INDIAN HEMP ACT
Act · Health
An Act prohibits the cultivation and possession of Indian hemp in Nigeria except for authorized research. It targets law enforcement and the general public to safeguard public health and social order.
INDIAN HEMP ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act that prohibits the cultivation, importation, exportation, sale, and possession of Indian hemp (cannabis) in Nigeria, except under authorised scientific or medical research.
Who Does It Target?
Law enforcement agencies Customs and border control authorities Healthcare and pharmaceutical institutions engaged in authorised research All persons in Nigeria
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Eliminate illicit cannabis cultivation and trafficking, protect public health and social order, and provide a legal basis for prosecution of cannabis-related offences.
Key Features
Total Prohibition: Bans the cultivation, importation, exportation, sale, distribution, and possession of Indian hemp without authorisation. Penalties: Prescribes severe criminal penalties including imprisonment for persons convicted of cannabis-related offences. Authorised Exceptions: Permits possession or use of cannabis only under a licence granted for scientific or medical research purposes. Enforcement Powers: Grants police and customs officers wide powers of search, seizure, and arrest in relation to cannabis offences.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active - enforced by the Nigeria Police Force and NDLEA Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: General public, law enforcement system Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
No general public access - the Act is prohibitory in nature Research institutions may apply for a special licence from the relevant authority Application method: For authorised research: apply through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Important Terms
Possession, sale, or cultivation is a criminal offence with heavy penalties No personal use exemption exists under this Act Convictions may result in long custodial sentences
Official Resources
Website: https://www.ndlea.gov.ng Contact: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Criminal Justice Act, and international drug control conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory including the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961.