Professor Simon Mwaura, a Kenyan scientist, has petitioned Parliament to legalize marijuana and Miraa , arguing that he had found a way to separate the plant's psychotropic elements thus making it safe for consumption.
Mwaura wants the plant used as a raw material to create food supplements as well as herbal and medicinal extracts.
He said that he had conducted research on marijuana and miraa (khat) before coming up with the findings.
"These two main plants offer both herbal and medicinal extracts that can be used by a six- month old baby to a 90-year-old,” Mwaura said.
He further revealed that he had came up with the formula in 1996 and it was confirmed by the Government Chemist.
A response from the Registrar Pharmacy and Poisons Board Dr Kipkerich Koskei dated April 15, 2014 read in part:
"Please note that marijuana plant and its products are prohibited by Kenyan law under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropics Substances (Control) Act, 1994."
The scientist, from innovation company Hyaquip Kenya, highlighted that Kenya would be the first country to export bhang as a herbal supplement if his plan was successful.
“You can blend it with coffee, tea, beet, spirits; it has very good compatibility,” he said.
Meanwhile another Researcher Gwada Ogot had also presented apetition before lawmakers last year seeking to have marijuana legalized and classified as an income-generating crop.