Ghana Legalises Cannabis Farming for Industrial, Medicinal Purposes, Invites Applications for Licences

Ghana Legalises Cannabis Farming for Industrial, Medicinal Purposes, Invites Applications for Licences.
The government of Ghana has officially opened applications for licences to cultivate cannabis strictly for industrial and medicinal purposes, marking a significant development in the country’s agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.
The initiative is being supervised by the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission under the legal framework of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which permits the controlled cultivation of cannabis with very low levels of THC.
According to authorities, only cannabis containing no more than 0.3% THC—the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana—will be approved for cultivation. This category is commonly referred to as industrial hemp.
What the Licence Allows
Licensed operators will be permitted to cultivate cannabis for:
Industrial hemp production used in textiles, paper, cosmetics and other products
Pharmaceutical and medical research
The production of medicinal cannabis under strict regulatory supervision
The Ghana Narcotics Control Commission said interested individuals and companies must meet strict security, regulatory, and financial requirements before licences can be granted.
Strict Regulations Still Apply
Authorities emphasised that while cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal use is now regulated, the recreational use of marijuana remains illegal in Ghana. Anyone found cultivating or possessing cannabis outside the approved framework could still face legal penalties.
Economic Opportunity
Policy analysts say the move could position Ghana to benefit from the rapidly growing global hemp and medical cannabis industry, which is valued at billions of dollars annually.
The government also believes the initiative could create jobs, attract foreign investment, and expand the country’s agricultural export market if properly managed.
Observers across West Africa are closely watching the development, as it could influence similar regulatory discussions in other countries across the region.