The Parliament of Ghana has finally passed the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, which seeks to decriminalize the cultivation of cannabis (wee) for medicinal, economic, and industrial purposes to help in the country’s development.

The passing of this bill marks a major shift in the country’s stance towards cannabis, opening up new avenues for research and healthcare opportunities. The Minister of Interior regains power to grant and issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and economic purposes, enabling the utilization of this plant for various beneficial applications.

The new bill amends the Narcotics Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).

The passing of the bill comes after the the highest court in the county, the Supreme Court, intervened and declared section 43 of the law as unconstitutional, thereby hindering the smooth passage of the legislation. It will be recalled that, Section 43 of Act 1019 previously authorized the Minister, based on the Commission’s recommendation, to grant licenses for the cultivation of cannabis, commonly known as “wee” in Ghana. However, this provision has been eliminated due to its unconstitutional nature.

But this has to be not more than 0.3 per cent of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content on a dry weight basis for industrial purposes for obtaining fibre or seed or for medicinal purposes.

The house, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, amended the law and inserted the same provision back into it. “Honourable members the Narcotics Bill, 2023 is being read the third time and passed,” the Speaker said after none stated an objection to the passing,” the Speaker said.

This is expected to pave the way for the development of a well-regulated cannabis industry in Ghana, ensuring that its cultivation and usage adhere to strict guidelines and quality standards.