Kenyan court rejects Rastafarians' cannabis legalisation request

Nairobi’s High Court on Tuesday affirmed that the country’s current cannabis regulations warrant a comprehensive national discussion, following a petition that challenged the legality of the plant’s cultivation and use for medicinal and industrial purposes. The petition, filed by a coalition of health professionals and agricultural stakeholders, argued that existing statutes—rooted in the 2010 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act—are outdated and impede potential economic and therapeutic benefits. While the court stopped short of overturning the law, it highlighted inconsistencies in enforcement and urged legislators to consider a broader policy review.

In its ruling, the bench emphasized that any amendment to Kenya’s cannabis framework must balance public health concerns, law‑enforcement priorities, and the prospects for revenue generation through regulated markets. The decision has prompted calls from government ministries, civil society groups, and private sector representatives to convene a multi‑sectoral forum that would assess international best practices and local socioeconomic impacts. Officials indicated that the judiciary’s recommendation will be taken into account as the parliament prepares its upcoming agenda on drug policy reform.