Marwa opposes Gov Akeredolu on legalisation of cannabis usage in Nigeria

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has opposed the suggestion made by notable Nigerians including the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), for the legalization of the use of Cannabis Sativa in the country.

Governor Akeredolu had based his position on the medical benefits of the discreet and legal use of the popular herb for medicinal and economic purposes.

However, the drug enforcement Chairman, Marwa, a retired general, holds a different view. He said the nation cannot afford to mortgage the lives of the citizens for financial gains by legalising cannabis.

While addressing journalists in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate the 2021 World Drug Day, Marwa said NDLEA disagrees with advocates of medical consumption of Cannabis saying that the agency will continue to burn down marijuana farms and prosecute whoever is caught doing the business.

He reiterated that such calls by the Ondo State Governor and some legislators must be resisted at all cost.

The former Military Administrator of Lagos State also restated his suggestion that politicians should be pre-tested for drug usage prior to their involvement in partisan politics.

He said this is imperative to ensure that only sane persons are allowed to lead the country in whatever capacity.

Students and intending couples should also be subjected to drug tests, he suggested.

Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe said there are at least three million Nigerians struggling with drug-abuse-related habits.

Stolpe said recent research by the UNODC has shown a steady rise in abuse of drugs and that cannabis is the most abused substance in Nigeria.

He said that most of those engaged in the use of illicit substances in Nigeria fall within the age bracket of 25-35 years of age.