…They contain illicit substances dangerous to health, Marwa warns
Fake medicinal cannabis
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has
raised alarm over the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely
packaged and sold as medicinal cannabis in Nigeria.
The warning followed the arrest of a 28-year-old drug
kingpin, Afeez Salisu, popularly known as Malu, on Saturday,
November 1, 2025, at 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro,
Mushin-Lagos. Salisu was allegedly packaging and distributing fake
medicinal cannabis in designer pouches and cups.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi,
operatives recovered 16.4 kilograms of synthetic and highly potent
cannabis strains — including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud,
and Ghana Loud — from the suspect’s store. The products were deceptively
labelled and marketed as medicinal cannabis.
The NDLEA warned that these products are not regulated
pharmaceutical preparations but adulterated, highly potent psychoactive
substances that pose grave health risks, especially to young Nigerians.
Investigations revealed that the so-called medicinal products
contained dangerously high concentrations of illicit cannabis variants such as Loud,
Arizona, and Colorado, known for their extreme potency and
severe psychological effects. These substances can trigger psychosis,
anxiety, paranoia, and long-term mental health disorders.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba
Marwa (rtd), condemned the deception, noting that criminals were exploiting
global discussions around medicinal cannabis to push illegal and harmful
drugs into Nigerian communities.
“Cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria,” Marwa stated. “Any product being sold under the guise of medicinal cannabis is fake, dangerous, and illegal.”
He urged Nigerians to be vigilant, avoid such products
regardless of their packaging or health claims, and report anyone involved in
their sale to the nearest NDLEA office.
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