The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), on Wednesday, opposed the consumption of cannabis oil in Nigeria, stating that the agency is not opposed to the controlled export of cannabis oil to countries that legally permit its use, but remains firmly against its consumption within Nigeria.
Marwa made this known at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in Abuja.
The event titled: “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria” brought together scientists, policymakers, and health experts to examine the potential uses and risks of cannabis oil.
He explained that the NDLEA welcomed informed discussions on the issue but emphasized that policy decisions must be grounded in science and public health considerations.
“At NDLEA, our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue,” Marwa said. “We believe Nigeria must make informed choices, not choices driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends.
“Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety.”
He said the NDLEA would not oppose the idea of exporting cannabis oil to foreign companies under strict regulation, licensing, and supervision by the agency, provided such operations are conducted within export-free zones.
He added that the NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor is it 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.
“As such, the agency will not be averse to the idea of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and countries that desire it, as part of our drive as a country to enhance 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 stated.
Marwa explained that Nigeria’s high prevalence of substance abuse requires a cautious approach to any policy change involving cannabis or its derivatives.
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He cited data from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, which estimated that 10.6 million Nigerians used cannabis, representing a 14.4 percent prevalence rate compared to the global average of 5.6 percent.
“Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people,” he said.
“Prolonged or uncontrolled use is linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. Dependence and addiction are also real concerns.”
The NDLEA boss added that the agency had commissioned an ongoing study on cannabis oil in collaboration with the Nigerian Academy of Science to ensure any future decision is based on verified scientific evidence.
He also referenced the NDLEA’s alternative development project, introduced in 2023, which seeks to reduce illicit drug cultivation by addressing the socio-economic vulnerabilities that push communities into the illegal drug economy.
President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, represented by the Vice President, Prof. Friday Okonofua, said the workshop aims to reach an evidence-based consensus on the issue.
