*Apart from the moral and social vices, the health implication of promoting and using Indian hemp is yet another serious problem that we must agree to fight, says Hon. Alhassan Ado Dogowa, Majority Leader of the House

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Designed to curb the menace and social vices allegedly borne by sellers and users of Indian hemp among vulnerable youths in the Nigerian society, a bill seeking imprisonment and stiffer punishments for cultivators, sellers and smokers of cannabis is currently before the House of Representatives in Abuja, FCT.

The legislation titled: ‘Indian Hemp Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (HB. 1081)’, is sponsored by Hon. Alhassan Ado Dogowa, Majority Leader of the House.

Indian hemp leaves  Photo: HealthBenefitsTimes.Com

Otherwise known as cannabis, Indian hemp is “a perennial plant of the dogbane family whose roots can be used as a laxative and emetic,” which is native to North America.

The fresh legislation, which was read for the first time on October 20, 2020, is seeking to amend the contemporary Indian hemp Act to provide for stiffer punitive measures against promoters of the substance in the country, ThisDay report said.

According to the House Majority Leader, the bill would curb the abuse of Indian Hemp in the country, as he expressed optimism that the bill would be read for the second time in January, 2021, when the House of Representatives resumes plenary.

Dogowa stated: “The bill is still awaiting 2nd reading. It’s intended to curb the menace and social vices borne by sellers and users of Indian hemp amongst our vulnerable youths in the society.

“Stiffer punishments would be provided.”

The Federal lawmaker noted that in some cases, imprisonment without an option to be able to eradicate it all in the country.

“Apart from the moral and social vices, the health implication is yet another serious problem that we must agree to fight.

“It was delayed because of so many executive Bills on my table that I needed to clear including the Money bill,” said the lawmaker.