Former NACADA boss John Mututho has dismissed a Bill by Kibra MP Ken Okoth seeking to legalize
bhang
in Kenya.
Mututho said the Bill by the MP is aimed at creating a criminal enterprise.
Okoth plans to introduce a Marijuana Control Bill, 2018 with a view to decriminalising the growth and use of bhang.
In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi dated September 21, Okoth further wants all criminal records against Kenyans with past convictions of marijuana be withdrawn and amnesty measures instituted.
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it was shameful for a two-time Member of Parliament who is aware of the effects of cannabis sativa to draft such a Bill.
He spoke on Thursday at his JOMEC rehabilitation centre.
Okoth also wants the government to fund research and policy development on growth and use of bhang for medical, industrial, textile and recreational purposes “with a focus on preservation of intellectual property rights for Kenyan research and natural heritage, knowledge and our indigenous plant assets.”
He argues that legalizing marijuana will boost the economy and provide jobs to hundreds of unemployed population.
Mututho said despite bhang having been said to contain substances that reduce pain, there were many underlying dangers which cannot be ignored just because of a single unproven benefit.
While giving an example of his JOMEC rehabilitation centre, Mututho said that bhang addicts take about six to nine months to heal compared to alcohol addicts who take about three weeks to heal.
He said that bhang smokers are dangerous people and difficult to manage.
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