The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed concern over the public’s misinterpretation of the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023.
On July 12, 2023, Parliament passed the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, introducing significant changes to the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes.
The amended bill now grants the Ministry of Interior the authority to issue licenses for cannabis cultivation, thereby facilitating its usage for various beneficial applications.
However, Speaker Alban Bagbin clarified that the bill’s passage does not legalize the recreational use of cannabis.
He urged the police to take strict action against those who violate the law.
“Passage of the Bill does not connote or legalise the recreational use or smoking of cannabis therefore the House remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing the law against the unlawful use of cannabis. We will continue to act in a manner that is in line with the Constitution and serves the public interest and advances our nation’s development and I want to employ all Members of Parliament and Ghanaians to share this information so as to dispel the misinformation and foster an informed dialogue on the matter.”
“I reiterate that the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, production, or use of narcotic plants, synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs without lawful authority remains an offence and is punishable by our laws and I, therefore, call on the law enforcement authorities to continue to investigate, prosecute and commit offenders to the sanctions of the law.”