Kenya’s High Court dismissed a Rastafarian community’s bid to legalise cannabis for religious purposes, finding that the prohibition does not violate the constitution.
The group argued that banning the use of cannabis for religious rituals infringes on their freedom of religion and belief under the constitution.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the claim lacked evidence of constitutional breach, but emphasised that the debate on cannabis regulation must involve the entire nation.
Advocates push for a regulated cannabis market, citing potential job creation, tax revenue, and medicinal use, while Rastafarians stress that smoking marijuana is integral to their faith.
"This is not a question for the Rastafarian community only – it is a national question that cuts across the entire spectrum of our society," Justice Mwamuye said.
