Ghana has officially opened applications for the cultivation and management of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to harness the economic and health potential of the crop under strict regulation.
In a statement issued on March 11, 2026, the Narcotics Control Commission (NCC) announced that the move follows the historic launch of the national licensing regime on February 26, 2026, by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
According to the Commission, the new licensing framework implements Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by Legislative Instrument 2475. The policy shift is designed to enable Ghana to tap into the industrial and medical benefits of cannabis while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
The NCC explained that licenses will only be granted for cannabis varieties with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, in line with international standards for industrial hemp.
Under the program, cannabis cultivation will be limited to two main areas: industrial use and medicinal use. Industrial use will focus on the production of high-quality fiber and seeds for manufacturing and related industries. Medicinal use, on the other hand, will support the development of pharmaceutical and health-related products.
The Commission is inviting both individuals and corporate entities to participate in the emerging sector, which it describes as a growing industry with significant economic opportunities.
To regulate activities across the value chain, the NCC has introduced 11 categories of licenses covering key aspects of the industry. These include cultivation, processing, breeding, research and development, laboratory testing, storage, transportation, importation, and exportation, among others.
Officials say the new framework aims to position Ghana as a responsible player in the global industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis market while ensuring compliance with national laws and international drug control standards.
