In brief
The Kenyan High Court rejected a bid to legalise cannabis for Rastafarian religious use. Justice Mwamuye said the challenge failed to show that drug legislation violates faith freedoms. He acknowledged a broader debate on cannabis is necessary. The move stalls the movement to legalise and regulate cannabis for economic benefits. African communities watch the outcome for its policy implications.
In a decisive courtroom verdict, Kenya's High Court rejected a request by the Rastafarian community to legalise cannabis for religious ceremonies.Justice Bahati Mwamuye noted that the group failed to convince the court that the existing drug laws infringe on constitutional rights to freedom of religion and belief.While the judgment closed the immediate legal pathway, the judge urged a wider national conversation about cannabis regulation, hinting that Kenya could still explore broader legislative options.The decision comes amid growing advocacy outside the courtroom, where proponents argue that a regulated cannabis market could create jobs, increase tax revenue and support medicinal and industrial uses.The Rastafarian community maintains that smoking cannabis is integral to their faith and seeks respect for that practice.The High Court's verdict therefore leaves the future of cannabis in Kenya open to legislative debate and possible reform.
For more detailed coverage, visit the original source: BBC News Africa.
