THE INDIAN HEMP DECREE, 1966
Decree · Trade
Policy date: 1966-01-01
A Decree prohibits the cultivation, importation, sale, and possession of Indian hemp in Nigeria, imposing criminal penalties. It targets all persons and law enforcement agencies. This protects public health and social order.
THE INDIAN HEMP DECREE, 1966
What Is This Policy?
A 1966 military decree (subsequently enacted as the Indian Hemp Act) that prohibited the cultivation, importation, exportation, sale, and possession of Indian hemp (cannabis) in Nigeria, with criminal penalties.
Who Does It Target?
All persons in Nigeria Law enforcement agencies (Police, NDLEA) Courts handling cannabis offences Border and customs authorities
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Prohibit the use, trade, and cultivation of cannabis in Nigeria to protect public health and social order, with criminal penalties for violations.
Key Features
Total Prohibition: Bans all cultivation, importation, exportation, sale, and possession of Indian hemp (cannabis). Criminal Penalties: Prescribes imprisonment for persons convicted of cannabis-related offences. Law Enforcement: Empowers Police and Customs to arrest, search, and prosecute cannabis offenders. Scientific Exception: Limited exceptions for licensed scientific and medical research.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active (as Indian Hemp Act Cap I6) Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Public health; anti-drug enforcement Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
No public access permitted — the Act is prohibitory Research institutions: apply to NDLEA for a research licence Application method: Report cannabis offences to NDLEA at https://www.ndlea.gov.ng
Important Terms
The Decree is now the Indian Hemp Act Cap I6 in the Laws of the Federation Cannabis offences are also prosecuted under the NDLEA Act which provides more severe penalties Nigeria has no general personal use exemption for cannabis
Official Resources
Website: https://www.ndlea.gov.ng Contact: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Legal Framework
Promulgated under the decree-making powers of the Supreme Military Council; now enacted as the Indian Hemp Act (Cap I2 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, the Drugs and Related Substances (Possession and Sale) Decree, and Nigeria's obligations under the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, and the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs 1988.