The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has expressed support for the regulated export of cannabis oil, while strongly opposing its local consumption in Nigeria.
According to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, the agency’s stance is driven by concerns over public health, safety, and the potential for misuse.
The NDLEA is open to allowing the export of cannabis oil to countries where it is legally permitted, provided that such exports are strictly controlled, licensed, and monitored within export-free zones. Marwa emphasized that Nigeria’s high burden of drug abuse, with a prevalence rate of 14.4%, necessitates caution regarding cannabis oil use. “In a country like Nigeria, which is already contending with a high burden of drug abuse, it is imperative that we approach this matter with sobriety, clarity, and balance,” he stated.
Marwa warned that legalizing cannabis oil could lead to large-scale cultivation and exacerbate the country’s drug abuse problems. He highlighted the risks associated with cannabis oil, including adverse effects on mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis, particularly among young people.
The NDLEA boss pointed out the lack of standardized production and regulation in many countries, which can result in products sold as “cannabis oil” varying in potency, containing contaminants, or being misused outside of medical supervision. “At NDLEA, our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue. We believe Nigeria must make informed choices, not choices driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA’s position was presented at a stakeholders’ workshop themed “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja. The workshop aimed to reach a consensus on the contentious issue of cannabis oil use, with experts emphasizing the need for evidence-based decision-making.
The Nigerian Academy of Science has constituted a consensus study committee on the cannabis oil debate, comprising experts in all fields related to the study request.
The committee collected a lot of literature on the subject matter from all over the world, reviewed what is happening in other lands, and decided to arrange this workshop where experts from various related fields will come together with stakeholders and present evidence that will be collated to assist NDLEA in carrying out its honest responsibility.
