A Ghanaian delegation has undertaken a trade and learning mission to the United States to explore investment opportunities and regulatory best practices for the country’s emerging medicinal and industrial cannabis industry.
The delegation, organised by the Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana, engaged key players in the U.S. cannabis ecosystem as part of efforts to deepen Ghana’s understanding of how a regulated market can be developed sustainably.
Led by Dr. Mark G. Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, the team participated in the New England Cannabis Convention (NECANN) held in Vermont, where they interacted with cultivators, researchers, regulators, and investors.
Other members of the delegation included Ms. Akofa Edjeani, Chairperson of the Advocacy Committee, and Mr. Jeffrey Sarpong, Head of Business Development.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions focused on critical areas such as cultivation standards, quality assurance systems, farmer inclusion, and strategies for responsible market expansion.
They also joined panel sessions at the New England Cannabis Expo, where they showcased Ghana’s potential as an emerging destination for investment in industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis production.
As part of the study tour, the team visited cannabis nurseries, dispensaries, greenhouse facilities, and cultivation farms in Burlington and Montpelier to observe operational models, compliance procedures, and sustainable production practices.
A key highlight of the mission was a courtesy call on the Vermont Cannabis Control Board, where discussions centred on regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, public education, and mechanisms to ensure farmer participation in the value chain.
The delegation also engaged officials of Vermont State University, who expressed interest in supporting Ghana through research partnerships, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in cannabis-related studies.
Industry stakeholders in Vermont emphasised the importance of building a transparent and sustainable cannabis market anchored on strong regulation and local participation.
Mr. Dusty Kenney of Cambridge Cannabis Company noted that operators in the state were committed to maintaining high standards, while Mr. Geoffrey Pizzutillo of the Vermont Growers Association underscored the need for stakeholders to shape a market structure that reflects shared goals.
Members of the Ghanaian delegation said the visit was aimed at gaining practical insights into well-regulated cannabis ecosystems as Ghana works to operationalise its own framework.
Ghana revised its narcotics legislation in 2020 to permit the cultivation of cannabis with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content for industrial and medicinal purposes under strict regulatory conditions.
The legal regime, anchored in the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) and supported by Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2475, restricts cultivation to cannabis varieties with THC levels not exceeding 0.3 per cent.
The Narcotics Control Commission has recently opened applications for licences across 11 segments of the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, processing, transportation, research, storage, and export.
Stakeholders believe that with the right regulatory enforcement and investment climate, Ghana’s cannabis industry could drive industrialisation, boost agricultural productivity, expand exports, and create jobs while maintaining compliance with international standards.
