Is CBD Oil (Cannabidiol) Legal In Nigeria?

Is weed legal in Nigeria? Can you enjoy a few puffs in public without problems with the authorities?

Before you grow, possess, distribute or sell marijuana in this African country, find out if it’s unlawful. You don’t want to end up paying hefty fines or spending time behind bars.

CBD oil reportedly has several health benefits, including improving the user’s emotional well-being and relieving anxiety. Using the cannabis component in some places may get you in trouble, despite its helpful properties.

Is cannabidiol legal in this West African country? Are you allowed to plant or trade outdoor weed seeds?

Keep reading to find out.

Cannabis Use and Culture in Nigeria

Weed hasn’t been around in Nigeria for a long time. Its first reported cultivation was in the 1940s. Historians assume that the plant entered the West African state through soldiers returning from war in North Africa after the Second World War.

When marijuana entered the country, it soon became a popular recreational drug and has remained so to date. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), 10.6 million Nigerians consume weed.

Users have created a culture around it. It’s popularly known as “Indian hemp,” “Igbo,” or “Nwonkaka.” Several musicians, including Burna Boy, openly advocate its legalization.

Young adults between 18–35 years old are reported to be the most common marijuana consumers.

Cannabidiol Legislation in Nigeria

Is weed legal in Nigeria? The answer is crucial to ensure you’re not on the wrong side of the law.

After the rapid use of Indian hemp in Nigeria, the government passed a law that made any form of cannabis and related products illegal. The legislation is known as the Indian Hemp Act. It’s still valid and in use.

The law outlaws all forms of the separated resin derived from the weed plant.

The legislation outlaws any attempt to use cannabis extracts like CBD oil as wax, paste, or in any food or beverage.

The provision for the severe consequences if found cultivating marijuana demonstrates the Nigerian government’s stance on marijuana. The alternative option is jail time for approximately 21 years.

Other punishments related to the cannabis plant include:

• Importation or exportation of marijuana: 21 years in prison with no provision for a fine.
• Possessing or using weed: 4 years prison time with no provision to pay a fine.
• Possessing utensils used in the processing of marijuana: 5 years in prison.
• Assisting to sell, use or prepare cannabis on your premises: 10 years with no provision to pay a fine.

Is Medically Prepared CBD Oil Legal?

Even though cannabis is illegal, a type of CBD oil in Nigeria is allowed. The medically prepared variety is permitted, provided it doesn’t contradict the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1935.

For CBD oil to be used legally in the country, it must be prepared and distributed by a member of the Medical or Dental Practitioner Council. The professional needs to have a valid license to operate in Nigeria.

Sale of CBD in Nigeria

Despite many restrictions on cannabis and its products, the use of marijuana continues to grow in Nigeria. The people of this West African state access it through the black market.

Grammy Award-winning singer Damini Ogulu, known by his stage name Burna Boy, has openly called for the legalization of cannabis. He states that it’s hypocritical not to legalize weed.

Unending Heights, a Nigerian health and wellness company, has launched a CBD oil line. It noted the market gap and partnered with producers of the cannabis component in the USA to offer quality products.

It advocates for the safe use of cannabidiol oil to treat various health issues.

Is There Hope for Cannabis to Become Legal in Nigeria?

It may take a long time before the legalization of CBD oil and other related products in Nigeria occurs.

Only time will tell if the global trend of legalizing recreational and medical cannabis will change the situation.

The acceptance of medically produced CBD oil may be the first significant step in a long journey toward legalizing weed and its products.