Vendors of sweets, cakes and biscuits have taken to introducing young children to bhang, in an effort to get them hooked to their items.
Of great concern, is the fact that parents have got no idea that some of these products, most popular with their children -especially in primary schools- are as dangerous as a puff the drug.
A shocking report by the Ministry of Health has given a list of 176 samples taken from popular lollipops, cakes, cookies and mandazi for analysis tested positive for bhang.
Some of the products include lollipops, cakes, cookies, round buns, black forest cakes and mandazi that are surprisingly popular, despite some not having proper or recognized labels.
Consequently, the ministry wants the items removed from supermarket shelves and vendors banned from selling them.
The ministry sent a circular to all 47 county heads of public health, directing that they conduct inspections in shops, supermarkets and food outlets in their areas of jurisdiction, in search of items in the list.
The directive follows laboratory tests done by the Government Chemist and submitted by the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) last December.
Marijuana is one of the most most abused drugs globally, despite being made illegal by most governments, including Kenya.
The exposure of children to the drug could have adverse effects, including extreme withdrawal symptoms- especially if they get addicted to the drug at such tender ages.
