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Tag: cannabis

  • Ondo govt cracks down on cannabis cultivation, arrests six suspects

    Ondo govt cracks down on cannabis cultivation, arrests six suspects

    The Ondo state government has intensified its crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation and forest destruction with the arrest of six suspected Indian hemp planters.

    The suspects were apprehended in a coordinated operation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in collaboration with the Nigeria Forest Security Services (NFSS), following credible intelligence.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, who disclosed the arrest to journalists in Akure on Tuesday, expressed dismay at the extent of destruction observed in government-protected forest reserves.

    Akinola decried the growing influx of suspected cannabis cultivators from other states into Ondo’s forest reserves, particularly the Queens Plot area, describing their activities as a serious threat to the environment and societal well-being.

    Read Also: NDLEA destroys 30 hectares of cannabis farm in C’River

    “The state will not tolerate the destruction of forests to cultivate cannabis,” the commissioner said.

    “The area where these suspects were arrested is a designated protected forest, where logging, farming, and other forms of encroachment are strictly prohibited.”

    Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Forestry/Produce sub-sector, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to preserving and protecting the state’s forestry sector from encroachers.

    Odunsaya also assured that the suspects would also face investigation and prosecution following forestry and environmental laws.

    He commended the swift response of the NFSS and restated the ministry’s resolve to continue its aggressive enforcement efforts against forest encroachers and illegal operators.

  • 7 Cannabis Strains to Pair with Classic Holiday Dishes

    7 Cannabis Strains to Pair with Classic Holiday Dishes

    Picture this: you’re planning a holiday meal and looking for ways to make each dish memorable.

    You’ve heard from your trusted online weed dispensary that pairing cannabis strains with food can be just as impactful as a wine pairing, enhancing flavors and adding a unique experience to each course.

    But where to start?

    This guide will show you how to elevate classic holiday dishes with thoughtfully selected strains, from soothing indica pairings for rich, savory dishes to energizing sativas that brighten lighter courses.

    Dive in to discover how different strains can add new dimensions to your favorite holiday flavors.

    Which Strains are Best Paired with Classic Dishes?

    Skywalker OG, Alaskan Thunderfuck, and Northern Lights are the most prominent strains that you can pair with Classic Dishes. Why you wonder? Well, let’s take a look further below

    1. Skywalker OG

    Skywalker OG is an indica-dominant hybrid known for its relaxing, sometimes sedative effects, ideal for winding down during a large holiday meal.

    Its high THC potency (up to 30%) offers a deeply relaxing, euphoric experience that promotes a sense of calm—perfect for de-stressing after holiday gatherings.

    The strain’s dominant terpenes—myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene—provide a well-rounded, spicy herbal profile with earthy and pine undertones that can harmonize beautifully with classic holiday dishes featuring savory herbs, sweet root vegetables, or even roasted meats.

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Skywalker OG

    • Sweet Potatoes/Yams: Skywalker OG’s herbal, spicy, and earthy notes bring out the natural sweetness in these starchy vegetables, balancing the buttery or caramelized additions often paired with yams. The strain’s grounding flavors resonate with the wholesome, earthy essence of root vegetables, creating a harmonious combination.
    • Roasted Root Vegetables: The strain’s rich, earthy aroma complements roasted carrots, parsnips, or beets, enhancing their depth and rustic appeal. With Skywalker OG’s high THC content (often around 20-30%), the experience encourages relaxation, making it an ideal pairing for savoring hearty dishes.
    • Stuffing with Herbs: With flavors rooted in pine, earth, and a touch of spice, Skywalker OG amplifies the aromatic herbs in stuffing, such as sage and thyme. The strain’s tranquil effects also help ease you into the post-meal comfort, making it a fitting companion for this classic Thanksgiving side.

    2. Alaskan Thunderfuck

    Alaskan Thunderfuck (ATF) is a sativa-dominant strain originating from Alaska’s Matanuska Valley, known for its vibrant, uplifting effects and unique flavor profile.

    ATF is characterized by its strong diesel and earthy scent with hints of pine and spice, making it a perfect companion for hearty holiday dishes that need a flavorful lift.

    Its potency—often between 16% and 25% THC—delivers a fast-acting, cerebral high that boosts energy and sociability, making it ideal for daytime holiday gatherings where you want to stay engaged and upbeat.

