Opinions of Illicit Cannabis Growers on the Industrial Legalization of Cannabis in Ghana: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Résumé fourni par la source

Background: With the recent industrial cannabis legalization in Ghana, there is a need to ascertain the perspectives of illegal cannabis growers on the policy discourse to inform its implementation. Aim: We explored the opinions of illicit cannabis growers in Hohoe Municipality regarding the legalization of cannabis in Ghana. Methodology: An exploratory qualitative study, involving 14 illicit cannabis growers recruited through snowballing technique were interviewed to explore their opinions on the cannabis legalization discourse in the country. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Data was analyzed in ATLAS.ti.7.5 and the data were presented using quotes from the participants. Results: From the data, 4 main themes and 23 sub-themes were generated. These include, understanding of cannabis legalization (issuance of licenses for cannabis cultivation and trading, free supply of farming inputs, freedom from police harassment and opportunity for industrial use of cannabis), perceived benefits to be derived from cannabis legalization (include community development, improved standard of living, health benefits, high employment opportunities, industrial purposes and foreign trade, liberty to cultivate cannabis, opportunity to use technology and opportunity for training and education), potential legalization challenges (abuse of cannabis, expensive license fees, varying price tag and high rate in school dropout) and policy recommendations (age standardization for the business, setting up of agencies to oversee the cannabis business, decentralize the issuance of license, issuing of license for both cannabis farmers and traders, review the amount for license acquisition and subsidization of farming inputs). Conclusion: For Ghana to successfully implement the cannabis legalization bill, policy makers need to ensure that the voices of illicit cannabis growers are considered in the cannabis legalization discourse.

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