The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has issued a warning to the public against paying money to individuals or groups claiming to facilitate the acquisition of cannabis licenses.

According to the Commission, no entity has been authorised to act as an intermediary in the licensing process.

In a press statement released on Monday, September 1, 2025, NACOC clarified that it has not accredited or certified any individual, group, or association to broker or secure cannabis licenses.

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“NACOC cautions all prospective applicants not to pay money to anyone purporting to act as an agent, intermediary, or consultant for cannabis licensing. All licensing processes will be conducted only by the Commission, not through third parties,” the statement read.

The Commission urged the public to exercise patience while Parliament finalises the procedures for acquiring cannabis licenses under the Narcotics Control Commission (Cultivation and Management of Cannabis) Regulations, 2023 (LI 2475).

Official fees and charges according to the Commission will be published by NACOC upon parliamentary approval.

NACOC reiterated that Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by the Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1100), empowers the Minister of the Interior to grant licenses for cultivating cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% for industrial purposes (fibre or seed) or medicinal use.

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“Until the framework is finalised and licences are duly issued, the possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis and other narcotic drugs remain prohibited by law, except as expressly permitted under Act 1019,” the statement said.

The statement further emphasised that current legal provisions does not authorise the use of cannabis for recreational purposes.

The statement, signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, stressed that possession, use, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis remain illegal except as expressly permitted under Act 1019.

NACOC assured the public of its commitment to a transparent and robust regulatory regime, with official updates to be communicated solely through verified channels.

The warning by NACOC follows reports of individuals collecting payments under the pretense of facilitating cannabis trade licenses.

GA/VPO

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