A bid by Rastafrians in Kenya to legalise cannabis for religious reasons has failed in the country’s high court, APA can report from Nairobi on Wednesday.
The Rastafarian community had hoped to reverse a ban on the use of cannabis, arguing that it had violated their rights to practice their religious belief which is supposed to be guaranteed by the Kenyan constitution.
Passing judgement, Justice Bahati Mwamuye said the main argument of the bid to overturn the ban had not demonstrated how it infringed their rights to freedom of religion.
Justice Bahati however acknowledged that the use of cannabis should enter the national debate about its possible role in the country’s economy.
Apologists for cannabis have been campaigning for its legalisation given its potential to create jobs, and boost revenue streams. Others argue over its medicinal value.
However, it remains a criminal offense to be caught in possession of the commodity and offenders could face five-year jail terms or fined $800 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
Cultivating it draws a fine of $1,900 or 20 years in jail while trafficking it could incur heavier retribution.
WN/as/APA