Kenya should legalize marijuana

Marijuana is commonly referred to as bhang, bangi, pot, ganja, vela or weed among other names depending on the unique strain. In the scientific domain it is known as Cannabis Sativa containing the compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that causes the “high” effect.

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act of 1994, classifies the possession, sale, growing and distribution of marijuana illegal. This law is almost theoretical since it is rarely adhered to by patrons and by extension law enforcement officers who meet to the ready market of supply and demand.

Over the last few years there have been complete overhauls on marijuana laws. Recently in the Alaskan state in the USA, adults as young as 21 years can transport, buy or possess an ounce of recreational marijuana and six plants. Similarly, in the state of Oregon, voters approved a measure allowing adults to possess an ounce of marijuana in public and 8 ounces in their homes and are set to take effect on July 1st.  

There has been a lot of unwarranted ignorance about marijuana from individuals and lobby groups who tend to derogate the value that it holds. Marijuana does not contribute to rape, violence or, under achievements, mental illness (although can worsen an already existing mental problem). Yet it is this plant with colossal potential that opens new doors in the medical and business fields.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Kenya has rapidly increased to an all-time high of 40% in 2011 from an all-time low of 12.70% in 2006. Kenya has the potential of boosting its economic prowess a notch higher through tapping into the licensing and regulating marijuana trade within the country. This will serve as a means to create “legal” employment to individuals who grow and distribute in an already existing open market.

 Also, there already exists a market abroad in countries such as the Netherlands, where there is a special strain of marijuana specifically from the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro due to its high potency. This introduces international trade through exports and imports of different strains.

Even as the debate on whether or not marijuana should be legalized or not continues, one constant variable cannot be overlooked and that is the medical benefits that come with it.  An indefinite amount of time has been put on countless hours and expensive funding into research. The results reflect resounding functions that can be employed in the medical field.

Useful cannabis found in marijuana have the capabilities to treat ailments such as Alzheimer, reduce anxiety, alleviate pain in arthritis, cancer, glaucoma, improve lung health and in HIV/AIDS it boosts suppressed appetite in patients and many more diseases.

Though there are negative effects such as addiction, paranoia, memory impairment and mind altering effects, question is, do the positive outweigh the negative or vice versa?

East Africa, Kenya in particular, provides rich and serene growing conditions such as rich volcanic soil in the highlands and adequate rainfall. Such favorable conditions are what led Kenya to become the highest ranking country in Africa and 3rd highest in the world in cannabis seizures in 2001 with about 383 metric tons after Mexico and the USA.

Due to increased debate on marijuana, Kenyans might lobby Parliament to review and decriminalize marijuana depending on intent, whether medical or recreational. And if Kenya does not legalize marijuana other African countries such as South Africa or Zimbabwe might rise up to the challenge.