective implementation, NACOC disclosed that it will collaborate closely with key state institutions, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Standards Authority, and the Food and Drugs Authority, to manage regulation, product standards, monitoring, and enforcement.
This inter-agency approach is aimed at building a controlled and transparent cannabis industry that aligns with public health, safety, and national security priorities.
