The legality of cannabis for medical and recreational use varies by country.
More than 50 countries have legalised the use of marijuana with at least six allowing its recreational use.
In Africa, Malawi, South Africa, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have legalised the use of marijuana. South Africa, Canada, Georgia, Malta, Mexico and Uruguay, plus 19 states in the United States of America and the Australian Capital Territory allow its rectreational use.
There has been debate over whether marijuana should be made legal in Kenya, with the debate advancing after a presidential candidate promised to legalise it if elected.
Experts have shared the benefits of legalising marijuana, including health, economic and social benefits.
Marijuana has medicinal properties
Medical marijuana is most commonly used for pain relief, especially nerve pain. Cannabis products, especially products high in CBD, may help to treat symptoms of depression, improve sleep, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Marijuana can help with low libido, experts say.
Boost the economy and improve revenue
Countries that have legalised marijuana have reported having an exponential growth in revenue collection from the product.
In California, for instance, in 2021 marijuana tax revenue was almost $1.3 billion (Sh153.2 billion).
Overall drop in crime, especially organised crime
An article in the River Journal in the US explained how the population tends to consume less alcohol when legal weed is available, which unsurprisingly seems to directly correlate with a sharp drop in crime. With legalisation comes education, regulation and extra scrutiny.
Frees up costly police resources
Economist argues that enforcing marijuana laws is unnecessary and costly for no reason. The time, resources and energy can be channeled to enforcing other violent crimes such as sexual offences and robbery.
