Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is currently in the eye of the storm because of his audacity to openly canvas for the legitimization of marijuana.
The purists consider his views as an heresy. Other people have also joined issued with him.
Can we say that Governor Akeredolu is naive and being flippant on this matter? Certainly not. He is the sitting governor of Ondo State and by virtue of this fact, the current tenant at the, Alagbaka ,Government House. He knows his people and their needs which include employment and the provision of physical infrastructure, all of which the available resources to the government can not easily provide.
Ondo State is the leading producer of Cocoa but the cultivation of Cocoa is dwindling. The cultivation of marijuana is on the ascendancy notwithstanding that it is illegal by virtue of our criminal statute books.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana amongst other names, is a psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant used for medical and recreation purposes.
World wide there is a growing demand for marijuana for medical use and the other countries are already smiling to the bank from the sale of marijuana.
South Africa has taken the bull by the horn by tapping into this lucrative business, even in America, the use of marijuana has been legalized in 17 states in the Union.
Given the serious economic problems were are currently facing, I think we should amend our laws to legitimize the cultivation of marijuana for medical use.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti popularised marijuana in his life time despite the fact that it was illegal.
This goes a long way to show that it is difficult for government to control our private activities. The efficacy of the activities of the NDLEA , in pursuing marijuana users is in doubt so the best thing to do is to follow global best standards; legitimize it.
The point I am making is that it is high time the government revise her views by promoting the cultivation of marijuana for medical use; in that way Governor Akeredolu and the marijuana farmers within his jurisdiction will be happy people.
