Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) announced this week that it is furthering its collaboration with the nation’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to boost Ghana’s emerging legal cannabis industry. Ghana’s Ministry of Interior finalized a framework to issue cannabis cultivation licenses earlier this year.

“The partnership seeks to support the development of industrial and medicinal applications of low-THC cannabis, commonly referred to as hemp, while ensuring strict regulatory oversight to prevent abuse and diversion.” reported MyJoyOnline. “The Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said the Commission would strictly enforce the regulatory framework governing the cultivation and use of cannabis within the permitted 0.3 per cent THC threshold.”

“He said the objective was to enable Ghana to derive the maximum economic, industrial, medicinal and social benefits from the regulated cannabis sector without compromising public health and safety.” the outlet also reported. “Major General Mantey made the remarks during a meeting between the management of NACOC and CSIR, where discussions centred on areas of collaboration, particularly scientific research into the medicinal and industrial derivatives of low-THC cannabis.”

In the summer of 2023, lawmakers in Ghana approved a measure that legalized the limited cultivation of low-THC cannabis for medical and industrial purposes.

“Ghana has launched the Cannabis Regulatory Programme, establishing a controlled framework for the cultivation and management of low-THC cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. The announcement came during a press briefing in Accra where Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, declared the programme open for implementation.” Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior wrote in a news release earlier this year.

“This low-psychoactive hemp is the same type legally cultivated in countries like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany for fibre, seeds, textiles, food products, and therapeutic applications,” Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak stated.

While it is encouraging to see Ghana embracing low-THC cannabis research and commerce, the economic potential of the nation’s model is obviously limited compared to a more robust model, such as what is in place in Canada. Hopefully as time goes by, and if no major issues surface in Ghana’s low-THC industry, the nation’s lawmakers will pursue regulatory changes that permit higher THC levels.