Member of Parliament for Tain Constituency, Sulemana Adama, has clarified that the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023 does not automatically legalize the cultivation and usage of cannabis in Ghana.

In an interview with Agya-Wusu Ansah on Hot Morning Drive (Hot FM), Adama emphasized that authorization is still required for the cultivation and usage of cannabis.

The bill, which was passed in Parliament on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, allows for the cultivation of marijuana for industrial and medicinal purposes.

However, according to Adama, the bill grants the Ministry of Interior the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis.

This means that the utilization of cannabis is permitted for various beneficial applications, such as industrial and medicinal use, but not for personal use and satisfaction.

Adama further explained that individuals or groups who wish to use cannabis for specific purposes must formally write to the board chaired by the Minister of Interior to seek authorization.

The bill does not grant individuals the freedom to cultivate and use cannabis without proper authorization from the designated authorities.

He mentioned that while the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023 marks a significant step in allowing the regulated cultivation of cannabis for specific purposes, it does not equate to the complete legalization of cannabis in Ghana.