This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
Published on August 29, 2019, a United Nations report highlighted the alarming rate of cannabis use in Africa, with over half of those undergoing drug abuse treatment in the continent citing bhang as the primary substance.
Kenya is among the countries where the debate on legalising bhang is gaining traction, with some lawmakers pushing for its legalisation to allow for trade. The late Kibra MP Ken Okoth had even proposed a draft bill to change the legal status of the drug earlier this year.
However, the UN report raises concerns that if bhang is legalised, the situation could worsen. The report notes that in most countries, cannabis is the most widely used drug, and most people in drug treatment in Africa, the Americas, and Oceania are being treated for cannabis use.
According to the report, 192.2 million people aged 15-64 used cannabis at least once in 2016, which is equivalent to 3.9 percent of the population in this age range. Locally, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse puts this consumption at about 0.8 percent of Kenyans aged 15-65 years, noting that most have health disorders arising from cannabis use.
The World Health Organisation notes that the most obvious short-term health effect of cannabis is intoxication, which can lead to disturbances in consciousness, cognition, perception, affect, or behaviour. Regular cannabis users can also develop dependence on the drug, with the risk being around 1 in 10 among those who ever use cannabis.
On the other hand, cannabis use is acclaimed in the medical world for its pain-relieving qualities, particularly for patients suffering from terminal illnesses such as cancer. Recent studies also show that it helps in lowering the age of onset of schizophrenia, a mental illness common among black people.
Despite the potential benefits, critics are concerned about the proliferation of cannabis products with potentially harmful ingredients. The BBC reports that CBD products, which are often touted as having general wellness benefits, may not be all they claim to be.
