NACOC Sets Record Straight on Cannabis Myths and Misconceptions

Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has addressed a pressing concern among young people at the National Youth Conference in Kumasi. At the event, he sought to dispel the common misconception that cannabis is safe because it is a plant.

Debunking Cannabis Myths

Major Gen. Mantey made his remarks on August 12, 2026, when he addressed students and young people from all 16 regions at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He emphasized that the natural origin of a substance should not be taken as proof that it is harmless. "The fact that cannabis is a plant does not mean that it cannot affect you," he said. "It affects the brain, your memory and your ability to make sound decisions."

Major Gen. Mantey also challenged claims that cannabis can make users smarter or improve their intellectual abilities. He stated, "Young people constitute an important part of Ghana's future," and urged them to critically assess claims about drugs and rely on credible scientific information before making decisions about substance use.

The Risks of Cannabis Use

Major Gen. Mantey warned that cannabis use can affect the brain and impair cognitive functions, including memory, judgment, and decision-making. He noted that the effects of drug use could extend beyond immediate intoxication, potentially affecting education, relationships, productivity, and future opportunities. The NACOC Director-General encouraged participants at the conference to become ambassadors of drug-free lifestyles by sharing accurate information with their peers and communities.

Major Gen. Mantey further urged young people experiencing substance-use challenges to seek help and guidance rather than allowing peer pressure and misinformation to influence their decisions. He stressed that the fight against drug abuse could not be left to law enforcement agencies alone, and called for stronger involvement from parents, teachers, schools, religious organizations, civil society groups, and young people.

Public Education and Prevention

Major Gen. Mantey reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to working with stakeholders to build a generation that is better informed about the risks associated with drug abuse and empowered to make healthy and responsible choices. He said NACOC would continue to intensify public education and prevention programs as part of efforts to reduce drug abuse, particularly among young people. The National Youth Conference provided a platform for young people from across the country to engage with NACOC on drug-related issues and challenge misconceptions surrounding narcotic substances.

Source: JOY