This study examined the socio-economic drivers of cannabis cultivation among rural youth in southeastern Nigeria, focusing on unemployment, poverty, rising agricultural costs, and perceptions of legal risk. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with data collected from 412 rural youths aged 18–35 years across selected communities in Enugu, Abia, and Anambra States. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that 71.8% of respondents were involved in cannabis-related cultivation, mainly through inter-cropping (51.2%) and dedicated cannabis farming (20.6%). Lack of formal employment emerged as the strongest predictor of cannabis cultivation (β = .384, p < .001), followed by household poverty (β = .291, p < .001) and the rising cost of agricultural inputs (β = .198, p < .05). A significant relationship was also found between educational attainment and perception of legal risk, χ²(2, N = 412) = 24.18, p < .001. The study concludes that cannabis cultivation among rural youth is largely influenced by economic hardship and limited legitimate livelihood opportunities. It recommends strengthening youth employment, agricultural support, vocational training, and community-based interventions alongside conventional drug-control measures.

Keywords: cannabis cultivation, rural youth, socio-economic drivers, unemployment, poverty, southeastern Nigeria.