One of the most prominent news stories in recent days is the Oba’s call for research and development in the medical applications of cannabis. During the visit of the NDLEA Edo Sector Commander, Alumona Obioma, and her leadership team to the monarch’s palace, the Oba stressed the importance of discovering possible advances in the treatment of diseases and other medical applications by harnessing the medicinal properties of cannabis as used in other countries, including Israel.
The Oba’s recommendation highlights the potential of research and development in combating drug-related crimes and improving the effectiveness of law enforcement. By learning from the approaches adopted by countries such as Israel and the United States, agencies such as the NDLEA and NAFDAC could find new ways to address drug-related issues and improve their efforts in combating drug-related crimes.
However, the Oba also expressed concern over the unauthorized sale of prohibited substances in pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and drug cartels in Nigeria. This situation underscores the importance of strict regulation to control the circulation of these harmful substances and combat their trafficking.
The Oba promised to mobilize his diplomatic experience to lead advocacy efforts against drug-related crimes and assured the support of traditional institutions to the NDLEA. He also cited the example of Israel, where research is being conducted on the medical use of cannabis, highlighting the curative potential of the plant according to Israeli studies.
In conclusion, the Oba’s proposal highlights the critical importance of research and development in the field of medical applications of cannabis to combat drug-related crimes and improve public health. It is therefore essential that the relevant authorities establish research and training programs to explore the potential of cannabis in the medical field and come up with innovative solutions to address current challenges in the fight against drugs.