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Alaskan Thunderfuck

    • Mashed Potatoes: The strain’s spicy and earthy notes enhance the creamy, buttery flavor of mashed potatoes, while its energizing effects keep the meal lively.
    • Green Bean Casserole: Alaskan Thunderfuck’s earthy, slightly diesel aroma adds a savory dimension to green bean casserole, pairing well with the dish’s mushroom-based sauce and crispy topping.
    • Roasted Vegetables: Root vegetables, especially when roasted, work well with ATF’s spicy, piney profile, enhancing their natural sweetness with a bold, uplifting twist.

    3. Northern Lights

    Northern Lights is a legendary indica-dominant strain cherished for its deeply relaxing and euphoric effects, making it a popular choice for unwinding with hearty meals.

    With THC levels often between 16% and 21%, this strain’s high is typically smooth yet potent, delivering a tranquilizing body high that’s well-suited for an evening meal, helping users unwind after a festive gathering.

    The strain’s terpene profile—primarily myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene—imparts flavors of pine, spice, and a hint of citrus, harmonizing with rich, savory dishes like stuffing, roasted meats, and creamy sides

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Northern Lights

    • Stuffing: Northern Lights’ earthy, piney notes beautifully enhance the savory, herbed flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing, creating a comforting, warm pairing.
    • Roasted Turkey: The strain’s subtle sweetness and pine undertones resonate well with the rich, roasted flavors of turkey, adding depth to this holiday classic.
    • Mashed Potatoes: The calming effects of Northern Lights can elevate the creamy, buttery essence of mashed potatoes, enhancing the dish’s cozy, indulgent appeal.

    4. Apple Fritter

    Apple Fritter, a balanced hybrid strain created from Sour Apple and Animal Cookies, offers a unique experience for both flavor and effect.

    Known for its apple-like sweetness with undertones of vanilla, cheese, and a hint of spice, it resembles the taste of a freshly baked apple fritter, making it an ideal pairing with desserts and sweet dishes.

    The strain’s terpenes—caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene—contribute to its earthy, fruity, and spicy profile, enhancing flavors in classic holiday dishes, particularly those involving apples, nuts, or sweet, comforting notes.

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Apple Fritter

    • Apple Pie or Apple-Based Desserts: The strain’s flavor profile, reminiscent of baked apples with hints of vanilla and spice, perfectly complements the sweetness and warmth of apple pie or other apple-centric desserts.
    • Cornbread: Apple Fritters fruity and slightly spicy notes enhance cornbread’s earthy sweetness, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and flavorful.
    • Caramelized Pecans or Nut-Based Sweets: The nutty, sugary undertones in Apple Fritter resonate well with nutty desserts, adding a fruity layer that elevates the treat’s richness.

    5. Blue Dream

    Blue Dream’s effects allow users to enjoy a clear-headed, engaging experience that pairs well with festive dishes, especially those involving fresh or roasted ingredients.

    The strain’s moderate THC level (typically 18-22%) ensures that it delivers a balanced experience without overwhelming the senses, making it a classic choice for group settings and celebratory meals.

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Blue Dream

    • Berry Desserts: Blue Dream’s berry-forward profile pairs harmoniously with berry-centric desserts like blueberry pie or mixed berry tarts, complementing the natural sweetness of the dish with its fruity, blueberry-like flavors.
    • Spinach Strawberry Salad: The strain’s fruity and earthy undertones match well with fresh, light dishes, especially salads featuring berries and leafy greens, enhancing the freshness and adding a subtle herbal depth.
    • Roasted Vegetable Medley: Blue Dream’s sweet berry and floral notes, combined with a hint of earthiness, make it an excellent match for a medley of roasted root vegetables, especially those seasoned with herbs that amplify the strain’s unique terpene profile.

    6. Sour Diesel

    Because of its uplifting nature, Sour Diesel pairs well with foods that have sharp, zesty flavors, enhancing their brightness without overwhelming the palate.

    It’s a great match for dishes that bring their own bold taste, like spicy or tangy sides, making each bite a vibrant experience.

    This strain’s invigorating effects and flavor profile allow it to complement and even amplify the flavors of classic holiday dishes, making it a unique choice for adventurous culinary pairings.

