Narok Senator Ledama Olekina wants the government to lift the ban on marijuana use in Kenya owing to widespread use of the substance even from within parliament.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM Wednesday November 11th, the Narok senator revealed that about 80% of lawmakers in the current parliament use marijuana.
“Let me not kid you. Right now, in parliament, probably 80 per cent of the lawmakers smoke marijuana,” said Olekina.
The Narok Senator has been calling for the legalization of marijuana for a long time now, echoing similar calls by late Kibra MP Ken Okoth.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina wants marijuana legalized in Kenya
The legislator together with researcher, author and theorist Gwada Ogot believe it’s time Kenyans start having a conversation on the economic benefits of legalising marijuana.
“Marijuana is the world’s most profitable crop. marijuana can transform our national economy. It’s able to sort the doctors’ and the teachers’ salary. marijuana is the only basis for a universal healthcare program. It’s the basis of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry,” said Ogot who interviewed at Spice FM together with the Narok senator.
The duo point out that there are so many benefits of marijuana including health benefits. The plant is used for medical purposes treating conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, reducing cancer pain and that of multiple sclerosis.
Commercially, Hemp (a variety of cannabis) is used in making paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, insulation, clothing, paint, food, biofuel and animal feed.
“If indeed this country can legalize hemp, we could help reduce our debt,” said Olekina.
