The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has defended the criminalization of marijuana use in Nigeria, highlighting the differences between Nigeria and countries such as the US, UK, and Canada where the drug has been decriminalized.
Shadrack Haruna, the Secretary of NDLEA, appeared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily to address the issue. He pointed out that there is a “lot of misconception” surrounding the decriminalization of drug use.
Haruna explained that different species of cannabis are grown worldwide. The species decriminalized in other countries do not contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient that produces psychoactive effects. In contrast, Nigeria has cannabis species with significantly higher THC content, reaching up to 45% or even 100%. Therefore, the comparison between Nigeria and countries that have decriminalized marijuana is not valid.
The NDLEA secretary emphasized that enforcement and measurement standards are stringent in countries that have decriminalized marijuana. He argued that very few countries, including the US and the UK, have actually decriminalized drugs.
Haruna mentioned that the UK used to allow the importation of cannabinol, a component used in certain medical treatments. However, even the UK has tightened its regulations due to the increasing THC content in the imported oil.
While some advocate for the commercialization of marijuana in Nigeria, Haruna stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against it. The harmful impacts of cannabis outweigh its benefits, according to the WHO. Haruna stressed that the focus should be on the health and well-being of the nation, rather than monetary gains from drug commercialization.
In conclusion, Haruna urged the media to oppose the misconception surrounding the commercialization of drugs, emphasizing that it is not in the best interest of Nigeria.
