The chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa (rtd), says the agency supports regulated cannabis oil exports but opposes local consumption.

Mr Marwa spoke at a stakeholders’ workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, with the theme “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” and organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science.

Mr 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.

“Let me assure you that NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we insist on is caution,” 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, licenced and monitored by NDLEA, with such processes located only within export free zones,” he maintained.

Mr Marwa said that for decades, the debate had been one-sided, as 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,” Mr Marwa said.

The NDLEA boss said that it was crucial to approach the issue with clarity and balance, given the high rate of drug abuse in Nigeria.

“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.

Mr Marwa warned that prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts was linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive issues.

“Another fundamental issue that we must take cognisance of is 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,” he said.

Mr Marwa noted that Nigeria was grappling with a 14.4 per cent substance abuse prevalence, with a 2018 survey report that showed it had 10.6 million cannabis users. He maintained that the risks associated with cannabis cannot be dismissed.

(NAN)