Ghana's Parliament Passes Groundbreaking Cannabis Legislation
Ghana's Parliament has taken a monumental step towards reforming the nation's stance on cannabis by passing the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023. This pivotal legislation, which is now awaiting the signature of President Nana Akufo-Addo, could significantly open up the market for industrial hemp and medical cannabis in Ghana.
Key Provisions of the New Legislation
The bill proposes that the Interior Ministry be responsible for issuing licenses, covering various aspects of the cannabis industry including cultivation, distribution, processing, sale, import, and export. This move is set to establish a regulated framework for the cannabis sector in Ghana, with the THC limit for hemp set at 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. While over-the-counter CBD might not be legal, it could be available for medicinal purposes.
Ghana Aligning with Global Cannabis Reforms
This legislative advancement marks Ghana's efforts to align with international reforms in cannabis laws. The Parliament had previously passed the Narcotics Control Commission Act (NCCA) in 2020, legalizing cannabis for medical and industrial purposes. However, the NCCA faced challenges and was eventually struck down by the high court for lacking parliamentary debate.
The Vision for Hemp in Ghana
Ghanaian stakeholders have long viewed hemp as a means to environmental rejuvenation and a source of tax revenue. A study by Chinese researchers in 2021 suggested that Ghana could grow hemp for export and produce semi-finished products for the domestic market. Hemp is also seen as a potential boon for the country's declining textile industry, offering opportunities for fiber hemp as a rotational crop.
The Role of Agriculture in Ghana's Economy
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Ghana's economy, contributing to more than 50% of the country's GDP and accounting for over 40% of export earnings, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The introduction of hemp into this sector could significantly enhance Ghana's economic landscape.
