[Bhang. Photo/Courtesy]
A Busia researcher has petitioned the Senate to legalise the use of bhang (Cannabis sativa) in Kenya.
Gwada Ogot told the Senate Health Committee, that cannabis sativa products contain medicinal benefits.
He said the banning of the plant in most African countries was based on ignorance and business schemes by leading European and American firms.
Ogot told the Committee which is chaired by Migori senator Wilfred Machage, that the ban should be lifted for commercial purposes.
“Scientifically, it has been proofed that bhang treats 667 medical conditions. Countries like Germany, Israel, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands recently legalised cannabis for medicinal use. Kenya must follow suit,” said Ogot, Thursday.
“The plant is God’s gift to mankind just as the many minerals he has put in store for Kenyans. The banning was purely for commercial interests with pharmaceutical firms seeking to control the medical industry during the first and Second World War,” he added.
Machage said the health committee would look into the petition.