The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has granted its first licenses to two companies to cultivate cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol content of no more than 0.3% for medicinal and industrial use, in an effort to create jobs, attract investment, and support research within a strictly regulated framework.
MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited received the licenses after fulfilling the conditions outlined in the nation’s regulatory framework.
Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of NACOC, stated during the presenting event that the licensing procedure was purposefully strict to guarantee that only eligible candidates joined the new sector.
Before recommendations were sent to the Minister for the Interior for approval, he added, candidates underwent thorough technical evaluations, field inspections, and reviews by a multi-agency technical committee.
Major General Mantey emphasised that cannabis cultivation was still prohibited unless it was done with a legitimate licence and within the 0.3 percent THC limit.
“Only licensed cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of not more than 0.3 per cent is legal. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, and anyone who cultivates without a licence faces the full force of the law,” he said.
He explained that the project was being carried out as a pilot program to enable the nation to profit from the industrial and therapeutic potential of cannabis while upholding stringent regulations against abuse.
He warned license holders not to engage in activities that are not permitted by their licenses or to exceed their authorised acreage.
“If you comply with the regulations, the opportunities are significant. If you abuse the system, we will revoke the licence and enforce the law,” he declared.
Major General Mantey further stated that licence holders whose crops exceeded the authorised THC threshold must contact the commission right away for proper disposal and that NACOC officers would perform inspections with or without prior notice.
Juliana Addo-Yobo, the founder of Juliopta Limited, characterised the licence’s award as the start of a new commercial opportunity for the company.
She stated that in order to promote Ghana’s developing cannabis business, the company intended to grow cannabis before branching out into the import and export of seeds.
“The licensing process is demanding and expensive, but we meet all the requirements. We are now focused on building a business that serves both local and international markets,” she stated.
She went on to say that the business would adhere to all licensing requirements, including those pertaining to operational operations and land size limitations.
According to Michael Akuamoah Boateng, an agronomist with MJ Adom Limited, the sector has the ability to promote research, create jobs, and earn foreign cash.
He said that the company’s partnership with the Centre for Plant Medicine Research would advance medical cannabis research and aid in the creation of goods made from regionally grown plants.
“This industry creates jobs, supports research and brings export earnings. We are ready to begin cultivation and contribute to the growth of the economy,” he declared.
Subject to regulatory compliance and NACOC renewal, the licenses have a three-year validity period.
Source: newsthemegh.com