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Sour Diesel

    • Spicy Foods (e.g., Chili, Curry): Sour Diesel’s bold, tangy citrus notes enhance the spices in hot dishes, creating a layered and invigorating experience.
    • Pickled or Vinegar-Based Sides: The strain’s sour undertones blend well with acidic, tangy flavors, making it a good match for pickled vegetables or slaws, balancing the sharpness with its unique diesel notes.
    • Fresh, Crisp Salads: Sour Diesel’s earthy and citrusy profile pairs refreshingly with salads, especially those with apples, greens, or light vinaigrettes, bringing out both freshness and complexity.

    7. Blueberry

    The Blueberry strain is celebrated for its signature fruity aroma and sweet flavor, reminiscent of fresh blueberries with earthy undertones.

    This indica-dominant hybrid is popular for its relaxing, euphoric effects that can elevate a meal experience, making it ideal for winding down with rich, comforting foods.

    It pairs excellently with berry-based dishes, as its taste profile complements both sweet and savory items, particularly those that involve fruit, cream, or subtle spices.

    Classic Dishes Best Paired With Blueberry

    • Berry-Forward Desserts (e.g., Blueberry Pie, Fruit Tarts): The strain’s naturally sweet, fruity notes align perfectly with berry-based desserts, enhancing the natural berry flavors for a more immersive experience.
    • Cheese-Based Appetizers (e.g., Blueberry Goat Cheese, Cheesecake): Blueberry strain’s fruity profile compliments creamy cheeses, creating a sweet-savory balance that’s rich and satisfying.
    • Grilled Meats with Blueberry Sauces (e.g., Pork Chops with Blueberry Compote): The subtle sweetness of the strain pairs well with grilled meats, particularly those served with blueberry-based glazes or compotes, adding depth to the savory flavors.

    If you’re looking to Online weed dispensary or at your local dispensary, consider the strains we’ve recommended above to pair perfectly with your classic holiday dishes.

    Things to Keep in Mind When Pairing Classic Dishes with Strains

    When it comes to pairing cannabis strains with classic holiday dishes, there are a few essential factors to consider for a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.

    Here’s what to keep in mind:

    Terpene Profiles

    Terpenes are the compounds that give cannabis its distinct flavors and aromas, and they play a significant role in food pairings.

    For example, strains high in myrcene (e.g., Blueberry) pair well with earthy, rich foods, while strains with limonene (e.g., Sour Diesel) complement citrusy or tangy dishes like fresh salads and vinegar-based sides.

    Strain Type and Effect

    Different strains bring unique effects, impacting the tone of your gathering.

    Sativa strains like Sour Diesel and Alaskan Thunderfuck offer energizing effects that suit lively gatherings or daytime meals, pairing well with lighter dishes like salads or spicy foods.

    Indica strains like Blueberry and Northern Lights are better suited to evening meals, especially with comforting, rich dishes due to their calming effects.

    Hybrid strains such as Blue Dream offer a balance, making them versatile for various courses.

    THC Potency and Timing

    Consider THC levels when choosing strains for pairing. High-THC strains, like Skywalker OG, can lead to a potent experience, so lighter portions may be ideal, especially at the beginning of a meal.

    For longer gatherings, start with lower-THC strains or smaller servings to maintain a pleasant experience throughout.

    Save richer, higher-potency strains for dessert pairings, which naturally signal the end of a meal.

    Flavor Complementation and Contrast

    Aim to enhance the flavors of both the dish and the strain.

    Strains like Blue Dream and Blueberry work well with berry desserts or salads for a complementing effect, while Sour Diesel’s citrus and diesel notes provide a refreshing contrast to heavy, savory foods.

    Experimenting with both complementary and contrasting pairings can elevate the meal’s sensory experience, allowing for a more dynamic tasting.

    Consumption Methods

    For a more controlled experience, pair the meal with smoked or vaped cannabis rather than infused edibles.

    This approach allows you to enjoy the strain’s flavor profile alongside food without the lasting intensity of edibles.

    If you plan to cook with cannabis, infuse it into oils or butters for consistency, but remember that the effects will be longer-lasting than smoking or vaping.

    FAQs

    What’s the best way to dose cannabis for food pairings?

    For food pairings, start with low doses, especially with high-THC strains, to ensure a pleasant experience without overwhelming the senses. Consuming cannabis through smoking or vaping during the meal allows for more control, as effects are felt quickly and can be adjusted. For thc edibles, use cannabis-infused oils or butters in small amounts to avoid a prolonged and intense experience.

