The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa(rtd), says
the agency supports regulated cannabis oil exports but opposes local consumption.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, Marwa welcomed the dialogue on cannabis oil.
Freedomonline reports that the workshop with the theme, “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria”, was organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science.
Marwa said: “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.”
According to him, cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety.
“This is why it is crucial that scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators are in the same room to bring facts to the table, scrutinise evidence, and weigh options carefully.
“Let me assure you that NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we insist on is caution.
“Policy must protect lives, safeguard public health, and strengthen, not weaken our fight against drug abuse,” he said.
The NDLEA boss reiterated that the agency supported the controlled export of cannabis oil to interested foreign companies and countries as part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s foreign earnings.
“After all, some countries have approved the use of cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes while others including Nigeria have not. Our concern however is about its consumption in Nigeria.
“In essence, we are not opposed to the idea of exporting the oil to those who desire it.
” But such must be strictly controlled, licensed and monitored by NDLEA with such process located only within export free zones,” he maintained.
Explaining the position of the agency, the NDLEA boss said the conversation was necessary, adding that the discussion was centred on cannabis, which was not just another plant.
Marwa also described cannabis as a substance with complex medical, social, and economic dimensions.
He said that for decades, the debate had been one-sided, saying that advocates often highlighted the supposed benefits of cannabis oil, while its risks and consequences were glossed over.
“This, no doubt informs the decision by us at the NDLEA to commission an ongoing study on cannabis oil by this respected apex body of scientists, the Nigerian Academy of Science.
“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.
“Till today, much of the public debate highlights the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis oil and the commercial value of its export. What about the risks?
“Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people,”he said.
Marwa warned that prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts was linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive issues,
.
According to him, addiction is a serious concern.
He stressed that these side effects imposed significant social and economic burdens on families, communities, and society.
“Another fundamental issue that we must take cognisance of is that the lack of standardised production and regulation in many countries.
“This means products sold as “cannabis oil” often vary in potency, contain contaminants, or are misused outside of medical supervision.
“Already, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of misuse of cannabis worldwide.
“For a country already grappling with 14.4 per cent substance abuse prevalence rate as against the global average of 5.6 per cent,
“Also, with a staggering figure of 10.6 million cannabis users based on the last drug use survey report of 2018, the risks associated with cannabis cannot be dismissed.
“Rather, the reality should remind us that while cannabis oil may have medical potential, its dangers are real and must be addressed with strong safeguards before any policy shift is considered,” he said.
