Monrovia – As the debate on the industrialization of Marijuana makes way to public discourse, a Liberian scientist based in the United States says industrializing the usage will enhance regulation by the government and economic gains.
“I do support the legalization and regulated commercial cultivation of marijuana so as to avoid its abuse as a substance but contribute to the economy of Liberia and medical science,” says Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan.
“A wealth of evidence has demonstrated the medical value of marijuana as therapy for people with very severe seizures; medical evidence also suggests that it controls nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and it relieves pain as well as reduces inflammation.”
Marijuana, otherwise known as Cannabis, has many aliases in Liberia and it is very notorious for many wrong things.
Elsewhere in the world, investors are pouring in millions of dollars to develop the sector as they also eye West African countries as a possible investment destination.
Statistics show that the world marijuana market is expected to reach US$146.4 billion by the end of 2025.
Dr. Nyan, a biomedical research scientist who is famous for inventing the Multiplex Infections Diagnostic Test, says Marijuana is a multi-billion dollar global business that the Liberian Government should venture into by licensing specific growers under strict regulation for both recreational and medicinal use.
“This could be economically beneficial to our government. This could generate employment and financial gain for the government through taxes and licensing fees,” he said.
“In this respect, I propose that a study is conducted by a Commission comprising of experts from the Ministry of Health, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Justice.”
He said such a study should lead to the formulation of “Medical and Commercial Marijuana Regulations (or the Marijuana Act)” which will lay the framework for the industrialization of the plant for medical purpose.
Meanwhile, another Liberian who has been using a medication made of Marijuana, says approving the usage of it in Liberia would save more lives.
Momou Dorley says he is suffering from perennial genetic and nerve ailments and have had two cervical spinal surgeries and several other minor surgeries.
“I am suffering from chronic undiagnosed pain in my lower extremities and feel stiffness in my left pelvic and hip. In fact am unable to freely move my left leg,” Dorley said of his medical condition.
“It was in 2016, while in Germany, my pain went through the roof and I began scouring the internet. There, I came across a certain CBD oil, (name I cannot recall) on the CFAH website. It was a CBD oil that contained other cannabinoids suspended in MCT oil with a berry flavor, and from that day my pain has been significantly more manageable.
“However, I googled the active components of the medicine and one of those components was hemp. I never knew what hemp was before then. After my googled research, I learned that hemp, cannabis and marijuana were the same family.”
Two days later, when he begun using the medication, his pain was relieved and Dorley has since used it as a treatment for his medical condition.
Now, he too has added his voice to the many Liberians calling for the use of Marijuana for medical purpose, which he says will also create economic benefits for the country.
“The government can follow suit as it is being done elsewhere by licensing Marijuana and other drugs. This will make drug available through doctor or legal sale agents. The government will also gain revenue by taxing drugs and putting those funds to not only stimulating economic growth but rehabilitating drugs users,” he said.