A High Court ruling has upheld Kenya’s ban on cannabis despite arguments based on religious freedom.
Kenya’s High Court has dismissed a petition by the Rastafari Society of Kenya seeking to legalise cannabis for religious use.
The group argued that smoking cannabis is a sacred part of the Rastafarian faith. It asked the court to allow members to grow, possess and use the drug privately during worship. The society insisted it was not seeking full legalisation.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the group failed to prove Kenya’s cannabis laws violated its constitutional right to freedom of religion. He also found the evidence presented did not show that cannabis use was an essential part of the faith.
The court upheld Kenya’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which criminalises the cultivation, possession and use of cannabis. However, the judge said the country should have a wider public discussion on cannabis policy.
The Rastafari Society said it would appeal the ruling. The decision comes seven years after another Kenyan court recognised Rastafarianism as a protected religion and ruled in favour of a student expelled over her dreadlocks.
