National Assembly Drafts Bill to Legalise Cannabis for Medical and Economic Use

The National Assembly is drafting legislation to legalise cannabis for medicinal, industrial and economic purposes under a regulated framework. The move has reignited debate about the potential benefits and risks.

Former Senator and Labour Party chieftain Athan Nneji Achonu disclosed the development, saying lawmakers are working on a bill that would create a legal framework for cannabis cultivation, processing and export, separate from illegal drug abuse.

A Multi-Trillion Naira Opportunity

Achonu described cannabis as “green gold” and warned that Nigeria is “sleeping on a multi-trillion-naira opportunity.” He said he sponsored a similar bill during his time in the Senate, but it did not pass because Nigerians chose to demonise its use.

According to BusinessDay, Achonu argued that Nigeria is missing out on a global cannabis market valued at over $100 billion. Countries including Canada, Germany, Israel, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have already established regulated cannabis industries.

What the Bill Proposes

The proposed legislation focuses on controlled cultivation for healthcare, pharmaceutical research, export and industrial production. It does not cover recreational smoking. The bill is expected to include licensing systems for farmers, processors and researchers, with strict penalties for unauthorised recreational use and trafficking.

Supporters argue that regulated cannabis production could open up new revenue streams for Nigeria, create jobs in agriculture and healthcare, and attract foreign investment. They point to cannabis-based treatments that are used for pharmaceutical purposes under strict supervision in other countries.

The Opposition

Critics raise concerns about drug abuse and security challenges. Cannabis remains illegal in Nigeria under existing laws, with possession, cultivation and trafficking attracting serious criminal penalties. Opponents argue that legalisation, even under a regulated framework, could send mixed signals and lead to wider abuse.

This is not the first attempt at cannabis law reform in Nigeria. Previous bills introduced in the National Assembly sought to legalise industrial hemp cultivation and controlled medical use, but none became law.

What Happens Next

The bill is still in its drafting stages. It is unclear when it will be formally presented for debate. If it passes, Nigeria would join a growing list of African nations, including Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, that have legalised or decriminalised cannabis in some form.

The outcome will depend on how lawmakers balance the economic argument against the social and health concerns.

Sources: Pulse Nigeria, Arise News, BusinessDay, Stallion Times