The Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) has assured that its recommendations on the possible legalization of cannabis oil for medical use will be balanced, culturally appropriate, and strictly based on scientific evidence.
Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo, Executive Secretary of NAS, gave the assurance in an interview with reporters on Wednesday in Abuja.
Odubanjo said the academy is finalizing its advisory to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which requested scientific guidance on the subject.
NAS, in collaboration with NDLEA, held a workshop in October titled “Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria,” which examined global regulatory models, therapeutic applications, production standards, and other issues surrounding cannabis oil.
Odubanjo said the academy subsequently undertook a formal consensus study to develop evidence-based recommendations for the agency.
“The NDLEA asked us to advise them on the scientific view concerning the legalization of cannabis for medical use. That study is more or less completed,” he said.
He added that NAS and NDLEA are currently working to agree on a date for the formal presentation of the recommendations, initially targeted for December. He advised that the recommendations remain confidential until they are officially made public.
Odubanjo emphasized that the study was designed to eliminate personal or religious biases.
“The academy is meant to provide unbiased scientific advice. When we set up the consensus study committee, members put aside personal views, focusing on the science together. It took a very balanced approach, and anyone anywhere in the world would respect the findings. Nigerians will be happy when it is released,” he told reporters.
The recommendations are expected to guide decision-making on the potential regulation, production, and medical application of cannabis oil in Nigeria.
