Parliament has approved the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, signalling a significant shift in the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal applications.
The amended bill empowers the Ministry of Interior to issue licenses and marks a pivotal moment for the country and embraces the use of cannabis for various beneficial uses.
This stems from the Supreme Court’s recent invalidation of provisions in the Narcotic Control Commission Act that previously allowed the cultivation of specific cannabis strains for medicinal and industrial utilization.
Citing a contravention of Article 106 of the 1992 Constitution, the court delivered a decisive blow in a narrow 5-4 ruling, dismissing the review application despite the Office of the Attorney-General’s appeal.
During the passionate parliamentary debates surrounding the amendment, legislators emphasized the potential benefits that lie within the properties of cannabis.
“We cannot ignore the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic properties of cannabis,” stated Interior Minister Ambrose Dery.
“This amendment creates an avenue for responsible exploration of its industrial and medicinal potential, which could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in various sectors,” he added.
With the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, the Ministry of Interior assumes the pivotal role of issuing licenses for cannabis cultivation.
This move is expected to facilitate the growth of the industry, enabling further research and development, and unlocking new possibilities for harnessing the untapped potential of cannabis.
During debate on the Amendment Bill, MPs indicated that as the nation ushers in this transformative era, stakeholders across industries will eagerly anticipate the myriad opportunities that the legalized cultivation of cannabis will bring.
And that careful regulation and strategic implementation, Ghana is poised to emerge as a key player in the global cannabis landscape, driving economic growth and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.