TEMA, Ghana, 29th May: Solomon Owusu, an Education Officer at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has stated that cannabis itself is not entirely a bad plant, but the major concern lies in the presence of THC, the psychoactive chemical found in the substance.
According to him, THC is just one of more than 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, yet it remains the major component responsible for the harmful effects associated with cannabis abuse.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Friday, May 29, Mr. Owusu explained that NACOC is enforcing the laws governing cannabis use in Ghana and warned that anyone found possessing the substance without the required legal authorization would face prosecution.
He noted that although some people argue that cannabis has medicinal benefits and can be used to treat certain diseases, Ghanaian laws do not permit its unlawful cultivation, possession, or usage.
Mr. Owusu further clarified that there are different varieties of the cannabis plant, stressing that the major concern for authorities is Cannabis sativa, which contains THC levels above 0.3 percent.
He explained that this particular type has been prohibited under Ghanaian law due to its psychoactive effects.
He added that Ghana’s favorable climate and fertile environment make it highly suitable for cannabis cultivation, which partly explains why the plant is widespread across many parts of the country.
According to him, Ghana is known to produce some of the best cannabis in Africa, a situation he believes has also contributed to the growing rate of cannabis usage in the country.
LISTEN TO SOLOMON OWUSU IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