Medicinal, Industrial Cannabis Licences Now Accessible to Ghanaians Above 18

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has clarified that any Ghanaian aged 18 and above who owns land, or has documented access to it, can now apply directly for a licence to cultivate medicinal and industrial cannabis without the involvement of intermediaries, Prime Business Africa reports.

Dr Basha Ligbi, Head of the Cannabis Regulations Department at NACOC, made the disclosure in an interview on Class FM on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He emphasised that the application process is open, transparent, and accessible to all qualified Ghanaians.

“Almost every Ghanaian above the age of 18 is qualified to come for the licence,” Dr Ligbi said. “You do not need anybody to help you do this. You do not need anybody to get this. You do not need to pay money to anybody to get a licence.”

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He added that applicants who meet all the stipulated requirements would not be unfairly denied approval. “If you supply all the needed information, you are guaranteed a licence,” he said.

Eligibility Status and Requirements

The clarification follows a February 11, 2026, NACOC press release which stated that licences would be granted to “qualified entities that meet stringent requirements.” Some prospective applicants had interpreted this as favouring large companies or foreign investors. Dr Ligbi dismissed that notion, explaining that for individuals, the criteria are straightforward:

Must be at least 18 years old
Must have no criminal record
Must have documented access to land, either owned or through written consent from the landowner

For companies, at least 50 % of shareholders or the majority of directors must be Ghanaian. Applicants are also required to submit a comprehensive business plan and police clearance certificates for company directors.

Dr Ligbi stressed that these requirements ensure the integrity of the emerging industry. “We wouldn’t want anybody who has a previous criminal history to go into the industry,” he said.

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Regulatory Framework

Licences are issued under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by Act 1100, and the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2475). Only cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 % is permitted for medicinal and industrial purposes. Recreational cultivation and use remain illegal.

Application Process

NACOC expects to process applications within 90 days, conducting due diligence and verifying documents before forwarding recommendations to the Minister for the Interior, who grants final approval.

An online application portal is ready for launch, and written applications will also be accepted. Licences are generally valid for three years, except for breeding and research licences, which are issued annually.

The licences cover 11 categories across the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, breeding, processing, export, import, transportation, laboratory testing, and advertising. NACOC has warned that no intermediaries or brokers are authorised, and unlicensed cultivation remains punishable under Ghanaian law.

Dr Ligbi encouraged prospective cultivators to start preparing their documentation, particularly regarding land registration and consent. He also advised those interested to study Legislative Instrument 2475, available at the Assembly Press near Accra Technical University, stressing: “Ignorance of the law would not be an excuse.”

This licensing initiative aims to provide regulatory clarity, expand economic opportunities, and strengthen Ghana’s medicinal and industrial cannabis sector, positioning citizens and companies to participate in a strictly controlled legal framework.

Amanze Chinonye

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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Medicinal, Industrial Cannabis Licences Now Accessible to Ghanaians Above 18 – NACOC