Passage of the bill does not legalise the unlawful use of marijuana -Bagbin charges Police to enforce law
According to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagin, the public misinterpreted the passing of the Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023.
The Narcotics Control Commission Amendment Bill 2023, which was approved by Parliament on July 12, 2023, made significant changes to the growing of cannabis for both medical and industrial uses.
The amended bill made it possible to use the cannabis plant for a number of advantageous purposes by granting the Ministry of Interior the power to issue licenses for its cultivation.
The passage of the bill, according to Speaker Bagbin, was not intended to legalize marijuana for recreational use, and he has urged the police to take tougher action against lawbreakers.
“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.”
