Ghana seeks Morocco’s expertise in medical cannabis regulatory framework

Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has initiated consultations with Morocco to study the North African Kingdom’s pioneering regulatory framework for medical and industrial cannabis,signaling Ghana’s commitment to developing a robust legal infrastructure for its emerging sector.

During recent discussions in Accra,a delegation led by Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey met with Moroccan Ambassador Imane Quaadil to examine Morocco’s licensing procedures,traceability systems,and cooperative organizational models. The Ghanaian officials particularly praised Morocco’s comprehensive approach to managing the cannabis value chain while preventing unauthorized diversions.

Ambassador Quaadil confirmed that Ghanaian officials would visit Morocco in September to observe field operations and implementation procedures firsthand. The technical cooperation represents a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to establish a regulated cannabis industry following its 2023 legislative amendments permitting cultivation of low-THC cannabis exclusively for industrial and medical applications.

Ghana’s regulatory framework explicitly excludes recreational use while focusing on establishing production standards,quality controls,and prevention mechanisms against illegal diversion. The country seeks to develop complementary regulations that structure the entire production chain from cultivation through processing and distribution.

Morocco established itself as a regional pioneer through its 2021 adoption of Law 13-21 governing legitimate cannabis uses and the creation of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC). Since implementation,Morocco has issued initial licenses,conducted legal harvests,and expanded regulated cultivation areas,demonstrating successful transition from prohibition to controlled legalization.

The bilateral cooperation offers Ghana practical tools for regulation,traceability,and agricultural governance based on Morocco’s operational experience. This South-South collaboration model could provide a template for other African nations considering medical cannabis legalization while maintaining strict controls against recreational use and illegal trafficking.