Kenyan Court Dismisses Rastafarians’ Bid to Legalise Cannabis

Kenya’s High Court dismissed a legal bid by the Rastafari Society of Kenya seeking permission to grow, possess, and use cannabis privately for worship without fear of arrest. Judge Bahati Mwamuye said the community did not provide sufficient, consistent evidence that cannabis use is an essential element of their faith. The court therefore upheld the constitutionality of Kenya’s narcotics law, which continues to criminalise possession and use. The Rastafarian group said it plans to appeal and the judge urged wider national discussion on cannabis.