Criminalization Versus Decriminalization of Cannabis use in Nigeria: What is the Fuss About?

Main Article Content

S Goar

Abstract

The continued criminalization and punitive approaches to cannabis use in Nigeria and elsewhere have not yielded positive expected outcomes. Many countries are now adopting new measures to cannabis control policies that are evidence-based, cost effective prevention, treatment and or interventions in favor of punitive approaches. There is large volume of scientific research supporting the need for decriminalization of cannabis use and put in place laws that prevent harsh criminal penalties for possession of small amount or use. In addition, government should review policies to support research and development of pharmaceutical cannabinoids and promoting research on the medical use of these compounds for the common good of humanity.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Goar S. Criminalization Versus Decriminalization of Cannabis use in Nigeria: What is the Fuss About?. Wes J Med Biomed Sci [Internet]. 2021 Apr. 30 [cited 2024 May 21];2(1):1-4. Available from: https://www.wjmbs.com.ng/index.php/wjmbs/article/view/33
Section
Review Article

References

UNODC, Cannabis in Africa: An overview, 2007.

Mamoud AE, Zlatko M, Susan E, Chandrani G, Suman C, James CC. Changes in Cannabis Potency over the last two decades 1995 – 2014, Analysis of current data in the United States. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79(7): 613 – 619

Hall W, Degenhard L. Adverse health effects of non-medical Cannabis use Lancet, 2009; 374:1383 – 1391.

NIDA Research Report series, Cannabis Abuse, 2010.

Williamson EM, Evans FJ. Cannabinoids in clinical practice. Drugs. 2000; 60 (6):1303 – 1314.

American Society of Addiction Medicine, ASAM Medical Marijuana Task Force white paper, 2012.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Preventing drug abuse among children and Adolescents: risk and protective factors, 2011. https://www.drugabuse.gov/prevention/risk.html.

UNODC Youth Initiative, Myth 2: Addicts made the wrong choice, it is their fault. Get the facts and break the myths, 2014. https://unodc.org/unodc/en/prevention/youth-initives-break-myths-results-03.html.

National Baseline Youth Survey Report, National Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Youth Development2012: www.nigeriastat.gov.ng/pages/download/191

Wodak A, Reinarma C, Colen P. Cannabis Control: costs outweigh the benefits. British Med J, 2002; 324(12): 105-16.

The White House, 1999. Annual Presidential Certification for the Major Drug Producing and Transit Route. Statement by the press Secretary. https://www.state.gov/www/global/narcotics-law/990226-press-statement.html

Obot I. Assessing Nigeria Drug Control Policy, 1994 -2000. Inter J drug pol 2004; 15: 17 – 26

UNODC. World Drug Report. 2010, Vienna. https://unodc.org/unodc/en/scientists/world drug-report-2010.html.

UNODC. Drug use and health in Nigeria. 2016, Vienna. https://www.unodc.org.

Internationalist Narcotics Control Board, 2013. Report New York: INCB

Igor K. Presentation on common mythologies about substance use disorders: what we know from science and what do we have in practice, CRISA Conference, 2014.

Ediomo-Ubong EN. Police crackdowns, structural violence and impact on the Well-being of street Cannabis users in a Nigeria City. Int.J drug policy 2018; 54:114 – 122.

Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The right to the highest attainable standard of health (article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights Paragraph) 2000:8.