By:Meshack Odhiambo
When her grandmother was seriously ill, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris gave her the prescribed medical painkillers. However, her uncle quietly prepared something else — cannabis tea, known locally as bhang, made from the leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant.
He believed it eased her pain in ways the pills could not. That simple cup brought her some comfort and calm in her final days.
Passaris shared this personal story in Parliament on June 10, 2026, urging Kenyans to have an honest conversation about legalising cannabis. “Let’s be realistic,” she said.
The plant is already widely available — it can even be ordered online for delivery in Nairobi CBD. Children sometimes access it at home. Prohibition is not stopping its use; it is only pushing it underground.
Cannabis sativa, or bhang, has deep roots in Kenyan tradition. For generations, families have turned to it as a natural remedy for pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and the discomfort associated with old age or illness.
For many elders, it is not about recreation — it is about quiet relief when modern medicine alone falls short.
Legalisation, especially for medical and regulated use, could bring real benefits.
A controlled market would allow quality standards, proper dosing, and oversight, protecting users instead of leaving them at the mercy of unregulated sellers.
It could generate tax revenue, create farming jobs in rural areas, and weaken the illegal trade that currently thrives without regulation. Countries that have moved in this direction report improved patient outcomes and reduced black-market activity.
Of course, challenges exist. Kenya must protect young people, prevent misuse, and address road safety and broader public health concerns. Strong regulations, age limits, education campaigns, and ongoing research would be essential.
The goal is not to glorify the plant, but to face reality with compassion and common sense.