High Court Rules on Legalisation of Bhang in Kenya
1 min read
The High Court has ruled that bhang (cannabis) will remain illegal in Kenya after dismissing a case filed by members of the Rastafarian community.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye said the petitioners did not provide enough evidence to convince the court to change the current law.
The Rastafarian community had asked the court to allow the use of bhang for religious purposes, arguing that cannabis is an important part of their faith and worship.
However, the judge said that although the Constitution protects freedom of religion, those rights can be limited where public health, safety and the public interest are involved.
Because of this, the court upheld the law that bans the cultivation, possession, sale and use of cannabis in Kenya.
The decision means that no changes have been made to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, which continues to criminalise bhang.
Under the current law, anyone found with cannabis can face criminal charges, including a fine, a jail term of up to 10 years, or both, depending on the circumstances of the case.
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