The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed support for the regulated export of cannabis oil while maintaining a firm stance against its local consumption in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), stated this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ workshop titled “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria”, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in Abuja.
Marwa said the agency welcomed scientific dialogue on the subject but warned that discussions must be guided by evidence, not commercial interests or half-truths.
“Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety,” he cautioned.
He clarified that while the NDLEA is not opposed to science or innovation, it would only support controlled export of cannabis oil to countries where its therapeutic use is legal, provided such trade occurs under strict licensing and supervision within export free zones.
Marwa raised alarm over Nigeria’s high rate of cannabis misuse, noting that the country’s 14.4 percent substance abuse prevalence rate is far above the global average of 5.6 percent.
“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 said.
“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 listed the possible consequences of cannabis misuse to include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment, particularly with prolonged or unsupervised use.
Marwa also expressed concern about the lack of standardised production and regulation in several countries, which he said often results in inconsistent product potency and misuse outside medical supervision.
He noted that as part of its efforts to curb illicit cultivation and production, the NDLEA in 2023 launched the Alternative Development Project, aimed at tackling the root causes of drug trafficking such as poverty and unemployment.
President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Professor Abubakar Sambo, who also spoke at the workshop, said the goal of the dialogue was to achieve an evidence-based national consensus on cannabis policy.
“At the end of the day, we’ll have evidence-based consensus work, which will be properly documented and guide our national decisions on cannabis use,” he said.
