NACOC Clarifies Legal THC Limit for Cannabis Cultivation in Ghana
Commission warns only low-THC cannabis permitted under licence as interest in hemp sector grows.
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has reiterated that only cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 per cent on a dry weight basis is legally allowed for cultivation under licence in Ghana.
In a public notice issued on April 30, the Commission stressed that all licences issued are strictly confined to cannabis that meets this requirement, cautioning that any breach would constitute a violation of the law.
Ghana approved the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes following the enactment of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), which was later amended to strengthen its scope and enforcement mechanisms.
The law permits only low-THC cannabis, widely known as industrial hemp, and restricts its use for industrial and medicinal purposes. It also draws a clear line between hemp and high-THC cannabis, with the latter remaining illegal due to its psychoactive properties.
According to the Commission, the 0.3 per cent THC cap is consistent with global standards, including those applied in the European Union and other regions where industrial hemp is regulated.
NACOC, which is responsible for overseeing narcotics and controlled substances in the country, continues to regulate and issue licences for approved cannabis cultivation as part of efforts to position Ghana within the expanding global hemp and medicinal cannabis market.
The Commission further advised potential applicants to visit its official website for comprehensive information on licensing procedures, regulatory guidelines, and compliance requirements, underscoring that adherence to the THC limit is a key condition for approval.
The reminder comes at a time of growing interest in Ghana’s emerging industrial hemp industry, which authorities believe holds economic promise but requires strict regulation to prevent abuse.
