Amended Law in Ghana Allows for Cannabis Licenses Under Strict Conditions
Though cannabis remains illegal for recreational purposes, cultivators can be issued licenses for producing fiber and seeds.
In mid-July 2023, the parliament of Ghana approved a bill, the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Bill 2023, to amend previous cannabis legalization in Ghana under certain conditions (1). In recent years, cannabis had been legalized for medical and industrial purposes, yet oversight was placed with the country’s Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) (2). Part of that law was declared unconstitutional by the country’s Supreme Court because it did not include parliamentary debate (2).
With passage of this new amendment to the bill, the Minister of Interior is now authorized to distribute licenses to cultivate cannabis for possible medical and industrial purposes, with a THC limit of .3% (2). Cultivating cannabis for recreational purposes, even with a license, is still illegal (3). The new law did change the prison sentence for simple possession of drugs for recreational use into a fine, however (3).
“The government plans to harness cannabis' vast industrial potential, exploring its applications in fibre and controlled growth seed,” stated Victor Oluwole, Head and Editor at Business Insider Africa (1). “This progressive approach mirrors a broader trend in Africa, as several nations, including Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and more, have taken the leap to legalise cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.”
“Despite the optimism surrounding this green revolution, experts emphasise the need to ensure inclusivity for all stakeholders, particularly smallholder farmers,” Oluwole added (1). “It is essential to prevent a situation where corporate giants dominate the industry, leaving ordinary producers struggling to compete.”
Several sources suggest that the new law can open up more opportunities for revival of the agriculture and textile industries in the country (1,2).
References
- Oluwole, V. Ghana approves cannabis cultivation for industrial and medical purposes https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/ghana-approves-cannabis-cultivation-for-industrial-and-medical-purposes/wqx5t9g (accessed Aug 15, 2023).
- Ghana finally appears to have law that will open hemp market https://hemptoday.net/ghana-finally-appears-to-have-law-that-will-open-hemp-market/ (accessed Aug 15, 2023).
- Explainer: What the Narcotics Control Commission amendment bill 2023 means https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/EXPLAINER-What-the-Narcotics-Control-Commission-Amendment-Bill-2023-means-1803707 (accessed Aug 15, 2023).
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.
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November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
