NACOC Cautions Public Against Fake Cannabis Licence Agents

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued a strong caution to the public, making it clear that no one has been authorised to serve as an intermediary in securing cannabis cultivation licences in Ghana.

In a statement released on Monday, September 1, NACOC stated that it has not accredited, certified, or approved any individual, consultant, or organisation to facilitate or broker cannabis licences on its behalf.

“All licensing processes will be conducted solely by the Commission, not through third parties,” the release stressed. The Commission urged the public not to make any payments to persons claiming to represent NACOC in the application process.

NACOC further explained that the official fees and charges for the cannabis licensing regime will only be announced after they receive parliamentary approval. Until then, the public is advised to remain patient and follow the due legal process.

The Commission also pointed to the existing legal framework. Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1100), gives the Minister for the Interior authority to grant licences solely for the cultivation of cannabis with THC levels not exceeding 0.3%. These licences are strictly for industrial (fibre or seed) and medicinal purposes, not for recreational use.

To ensure transparency, NACOC has already implemented policies under the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475). The Commission emphasised that until the full regulatory framework is finalised and licences are officially issued, all activities involving cannabis, including cultivation, possession, trafficking, and sale, remain illegal unless expressly permitted by law.

NACOC concluded by urging Ghanaians to rely solely on its official communication channels for accurate information and updates on cannabis licensing.

Read the statement below: