Dangerous myth of "medical" marijuana among Kenya's youth

In international clinical settings, "medical cannabis" refers to specific, CBD-dominant preparations that are rigorously tested and administered under strict supervision. [Courtesy]

Across Kenya, a new and persuasive narrative is taking root in our university hostels, urban estates, and digital spaces. An increasing number of young people now describe their cannabis use as "medical." They claim it is a necessary tool to navigate anxiety, insomnia, or the crushing weight of modern stress. Given the rising tide of mental health challenges among the youth, this self-diagnosis can seem reasonable, even progressive. However, as a psychiatrist witnessing the clinical fallout of this trend, I believe we must pause and ask: at what cost?

The distress among Kenyan youth is undeniably real. Between academic pressures, a stagnant job market, and the lingering psychological shadows of the past few years, our young people are struggling. Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit substance in the country, and its normalisation is accelerating. But we must address the dangerous conflation of "medical use" with "self-medication."