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Legalising marijuana has recently gained popularity globally. Omoyele Sowore, the AAC’s presidential candidate, recently raised his voice in favour of Nigeria joining other nations in legalising marijuana. Sowore cited the fact that some states in the United States of America are profiting significantly from the sale of marijuana that is legal.
In an interview with Silverbird TV in 2022, Sowore pointed out that while the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria burns about N1 trillion worth of cannabis annually, Nigeria borrows to fund its annual budget.
Cannabis is a herb. It affects the central nervous system. Cannabinoids are found in the highest concentration in the leaves and flowers, the parts of the herb that are used to make medicine. It can be smoked, drunk, eaten, or inhaled by some people.
Cannabis contains substances that alter consciousness and have physiological and mental effects. It has the potential to be addictive and could be bad for some people’s health.
According to surveys, Nigeria is the third-largest cannabis consumer in the world and a significant supplier of cannabis grown in West Africa. Nigerian States like Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Osun, Oyo, and Ogun all have significant cannabis cultivation operations.
Nigeria is one of the major centres of the world’s illicit drug trade. Today, there are young Nigerians, mostly between the ages of 13 and 17, who vape, and smoke loud, abusive shisha that contains cannabis.
So, the call for the legalisation of marijuana in Nigeria is premature and pointless. Despite the financial advantages of its sale, legalising cannabis will encourage more young people to abuse and become addicted to drugs. This raises concerns because it will worsen the nation’s already high crime rate and raise the possibility of an increase in the number of insane people roaming our streets.
Abdul Fatai Shareef Ayomide, Kwara State University (KWASU)
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