Parliament has approved the Narcotics Control Commission Regulations 2023, legalizing the cultivation and management of cannabis for industrial and commercial purposes. The approval specifies that cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 0.3 is permissible.

Interior Minister Ambrose Dery clarified during the discussions that this should not be construed as the legalization of recreational cannabis. He emphasized that cannabis with a THC content of 0.3 is not currently cultivated in the country, and preparations are underway to introduce such types.

However, Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, expressed concerns about potential abuse of the law and argued that cannabis cultivation would not positively impact the country’s fortunes. Agbodza warned that the law’s misuse could worsen the existing mental health challenges in the country.

“Why are we pretending that this is going to solve our problem? Minister? Do you even know how many people in this country are smoking weed?” Agbodza questioned, highlighting the need to consider the potential for abuse and its impact on mental health.

In contrast, the new Vice Chair of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Sarah Adwoa Safo, disagreed with Agbodza. She asserted that cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes could contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.

“We’re talking about a whole industry that is being created. And if we have our fertile lands here, and we can grow and make sure that the right framework is in place, I don’t see why we can’t take advantage of it,” Safo stated.

Cannabis with a THC content of 0.3 has minimal psychoactive effects and can be utilized for various purposes, including ropes, paper, and other building materials.