    Which strains are best for different courses of a holiday meal?

    For starters or appetizers, consider a light, citrusy sativa like Sour Diesel to create a refreshing start. For main courses, earthy hybrids like Blue Dream complement savory flavors, while indica strains like Northern Lights pair well with rich, comforting dishes or desserts, such as pies. Adjusting the strain per course adds variety and balances the experience through different meal stages.

    Are there specific flavor notes that pair poorly with cannabis?

    Generally, overly complex or spiced foods can compete with a strain’s terpene profile, especially if the cannabis has subtle flavors. For instance, heavily spiced dishes can overpower fruity strains, while rich, sugary desserts may overshadow lighter, floral strains. Balancing these flavors by choosing simpler foods allows the cannabis profile to shine without being masked by strong flavors.

    Conclusion

    We hope this guide has inspired you to try pairing cannabis strains with holiday dishes for a new, flavorful twist on tradition.

    The right strain can enhance each course, from relaxing Blueberry with savory sides to uplifting Sour Diesel for bright, fresh flavors.

    Enjoy experimenting with these pairings, and may your holiday meals be all the more memorable. Happy pairing!

  • Who wants cannabis decriminalised?

    Who wants cannabis decriminalised?

    Sir: It is preposterous to hear anyone still arguing for the legalisation of the use of cannabis or its cultivation in Nigeria, given that the countries they usually cite as examples are currently grappling with the consequences of their experimentation with the liberal use of drugs. Some of these countries are presently contemplating reversing the trend and reverting to status quo ante.

    Those advocating for the legalisation of cannabis in our country are either doing so out of ignorance and probably oblivious to the global trend on drug policies or are purposely blind to the red flags because of their vested interest in the economic gains of widespread use and cultivation of cannabis.

    The usual argument is about the economy and medicinal use. They talk about how big the global cannabis market is, how we are missing out and how Nigeria could supplement its economy by becoming a big player in that industry.

    In their argument, they equate cannabis to a wonderful plant that does no one any harm. And they make its cultivation seem like a simple process that will not have any ramifications for local consumption.

    Their arguments fall flat in the face of the Nigerian drug situation, which came to light in 2019 after the conduct of the UNODC- assisted National Drug Use Survey.

    The findings showed that Nigeria is already the country with the largest population of cannabis users, about 10.6 million. Worse still, the use of cannabis in Nigeria is largely for recreational purposes, not medicinal.

    Read Also: President Tinubu’s student loan scheme is for all Nigerians, by Fredrick Nwabufo

    Promoters of liberalisation of drug use usually cite countries such as the US, Canada and Australia, among others. But they fail to acknowledge that the decriminalisation of the use of any illicit drug, any drug at all, has proven to have boomerang effects. A case in point is the report published on July 11, in the New York Times, titled “Bold Experiment or Safety Risk? Canada Is Divided on How to Stop Drug Deaths.”

    The report by Vjosa Isai covered Vancouver and Victoria, in the British Columbia region of Canada. The summary of the report is British Columbia’s decision to partially retreat from its experiment to decriminalise drug possession as a solution to the opioid crisis. In just two years, the situation worsened and has put authorities in the region in reverse.

    Earlier in May, Canada’s federal government approved the request to reverse the policy and again make public drug use and possession in British Columbia a crime.

    In the United States, where a similar experiment had taken place in Oregon, the state legislature had voted in April to recriminalize drugs amid soaring overdose deaths. Cities and countries around the world are coming to the hard truth that abstinence is the only way to curb the consequences of drug use.

    Now, concerning cannabis, the usual argument is that its derivatives are harmless. Who says? Research upon research shows that cannabis has negative effects on users’ health. The promoters of cannabis are usually silent on this.

    The most recent research, published on August 1, in the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, indicated a link between long-term daily use of marijuana and cancers of the head and neck.

    The findings of the research conducted at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles show that people who use cannabis, particularly those with a cannabis use disorder, are significantly more likely to develop head and neck cancers compared to those who do not use cannabis. They are at greater risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the soft palate, tonsil and back of the throat. The study, which found a strong link between various cannabinoids (biological compounds in cannabis plants) and tumour growth, sounded an alarm that the world may see a corresponding rise in head and neck cancer cases with the widespread legalisation of marijuana.

