NDLEA okays regulated cannabis oil export, opposes local use – Marwa

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has said that the Agency is not opposed to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries that desire it, but remains firmly opposed to its local consumption. Marwa spoke at a stakeholders’ workshop themed “Cannabis Oil Debate: The […]

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has said that the Agency is not opposed to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries that desire it, but remains firmly opposed to its local consumption.

Marwa spoke at a stakeholders’ workshop themed “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, where he stated that the dialogue on cannabis oil is a welcome development.

Marwa outlined the Agency’s position, emphasizing the need for caution and evidence-based policy:

“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. Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of having scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators together to scrutinize evidence.

“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,” Marwa said.

He elaborated on the export exception: “As such, the Agency will not be averse to the idea of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and countries who desire it, as part of our drive as a country to enhance foreign earnings. 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 the process located only within export free zones.”

Explaining why the NDLEA maintains its strict stance against local use, the NDLEA boss said the conversation is necessary because “we are talking about cannabis, which is not just another plant. It is a substance with complex medical, social, and economic dimensions.”

He pointed out that while advocates often highlight the benefits and commercial value, the risks are often “glossed over.” 

He noted that the NDLEA has commissioned an ongoing study on cannabis oil by the Nigerian Academy of Science to address this imbalance.

Marwa warned that in a country like Nigeria, which is already contending with a high burden of drug abuse, the matter must be approached with sobriety and balance.

“Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people. The prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts is linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment. In addition, dependence and addiction are real concerns as well,” he cautioned.