By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has cautioned the public against individuals or groups claiming to facilitate the acquisition of cannabis licences.
In a press statement signed by the Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, Francis Opoku Amoah, NACOC stressed that it has not authorised any entity to broker or secure cannabis licences on its behalf.
“NACOC wishes to reiterate that it has not authorised, accredited, or certified any individual, group, or association to facilitate, broker, or secure the acquisition or issuance of cannabis licences,” the statement said.
The Commission warned prospective applicants against paying money to anyone purporting to act as an agent or intermediary for cannabis licensing, noting that all licensing processes will be conducted solely by NACOC.
According to the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1100), the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, is empowered to grant licences for cannabis cultivation with specific THC content limits.
NACOC said it is working to establish a transparent and fair regulatory regime under the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475).
The Commission assured the public that official fees and charges for the licensing process will be published after parliamentary approval. It urged applicants to await updates through its verified channels.
Until the regulatory framework is finalised and licences are issued, the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis and other narcotic drugs remain prohibited by law, except as permitted under the Act.
