The International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals, (ISSUP), Nigeria branch, has spoken out against the plan to legalize cannabis in Nigeria, arguing that the time is not appropriate.

Dr. Martin Agwogie, President of ISSUP, claimed in a statement published in Lagos and urged the upper house to join him in opposing the combined bill sponsored by Miriam Onuoha (APC Imo), Benjamin Kalu (APC Abia), and Olumide Osoba ( APC Ogun).

It also praised the House of Representatives for voting down the measure, calling it a “positive development” in the best interests of Nigerian public health.

The bill seeks to amend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act to allow cannabis cultivation for recreational and medical purposes.

The Bill also seeks to give the NDLEA the authority to grant and revoke licenses for the cultivation of Cannabis or any of its species, as well as to establish a system for registering cannabis growers and users and to establish a legal framework for the registration and licensing of cannabis growers and producers in Nigeria.

In opposition to the measure, Agwogie stated, “Nigeria is in a drug epidemic, and legalizing cannabis should not be considered at this time.” The cannabis plant has therapeutic and commercial qualities that can be derived, but they are not without alternatives. Therefore, the economic gains should not take precedence over the health and social repercussions.”

As a result, he urged the federal government to “legalize all psychotropic narcotics, including cannabis plants.”