Gov't Says Marijuana Still Illegal in Kenya Despite Delisting from World's Most Dangerous Drugs List

The government through the National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has told Kenyans that marijuana is still illegal in Kenya.

This comes after the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) on Wednesday removed cannabis from the list of the world’s most dangerous drugs.

Marijuana had classified in Schedule IV alongside other deadly and highly addictive opioids, including heroin. This discouraged its use even for medicinal purposes.

The drug was reclassified following a historic vote in Vienna, Austria with 27 CND’s member states voting in favor, 25 against, and one abstention.

NACADA CEO Victor Okioma said the reclassification of marijuana does not decriminalize its use in Kenya for recreational purposes.

He said the move only allows CND member states to access cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.

“This is because Cannabis still remains listed in Schedule 1 of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs,” he said.

Okioma said Kenya voted against the reclassification of cannabis due to its potential for abuse and health risks.

Kenya wanted cannabis plant and cannabis resin retained in both Schedule I and IV of the 1961 Convention.

“The decision was based on the argument that having cannabis plant and cannabis resin in both Schedules I and IV of the 1961 Convention did not limit States’ access to the substance for medical and scientific purposes,” Okioma explained.

The reclassification followed recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO).