Narcotics Control Commission Issues First Cannabis Cultivation Licences to MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited for Medicinal Use

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has officially launched a new chapter in Ghana's agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors by issuing the nation’s first-ever licences for cannabis cultivation. MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited have been selected as the pioneer recipients of these permits, which authorize the growing of cannabis strictly for medicinal and industrial purposes. Under the terms of the agreement, the cultivated cannabis must maintain a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of no more than 0.3%, aligning with international standards for industrial hemp and non-psychoactive medicinal products.

The issuance of these three-year licences follows a comprehensive and rigorous application process. Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, underscored that the selection involved intensive technical assessments and field inspections to ensure the facilities meet stringent security and operational requirements. This initiative functions as a pilot programme, designed to test the regulatory framework and operational viability of a legal cannabis industry in Ghana. Major General Mantey emphasized that cultivation remains strictly illegal for any entity operating without a valid licence, and the Commission will maintain close oversight to ensure full compliance with the law.

This move is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for economic growth and industrialization. Beyond the immediate medicinal applications, the government views this sector as a means to attract foreign direct investment and foster domestic research and development. The founders of MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited have expressed high optimism regarding the socio-economic benefits, specifically citing the potential for large-scale job creation and the development of value-added products for export. By leveraging the industrial properties of cannabis, Ghana aims to carve out a niche in the global market for hemp-based materials and pharmaceutical-grade extracts.

As this pilot phase commences, the focus will remain on balancing economic opportunity with public safety. NACOC has warned of severe penalties for any deviations from the prescribed THC limits or unauthorized distribution. The success of MJ Adom Limited and Juliopta Limited will likely determine the pace at which further licences are granted to other interested parties. For now, this step represents a landmark shift in Ghana’s approach to drug policy and agricultural diversification, positioning the country to explore the therapeutic and industrial potential of cannabis within a strictly controlled legal environment.