Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said controlled cultivation of the cannabis plant for medical usage and exportation will generate several billions of dollars and provide thousands of jobs for the teeming youths.
Governor Akeredolu said the global market of Medicinal cannabis in 2019 was put at 52.8 billion Dollars, adding that the market forecast is an average of 14.5% increase from the year 2020 to reach 103.9 billion dollars by 2024.
Akeredolu charged stakeholders on the need to break the barrier of misconception occasioned by ignorance and ill-information on cannabis plant and CBD oil in the country.
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The Governor said what is important is the need to have controlled cultivation of the cannabis plant for medical usage and exportation.
Akeredolu spoke at a Stakeholders Round Table Discussions on “The Benefits and Opportunities of Cannabis Plant and CBD Oil in Nigeria – Research, Legislation, License, Medicine, Agro-Economy, Empowerment, IGR and Trade Exchange”.
The event was held on Monday at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME). Those who spoke at the event include Chairman, House Committee on Public Affairs & Media, Hon. Okezie Kalu; Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe; member, House of Representatives, Hon. Mariam Onuoha; representative of National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Dr. Lolu Ojo; National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmaceutical of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Adekola.
Others are Prof. Agbaje Gideon Olubunmi, Ladi Sojode Esq, Yinka Arasi Esq, Mr. Abiodun Adewumi, J.B Wechsler, NUJ Ondo Council, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Health. The Governor said the cannabis plant has tremendous therapeutic value, stressing that it is being used to treat cancer, epilepsy and so many other ailments.
Governor Akeredolu noted that the country has not succeeded in stopping the cultivation and misuse of Cannabis by prohibiting it. He, however, said controlled cultivation of the plant for medical usage will reduce its availability in the underworld market, adding that cultivators would like to sell in a more financially rewarding market.
