Table of Contents
- NDLEA's Position on Cannabis Oil
- Stakeholder Workshop Overview
- Health Risks of Cannabis Oil
- Alternative Development Project
- Consensus Research on Cannabis Use
- Keynote Address Highlights
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stated that the NDLEA is open to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries that seek it, but remains opposed to its local consumption.
While speaking at a stakeholders workshop titled ‘Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,’ organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, Marwa expressed that the discussion surrounding cannabis oil is a positive development.
This information was shared in a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja.
“At NDLEA, our stance on cannabis oil is straightforward: we welcome dialogue. We believe Nigeria must make informed decisions, not those influenced by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends. While cannabis oil may possess medicinal properties worth exploring, it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and public safety implications.
“Thus, it is essential for scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators to convene to present facts, examine evidence, and carefully consider options.
“Let me assure you that NDLEA is not against science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we advocate for is caution. Policy must protect lives, promote public health, and enhance—not undermine—our efforts against drug abuse.
*Consequently, the Agency will not oppose the concept of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and nations that wish to acquire it, as part of our initiative to boost foreign earnings. Some countries have sanctioned the use of cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes, while others, including Nigeria, have not.
“However, our concern lies with its consumption within Nigeria. In essence, we are not against the export of cannabis oil to those who want it, but this must be strictly controlled, licensed, and monitored by NDLEA, with the process confined to export-free zones,” he stated.
Elaborating on the Agency's position, the NDLEA chief emphasized the importance of this conversation, noting “we are discussing Cannabis, which is more than just a plant. It is a substance with intricate medical, social, and economic aspects.
“For decades, the debate has lacked balance. Advocates frequently emphasize the purported benefits of cannabis oil, while the associated risks and consequences are often overlooked. This has prompted us at the NDLEA to initiate an ongoing study on cannabis oil through the esteemed Nigerian Academy of Science.”
“In a nation like Nigeria, already facing a significant drug abuse burden, it is crucial that we approach this issue with seriousness, clarity, and balance. To date, much of the public discourse has focused on the possible therapeutic applications of cannabis oil and the economic benefits of its export. What about the risks? Evidence indicates that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can adversely affect mental health, particularly among youth.
“The long-term or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts is associated with anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive decline. Additionally, dependence and addiction are valid concerns. These side effects impose extra social and economic burdens on families, communities, and society as a whole.
“Another critical issue to consider is that the absence of standardized production and regulation in many countries means that products marketed as 'cannabis oil' often vary in potency, may contain contaminants, or are misused without medical supervision. Currently, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cannabis misuse worldwide.
“With a substance abuse prevalence rate of 14.4 percent compared to the global average of 5.6 percent, and an alarming figure of 10.6 million cannabis users according to the last drug use survey report of 2018, the dangers associated with cannabis cannot be overlooked.
“Rather, this reality should serve as a reminder that while cannabis oil may have medical potential, its dangers are genuine and must be addressed with robust safeguards before any policy changes are considered.”
He added that as part of efforts to alleviate the consequences of illicit drug cultivation and production, the Agency has decided, as the first in Africa, to launch an Alternative Development Project in 2023.
“The Alternative Development Project requires ethical responsibility and commitment to develop transformative policies and humanitarian responses to address drug-related challenges and conclude the complexities and violence of the war on drugs in Nigeria and globally.
“In Nigeria, the Alternative Development Project will target reducing vulnerabilities linked to ignorance, poverty, hunger, unemployment, and underdevelopment that drive individuals into illicit economies, particularly illicit drug cultivation.
“Beyond its connection to transnational organized crime, illicit drug cultivation drives national organized crime that compels agricultural regions to forsake food crop cultivation in favor of cannabis plantations in certain communities across Nigeria.
“We aim to mitigate these vulnerabilities in both urban and rural areas by providing functional mechanisms and facilities for awareness, skills acquisition, empowerment, and positive engagements for sustainable livelihoods.”
In his opening remarks, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, represented by the Vice President of NAS, Prof. Friday Okonofua, noted that numerous research studies have examined various uses of cannabis and its side effects.
He stated that the workshop aimed to reach a consensus on the contentious issue of cannabis oil usage.
“Ultimately, we will produce an evidence-based consensus report, which will be thoroughly documented to guide our decisions regarding cannabis use in this country,” he stated.
The Chairman of the NAS study committee on cannabis oil use, Prof. Musbau Akanbi, praised the NDLEA for its proactive approach and collaboration with the Academy to obtain a science-driven framework for Nigeria. “As we know, cannabis oil is derived from cannabis, and legalizing its use would lead to large-scale cultivation of the plant itself.
The Nigerian Academy of Science has therefore established a consensus study committee on the cannabis oil debate, consisting of experts from all relevant fields related to the study request.
The committee has gathered extensive literature on the subject from around the world, reviewed international practices, and organized this workshop to bring together experts from various related fields with stakeholders to present evidence that will assist the NDLEA in fulfilling its responsibilities transparently.”
In his keynote address, Prof. Oye Gureje, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research