    This is coming three years after a study conducted in Denmark and published in JAMA Psychiatry on July 21, 2021, showed that there is a link between schizophrenia, a mental health disorder, and cannabis addiction.

    Nigeria should tread on the path of caution. Let’s not open the Pandora box. As a country, we don’t have a strong health institution or the economic capability to bear the burden of the public health ramifications of the use of cannabis. Nobody will come to harm if cannabis is banned, after all, it is not a basic need.

    •Adekunbi Lawal,Abuja.

  • Cannabis tops most commonly-used illicit drugs

    Cannabis tops the list of most commonly- used illicit drugs in West Africa, with majority of persons accessing treatment facilities doing so to tackle cannabis-related drug use disorders.

    Also, one in five drug users are younger than 19 years , 20 to 29 are most affected by drug use disorders, according to West Africa Drug report.

    The report was presented by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for validation by experts from the region.

    It shows that the use of opioids, in particular non-medical use of prescription opioids such as tramadol, appears to be growing most rapidly compared to other illicit drugs.

    The study also found a link between drug use disorder and unemployment across the region. It, however, remains unclear whether it is the difficulties of finding a job, that makes many young people turn to drugs, or taking drugs that makes it more difficult to retain or to get a job.

    The the dramatic increase in tramadol seizures from 17 tonnes in 2014 to about 232 tonnes in 2017 calls for concerted efforts. The fact that more than 60 tonnes of tramadol seized in 2017 were in transit to other countries emphasizes the need for increased cooperation and intelligence sharing among countries in the region, according to the study.

    Director, Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ube said: “The report provides evidence-based information on emerging trends in drug use, treatment and trafficking to guide policy makers in EOCWAS member states and Mauritania to design and implement adequate responses that address both drug supply and demand.”

    Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria Dr. Oliver Stolpe, who presented the highlights of the report, said: “Preparing this first ever West Africa Drug Report is a major achievement. The collective efforts of the ECOWAS Secretariat, the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU), the EU and UNODC have contributed to a significant improvement of data collection capacities across ECOWAS on drug use prevalence, drug treatment and the trafficking of illicit drugs. For example, in 2017 13 countries were able to collect and report on data relating to persons in drug treatment, up from only five countries that were able to do so in 2014. Moreover, data collection appears to have encouraged the spread of good practices: only four countries reported to administer HIV/AIDS tests to people who use drugs in 2014, 10 countries reported doing so in 2017.”

    While the findings of this report may help to shape policies and interventions regarding drug supply suppression, the data clearly calls for even greater efforts in the area of drug demand reduction in West Africa, including the establishment of drug treatment facilities, and capacity building for those who provide counsel and care to people who suffer from drug use disorders.

    Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to ECOWAS, Mr. Kurt Cornelis urged stakeholders to look into ways to sustain the system and methodology implemented by the WENDU initiative over the past four years, at national and regional levels.

    The report highlights the crucial importance for ECOWAS member states to step up their efforts towards the passing of the Supplementary Act to address the challenges of drug trafficking and drug use in the region as well as to commence the work on a new ECOWAS Regional Action Plan to sustain and build on the achievements under the current action plan, which will expire in 2020.

  • The scourge of drugs: at what cost?

    In a recent national survey about drug abuse, the drug problem in Nigeria has been confirmed to be massive. In clearer picture, it means the rate at which young persons and adults are using psychoactive drug substance (popularly referred to as ‘getting high’) is more than the global average rate at 15% Nigeria’s and 5.6% global. This was revealed by National Bureau of Statistics and Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse.

    Previously, the prevalence was among adults and young adults, but most alarming and worrisome now is the rate at which under-age teens are embracing drugs freely and unchecked. Worst still, young people are generating their mixtures, using conventional substances with unusual elements to create their own formula for severe drug intake – they are often called ‘science students’ for these practices.

    This means that drug intake has graduated from the use of sedatives like cocaine, heroin and cannabis that we used to know, to potent mixture of several drugs to attain fatal overdose.

    For example, a cocktail of drugs like codeine, tramadol, rohypnol, cannabis with juice or soft drink is called ‘gutter water’. More crude is the smoking of lizard part, manure (dung), sniffing of petrol, glue, urine and sewage as inhalant. It is really that bad!

