The Case for Marijuana Legalization in Nigeria: A Pragmatic Approach to Drug Policy Reform

---

Medical Cannabis Seized

Manseh was a middle-aged man who had been suffering from chronic pain and inflammation due to a degenerative spinal condition. He had tried various prescription drugs and therapies, but none of them provided long-term relief or manageable side effects. After researching different alternative treatments, Manseh decided to try medical cannabis, which had been legalized in his state for medical purposes.

With the help of his doctor and a licensed dispensary, Manseh found a specific strain of cannabis that worked well for his symptoms and developed a dosage regimen that allowed him to function and enjoy his daily activities without excessive impairment or risk. For the first time in years, Manseh felt hopeful and optimistic about his future and his ability to manage his condition.

However, one day, Manseh's home was raided by the police, who suspected him of possessing illegal drugs. Despite his protests and explanations, the officers confiscated Manseh's entire stash of cannabis, claiming that he had exceeded the legal possession limit and that his medical card was not valid.

Devastated and panicked, Manseh's tried to appeal the decision and seek legal assistance, but he encountered numerous barriers and bureaucratic obstacles that made the process lengthy and costly. Meanwhile, his health deteriorated rapidly, as he struggled to cope with the intense pain and inflammation that had returned with full force. Without his cannabis medication, Manseh's had to rely on opioids and other drugs that caused severe side effects and addiction risks.

Despite his efforts and his family's support, Manseh's condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to complications related to his spinal condition. His death sparked controversy and outrage among the medical cannabis community, who argued that he had been denied his basic human right to access safe and effective treatment, and that the legal system had failed to protect him from unnecessary suffering and harm.

This fictional story highlights the importance of legal and ethical considerations when it comes to using medical cannabis as a form of treatment, as well as the need for more research, education, and advocacy to ensure that patients have access to high-quality, affordable, and regulated cannabis products. It also underscores the consequences of stigmatization, discrimination, and misinformation surrounding cannabis use, which can lead to unjust laws and practices that harm patients and their families. Manseh could be you or anyone you love!

The Marijuana War

Marijuana legalization has been a subject of intense debate worldwide, and Nigeria, as a nation grappling with drug-related issues, should seriously consider adopting a more progressive and evidence-based approach towards cannabis. The current war on drugs, spearheaded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has proven to be a fruitless endeavor, failing to yield substantial results in curbing drug crimes. It is imperative to recognize that marijuana is a plant with medicinal properties, and focusing resources on combating it diverts attention from more pressing concerns, such as tackling harmful substances like Datura Stramonium. Moreover, when compared to legal alcohol, cannabis demonstrates a significantly lower propensity for violence, and its potential to mitigate domestic violence should be acknowledged. Therefore, legalizing marijuana in Nigeria would not only lead to numerous benefits but also address the inefficiencies and misplaced priorities of the current drug policy.

1. Rethinking Drug Policy:

- According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), drug abuse-related cases in Nigeria increased by 58% between 2011 and 2016, despite the efforts of the NDLEA.

- In 2019, the NDLEA reported a total of 9,824 drug-related arrests, with 8,527 of those arrests being for cannabis-related offenses. These statistics highlight the disproportional focus on marijuana enforcement, which diverts resources from tackling more serious drug crimes.

2. Medicinal Benefits of Cannabis:

- The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, including pain relief, management of symptoms in multiple sclerosis, and reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients.

- Studies have shown that medical cannabis can significantly alleviate chronic pain. In a survey of Nigerian chronic pain patients, 75% reported experiencing moderate to severe pain, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.

- Legalizing medical cannabis can provide access to safe and regulated products, reducing the reliance on unregulated and potentially harmful substances currently available in the black market.

3. Harm Reduction and Public Health:

- According to the World Drug Report 2020, the abuse of harmful substances like Datura Stramonium can lead to severe health complications, addiction, and even death.

- A study published in the Lancet Public Health Journal found that the risk of violent behavior was significantly higher with alcohol use compared to cannabis use.

- The Global Burden of Disease Study estimates that alcohol use was responsible for 3.8% of all global deaths and accounted for 10.7% of all years of life lost due to premature mortality.

4. Addressing Domestic Violence:

- The World Health Organization reports that alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for domestic violence, contributing to 55% of domestic violence cases worldwide.

- In contrast, a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found no significant association between cannabis use and intimate partner violence.

Legalizing marijuana in Nigeria would represent a pragmatic and evidence-based approach to drug policy reform. It would enable the government to allocate resources more efficiently, harness the medicinal benefits of cannabis, address the dangers posed by other harmful plants, and potentially reduce domestic violence cases associated with alcohol. By embracing a regulated and controlled market for marijuana, Nigeria can promote public health, protect individual liberties, and refocus law enforcement efforts on combating more pressing drug-related issues. It is time for Nigeria to break free from the ineffective war on drugs and embrace a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes evidence, harm reduction, and societal well-being