– Parliament passes the Opiates Control Commission Revision Bill 2023 in Ghana
– The bill grants the Clergyman for the Inside, Ambrose Dery, the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes
– The High Court of Ghana declares cannabis farming illegal
– The Supreme Court upholds the decision, confirming the illegality of cannabis farming
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Parliament Passes Opiates Control Commission Revision Bill 2023 in Ghana
Parliament has recently passed the Opiates Control Commission Revision Bill 2023 in Ghana, bringing about significant changes in the country’s cannabis regulations. This bill grants the Clergyman for the Inside, Ambrose Dery, the authority to issue licenses for the cultivation of cannabis, commonly referred to as “weed” or “pot,” for both industrial and medicinal purposes. However, it is important to note that the High Court of Ghana has recently declared cannabis farming illegal, a decision that has been upheld by the Supreme Court by a 5-4 majority.
In line with the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), the Ghanaian Parliament has passed a law allowing farmers to obtain licenses for the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content of less than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. These licenses will be granted based on the recommendation of the Commission. This new regulation aims to decriminalize medical marijuana, allowing for the cultivation and development of cannabis with a low THC content.
Ghana has historically had strict penalties for the possession and supply of marijuana. For instance, the Opiate Medication Law of 1990 states that anyone found in possession of an opiate substance will face a minimum of 10 years in prison, while providing cannabis without payment can result in a minimum of five years of imprisonment. These severe penalties have sparked a movement for marijuana law reform in Ghana.
Advocates, such as the Rastafarian Board of Ghana, have been pushing for the decriminalization of marijuana. In 2019, they planned to embark on a march to demand changes in weed regulations. Unfortunately, this march was obstructed by the police. Despite these challenges, the passing of the Opiates Control Commission Revision Bill 2023 represents a step towards the potential decriminalization of marijuana in Ghana.
In conclusion, the recent passage of the Opiates Control Commission Revision Bill 2023 in Ghana signifies a shift in the country’s cannabis regulations. While cannabis farming has been deemed illegal by the High Court and confirmed by the Supreme Court, the new law allows for the cultivation of cannabis with low THC content for industrial and medicinal purposes. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the future of marijuana legislation in Ghana and whether further reform will be pursued.
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