    I am utterly worried because this is gradually eating deep into the flesh of our society like cancer. Actually, drug abuse is not new to the modern society, but very bothersome is the alarming rate at which youngsters are embracing hard substance, unchecked.

    Do you know that four out of every 10 teenagers you meet on the street now abuse drugs? And if this goes unchecked, seven out of every 10 young persons on your street would become drug addicts by the year 2030 particularly in the major cities?

    Crimes such as spontaneous shootings triggered by drug related poor mental health may become a regular occurrence in our society such as you see it happen in a place like America?

    Recently, a news station picked a very disturbing drug abuse scene by an under-aged, with bottles of hard drugs littering the sight. The rate at which young boys and girls are being introduced to dangerous narcotics calls for serious concern.

    Now, young boys and girls display proudly their love for dangerous drugs and even get endorsements from some of our local musicians thereby promoting this dangerous trend.

    While we agree that the inflow of opioid is not limited to Nigeria alone, but our rate has surpassed ‘normal’ percentage. Last year, two major high profile raids led to seizure of over half a billion tablets of Tramadol. And apart from the imports, the local pharmaceutical companies are also riddled with high level of corruption related to boosting of illicit supply of codeine-based cough syrups to these drug users. Often time, a teenager will drink complete bottle of cough syrup at once to get ‘high’.

    This case was worsened by the fact that our healthcare system is not adequately equipped to contain consequences of disorders emanating from drug abuse, leaving victims to degenerate into complete decadence and irreversible mental states. It is not surprising why the rate of depression and anxiety induced suicides is on the increase.

    I can say authoritatively that this problem is not getting the attention it requires both from government and our communities. In the past, it is a taboo to smoke marijuana (popularly called weed) in the public. But now it is a trend and thing of pride among the youth.

    Systemic consumption of drugs by adults makes them see nothing bad in youth drug abuse. The rate at which young criminals are paraded on the television is alarming but we can stop the menace before it gets to that stage.

    Young people now have free access to dangerous weapons as much as they have to drugs, making the situation more dangerous. We are in the ‘blue tongue’, ‘purple tongue’ and ‘red tongue’ era with our youths consuming drugs freely at will. When cultism meets drugs, the result is that most rubbery gangs now consist of below 24 years old youth.

    In addition to previous and predominant crisis in the country, can we cope with drug menace given our population and energy?

    So what can we do?

    My experience in the health sector has proven that there is need for more severe laws at the federal level to prevent drug abuse with tactical check on the inflow and free distribution of illicit drugs in our society.

    Nigeria may need to borrow a leaf from countries with severe penalties against illicit drug peddling to check imminent catastrophe looming on the nation. This truth is bitter though, but can we cope with the consequences of this societal hazard as we are beginning to experience?

    Religious institutions should focus more on messages that can help revamp the society. Unfortunately, we have few organisations championing cause for prevention of drug abuse in the country. We need more.

    Prevention, they say, is better and cheaper than cure. For those already addicted, there are various forms of restorative approach in the society. But the most potent solution is to break the chain…that is where the biggest success is.

    Drug addiction is a preventable. Research has shown that preventive programmes that involve the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse.  It is necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the risks of drug abuse and for teachers, parents, and health care professionals to keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never abuses drugs.

    Above all, we need to check the music too!

    • Olulade is a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Epe Constituency II

  • Dangerous promotion of cannabis

    There is no doubt that cannabis, marijuana or hemp is a psychoactive substance.

    One of the potent chemicals in marijuana is tetra-hydro – cannabinol ( THC). This chemical settles more in the fatty parts of the body. The brain being the most fatty part of the body receives the largest chunk, thereby impairing its functions.

    The side effects of cannabis or marijuana include anger, aggression, aches, depression, dizziness or drowsiness, tremors, challenges in brain and body coordination, inability to concentrate, sleep disturbance, hunger, thirst or dehydration, giddiness (unsteady or staggering), respiratory problems(fast heart beat ), low blood pressure, memory loss, anxiety and hallucinations.

    The use or abuse of psychoactive drugs progresses in the following stages: experimental, tolerance and dependence.

    Many drivers in Nigeria use  marijuana. This psychoactive substance is cultivated in various parts of the country. It is available for sale at motor parks, bus stops, among others. Some drivers have nicknamed it as “Fresh fish”. It is sometimes soaked in dry gin with herbal roots or leaves.

