The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has warned the public against paying money to individuals or groups who claim they can secure cannabis licences on their behalf.
In a statement, the Commission stressed that it has not authorised or accredited "any individual, group, or association to facilitate, broker, or secure the acquisition or issuance of cannabis licences." "Licensing processes will be conducted only by the Commission, not through third parties," NACOC cautioned. "All prospective applicants are advised not to pay money to anyone purporting to act as an agent, intermediary, or consultant for cannabis licensing." The Commission also assured the public that "official fees and charges applicable to the licensing process will be published by the Commission upon approval by Parliament." NACOC urged patience as Parliament continues its work on procedures for acquiring a cannabis licence and passing the necessary bill.
Providing clarity, the Commission referenced Section 43 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), as amended by the 2023 Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1100).
According to NACOC, this amendment "empowers the Minister for the Interior to grant licences to cultivate cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis, for industrial purposes (fibre or seed) or for medicinal purposes.
