Nigeria’s NDLEA and Experts Engage in Critical Dialogue Over Medicinal Cannabis Oil Legalisation

A high-level stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), has brought the contentious issue of legalising cannabis oil for therapeutic use into sharp focus, with regulatory bodies and scientists engaging in an evidence-based dialogue. The workshop, themed “The Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” is part of a broader NAS consensus study commissioned to provide a scientific guide on the matter.

The event saw participation from a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, research institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society groups, and, notably, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The central theme of the discussion revolved around balancing the potential medical and economic benefits of cannabis oil with the considerable public health and social risks in the Nigerian context.

NDLEA Open to Dialogue, Insists on Culture and Science

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd.), confirmed the agency’s willingness to engage, stating, “Our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue.” However, he stressed that Nigeria must make informed, evidence-based choices, not those driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends alone.

Marwa acknowledged that cannabis oil may possess medicinal properties worth investigating, but he countered this by highlighting the “health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety.” He emphasised that the policy path must be aligned with Nigeria’s unique cultural and social realities, especially in a country already struggling with a high burden of drug abuse.

In a significant policy shift, the NDLEA boss also indicated that the agency is open to the idea of a strictly controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to foreign markets, provided such operations are confined to export free zones and rigorously monitored. This move suggests an attempt to harness the plant’s economic potential without liberalising domestic consumption.

Proponents Highlight Economic and Health Upsides

Advocates for controlled legalisation reiterated the immense economic potential, citing opportunities for non-oil export revenue, job creation for farmers, and attracting foreign direct investment. Ondo State, a region with a history of cannabis cultivation, positioned itself to be the national pilot for regulated medical cannabis farming. Dr. Samuel Adekola, representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, noted the state’s readiness, stating that the move aligns with international pharmaceutical standards and could provide relief for patients suffering from pain where existing drugs have severe side effects.

The Call for Caution and Further Research

Despite the economic appeal, scientific experts at the workshop urged extreme caution. Emeritus Prof. Musbau Akanji, Chairman of the NAS Study Committee, emphasised that all policy decisions must be grounded in robust scientific evidence. Another expert, Emeritus Prof. Oye Gureje, advocated for regulated production, distribution, and use strictly within approved medical facilities, similar to how Nigeria manages opioid medications.

Concerns were raised about the social consequences, including the potential for increased addiction and criminality. Prof. Friday Okonofua, Vice President of NAS, called for more comprehensive data modelling to fully assess the likely ramifications of legalisation on the country’s delicate socio-cultural fabric before taking any definitive step.

The NAS committee is expected to finalise its comprehensive, evidence-based report soon, which will provide recommendations to the NDLEA, ultimately guiding the Federal Government’s decision on the future legal and policy framework for medical cannabis oil in Nigeria.