NACOC invites applications for cannabis cultivation, management licences
In a statement issued on 11 March, the NACOC said the application process is being rolled out under Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020, as amended, together with Legislative Instrument 2475
Ghana has opened the door to licensed cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal purposes, with the Narcotics Control Commission announcing that applications are now being accepted.
The move gives practical effect to the country’s newly introduced licensing regime, which authorities say is intended to build a tightly regulated cannabis industry within the bounds of the law.
In a statement issued on 11 March, the Commission said the application process is being rolled out under Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020, as amended, together with Legislative Instrument 2475, which sets out the rules for licensing cannabis-related activity.
The framework allows cannabis to be grown and processed only for approved industrial and medical uses.
The Commission stressed that the licences will apply strictly to cannabis with a THC level not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
Officials say the system is aimed at supporting two key value chains.
One is industrial production, where cannabis may be used for fibre and seed-based manufacturing. The other is medicinal development, which is expected to support pharmaceutical and health-related applications.
The licensing regime was formally launched on 26 February 2026 by the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
According to the Commission, applications are open to both individuals and companies across 11 licence categories. These include cultivation, breeding, processing, research and development, laboratory testing, storage, transport, import, export, sales and distribution, as well as advertising and promotion.
To manage the process, the Commission has introduced an online application platform through its official website.
Applicants are expected to fill out the digital form, submit the required documents and pay a non-refundable application fee.
The Commission said the broader objective is to create a transparent and accountable cannabis sector while protecting public health and safety.
It also said the policy is expected to support innovation and contribute to Ghana’s wider industrial growth.