    The use of marijuana has caused a lot of road accidents, injuries and deaths. It has caused mental problems for many and has destroyed lives. More worrisome is the promotion of marijuana, and the push for the legalisation of its use in some countries. One of the presidential aspirants, as part of his campaign, has promised to legalise the cultivation of marijuana.

    In one African country, private use of marijuana has been legalised. This dangerous trend is gradually spreading in both the developed and less developed countries globally. If the legalisation continues, the pillar of Safer Road Users in the United Nations (UN) Decade of action for road safety will be difficult to accomplish, particularly in Africa.

    My worry is that whether it is the regular or medical marijuana, a decorated monkey is a monkey. Marijuana in whatever form will continue to threaten safe driving when used by drivers. I hereby call on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), driving schools, employers of drivers and other stakeholders in transport and road safety sectors to beef up their monitoring, enforcement, training and education programmes on the use of marijuana and other psychoactive drugs for drivers.

    It is not enough to tell drivers to avoid marijuana or other psychoactive drugs. It is expedient to educate them on the immediate and long-term effects of the drugs. They should know why those who are already deep-neck in them went into it, offer them treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration to avoid a relapse  and become risks on the roads.

  • Customs impounds 850 cartons of Tramadol, cannabis

    The Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’, Owerri Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded 850 cartons of Tramadol, other illicit drugs and contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N379 million in the last two months.

    NCS Area Controller in charge of the zone, Comptroller Ahmed Azarema, said the seizures were made between March and June.

    The contraband included illicit drugs, bags of rice, used tyres, second-hand clothes and different brands of vehicles.

    They were reportedly confiscated on Benin Mobile Patrol and Owerri–Port Harcourt axis.

    Azarema said NCS operatives confiscated a Mack truck with 582 cartons of Tramadol and 258 cartons of Tygracildenafil with a DPV of N21.462 million.

    The Controller said the unit also seized a MAN Diesel truck “with 98 cartons of Ibamol drug (50 packs per carton), 22 cartons of 200 milligrams (mg) of Tramadol, 15 cartons of 225 mg Tramadol and 250 mg (50 packs) of Tramadol valued at N11.862 million.

    “A Mark Mercedes Benz with 327 Indian hemp with an estimated at value of N11.445 million was also intercepted.

    “Other items confiscated include Lexus ES 350, 2007 model, valued at N3,318 million; a Mercedes Benz G 500 bulletproof, 2001 model, with DPV of N60.750 million; a Toyota Hilux, 2016 model, valued at N1,809 million and a Toyota Prado, 2015 model, with DPV N23,402 million.

    “A Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, 2014 model, valued at N33.145 million; a Mercedes Benz GLE 350 with DPV N25.199 million; a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, 2018 model, with DPV of N37.999 million and a Mercedes Benz C350 valued at N4.955 million.

    “Toyota Highlander, 2013 model, valued at N13.388 million; a Toyota Highlander, 2009 model, with DPV N4.957 million; a Mercedes Benz truck with 230 cartons of 22 kilogrammes imported rice, six bales of used clothes with a DPV of N10.270 million and 30 cartons of Automatic Couple Head  valued at N61.692.”

     

  • NDLEA arrests suspects, seizes 136.6kgs drugs in four months in Jigawa

    The Jigawa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), says it has arrested 121 suspects and recovered 136.6 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs between January 2016 and April 2018.

    The spokesman of the command, Mr Ankeli Adah, disclosed this in a statement in Dutse on Thursday.

    Adah said the command had also seized two locally fabricated revolver pistols and one cut-to-size revolver rifle with five rounds of live ammunition within the period under review.

    “In our continuous efforts to make Jigawa drug-free and contain other criminalities, our aggressive motorised patrol and enforcement duties have intercepted different classes of hard drugs, illegal firearms and ammunition.

    “From January to April 2018, a total of 121 suspects were arrested and a total of 136.6 kgs of hard drugs were seized,” he said.

    The spokesman added that in January 2018, 35 suspects were arrested for different categories of drug related offences, saying exhibit recovered from the suspects are: 14.9kgs of Cannabis Stavia; 12.8kgs of Tramadol tablet; 283kgs of Diazapam tablet and 171.6kgs of Exol syrup.

