[caption caption="The Senate in session"][/caption]A petition seeking to legalise Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) and its derivatives was presented in the Senate for review on Wednesday.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula and his Kisii counterpart Samson Ongeri opposed the motion and told the House not spend time discussing “something that was already illegal”.
The two argued that bhang was an intoxicating illegal substance which highly contributed to anti-social behaviour when used.
“It will be wrong for the House to entertain the debate because this substance has destroyed young people,” Prof Ongeri stated.
[caption caption="Kisii Senator Prof Ongeri"]
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“Those who use bhang live in a world of false confidence. They believe they can do anything,” he added.
However, his sentiments were disputed by Senators Ledama ole Kina (Narok), George Khaniri (Vihiga), Fred Outa (Kisumu), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) and Isaac Mwaura (Nominated).
The lawmakers defended the petition and maintained that the petitioner, Sammy Ogot, should be given an opportunity to present his case to the House.
Senator Kina further stated that the petition was worth investigating as some studies had proven that Cannabis Sativa could be used as a pain killer.
“Let’s use this chance to invite experts to explain findings that marijuana is medicinal. Let’s carry research and if it is proved that it is therapeutic, there will be no reason we should not adopt it,” he argued.
The petition is seeking to decriminalise the product and set free people who were jailed on charges of possessing or using it.
It was presented to the House by Speaker Kenneth Lusaka with Mr Ogot arguing that cannabis sativa has documented medicinal and industrial uses.
[caption caption="Senate session"]
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