Why Lawmakers Will Not Support Cannabis Legalization – Marwa

Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said that any member of the National Assembly who supports legislation legalizing cannabis usage would find it impossible to visit his or her district.

Marwa told State House reporters about this after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to him, the anti-drug campaign is being carried out in schools, and he laments the fact that children are starting to use drugs as early as elementary school.

“Now, the World Health Organization has stated cannabis damages the brain and changes brain function,” he added. It destabilizes and influences behavior. It also has an effect on the body’s organs and, at some time, may lead to death.

“So, although we applaud those who seek to legalize it for financial benefit, we must exercise caution in reconciling it with life. So it comes down to money vs life. And, as of now, science has not progressed to the point where it can reduce the THC content of cannabis to zero.

“As a result, cannabis is detrimental to human health and a hazard to society. Its legalization must never be permitted. Furthermore, Nigeria has the largest number of cannabis users in the world, with 10.6 million. Isn’t it tragic?

“We should be the best in science, technology, mathematics, physics, and other areas that are regarded as the best; that is what we need.

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“We can never support legalization, and I don’t see how the National Assembly would pass the act because I know 90 percent or more of the Honorable and Distinguished members of the National Assembly are aware of the implications of this legalization, and they dare not return to their constituencies if anyone signs legalization because we are seeing the implications on the ground.

“Cannabis and narcotics are destroying the young and the families. By the grace of God, it would not be legalized.”

Marwa said that he addressed the idea of constructing barracks for NDLEA agents in each of the federation’s 36 states.

“Finally, and most significantly, I brought up the subject of barracks. The NDLEA has been around for 32 years. All other agencies, including the armed forces, police, customs, and immigration,

Except for the NDLEA, all of the road safety agencies have estates and barracks.

“And today, because of the dangerous nature of the job that we perform, we capture and imprison the offenders and then live among them. When you send agents into the jungle to track down criminals, they will be encouraged if they know their own families are safe in a barracks nearby.

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“Clearly, we had a good reaction on that, for which we are thankful, and we look forward to carrying it out as quickly as possible. “I’m confident the economy will allow,” he said.

When asked where the barracks will be located, he stated, “We have, as you know, personnel in 36 states of the Federation and FCT, therefore, we expect barracks in all the locations that as we have to travel the country, the budgetary provisions is something that I will not comment on at this point.”

When asked whether he has received any threats since taking office, the NDLEA chief said, “Several times, it’s practically a daily occurrence since my phone number is available.” Messages can arrive via relatives, coworkers, and occasionally individuals we don’t know but who reside in the area. Having said that, we also take precautions.”