    According to him, 17 out of the 35 suspects arrested in January were found to be users, and were referred to the command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit ( DDRU ) for counseling.

    He said that 39 suspects were arrested in February with 18.4kgs of Cannabis Stavia; 14.4kgs of Tramadol tablet; 69.2g of Diazapam tablet and 132.2kgs of Exol syrup; where 29 of the suspects were found to be users and were also referred to DDRU for counseling.

    “In the month of March, 19 persons were arrested with the following hard drugs: Cannabis Sativa 2.9kg; Tramadol 2.1kg; Diazapam 247.5g and Exol 169.1kg.

    Read Also: NDLEA destroys 14,360 tonnes of hard drugs in Adamawa

    “And in the month of April, 28 persons were arrested with the following hard drugs; Cannabis Sativa 6.2kg; Tramadol 507.2g; Diazapam 225.5g and Exol 35g,” Adah said.

    He added that 45 out of the 121 arrested suspects were successfully convicted at Federal High Court, Dutse, and 61 of the suspects referred to DDRU for counseling on dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

    The spokesman further noted that the command also delivered 24 lectures on the consequences of drug abuse and trafficking in various schools and work places across the state within the period under review.

    “We solicit the support of the members of the society and the state in general to furnish the NDLEA office with relevant information about drug dealers and their activities within the state in order to ensure the security, peace and well-being of everyone,” he added.

    NAN

  • While celebrating cannabis day…

    When the word “cannabis” is used or spoken of, a negative connotation readily comes to mind. It usually goes by different street names like weed, igbo etc.

    Each year on the 20th of April, cannabis advocates around the global world gather to celebrate cannabis culture even though it might be legal or illegal in some countries.

    It is a genus of flowering plant in the family cannabaceae. It is often used as a recreational drug which is only behind alcohol and tobacco.

    Medically, has long been used for hemp fibre, oils and other medicinal purposes. In the United States, it was believed that over 100 million Americans have tried cannabis, with twenty-five million Americans having used it within the past year.

    In Nigeria, there seems to be a widespread abuse of the plant, especially amongst the youths. We find it being abused in parties, gatherings and dark corners in our milieu.

    Smoking it causes a lot of damage to the human body. It shrinks the brain of a person, and can eventually cause grave psychological disorders or death.

    Other side effects of cannabis include the destruction of the lungs and risk of developing cancer of the respiratory tract.

    The effects experienced by users and abusers are variable and will depend upon the dose, method of administration, prior experience, any concurrent drug use, personal expectations, mood state and the social environment in which the drug is used.

    Asides the overtly destructive nature of cannabis, it still has its usefulness, especially within the legal framework of the country. It can be used to provide warmth especially in very cold regions of the world. It is also used in improving appetite in those who are HIV/AIDS positive. Quite ironically, medical conditions like lung cancer and Emphysema have been shown to regress when cannabis is introduced into the mix.

    On the overall scale, the (illegal) use of cannabis should be seriously dissuaded and condemned as this could portend serious health and social risks for us all.

  • UNODC against decriminalization of cannabis in Nigeria

    The United Nation office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) has denied reports that the organization called for the decriminalization of Cannabis in Nigeria.

    The officer in charge of  UNODC  in Nigeria, Elisabeth Bayer made the clarification  in a statement issued in Abuja on reports about the organisation’s  visit to Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Abuja at which it made a presentation at the public hearing on ‘The need to check the rising menace of pharmaceutical drugs abuse amongst youth in Nigeria’ on 26 March, 2018.

    “On being asked specifically on cannabis, our representative clearly stated that legalization of Cannabis is not supported by the three UN international drug conventions (Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol; Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; UN convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988).

    “To keep the record straight, on invitation by the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, UNODC made a presentation at the public hearing and reiterated the following recommendations contained in 2017 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) report, where the Board urges all Governments to:

     

    (a)    Gather data on prevalence of drug-use disorders and the accessibility and utilization of treatment;

     

    (b)   Invest in making treatment and rehabilitation evidence-based;

     

    (c)    Allocate sufficient resources to treatment and rehabilitation, the two major components of demand reduction;

     

    (d)   Pay particular attention to special population groups;

     

    (e)    Share, nationally and internationally, best practices and build capacity;

     

    (f)    Stimulate research into new interventions.