I'm Not a Cannabis Consumer: Salasya Clears The Air

Member of Parliament Peter Kalerwa Salasya, popularly known as PK Salasya, addressed the ongoing public debate surrounding cannabis legalization in Kenya during a recent appearance on the Mic Cheque Podcast.

"By the way kuna hii group ya Rastafarian who are pushing for legalizations of Canabis as well as Wajakoyah."

While sharing his position on the matter, Salasya clarified that he does not personally consume the substance.

"First of all, mimi si consumer," he stated, before explaining that extensive public education should be strictly prioritized if any structural changes to cannabis laws are officially considered.

Salasya's Stance: Medical Prescription and Public Sensitization

According to Salasya, awareness campaigns should not only target cannabis but also alcoholic beverages.

He argued that consumers should understand why they are using such substances, adding that cannabis should be medically prescribed.

"We need to educate the sellers, not for weed alone but liquor as well. It should be prescribed medically, as in what are you smoking for, ni appetite unatafta ama ni nini," Salasya stated.

The Regulation Argument: Curbing the Black Market

The discussion also featured content creator Chaxxy, who addressed the subject from a regulatory perspective.

Chaxxy argued that legalizing cannabis would make it easier for authorities to regulate its production, distribution, and consumption.

According to him, keeping a product illegal often results in the growth of underground markets that operate outside government oversight.

"If you push for legalization then itakua easy kuregulate because anything that's not legal inamaanisha you automatically create a black market for it," he said.

To illustrate his point, Chaxxy cited cocaine as an example of an illegal drug that is traded through black markets.

"For instance, since cocaine is illegal, people find a black market for it. Now coz it's a black market, it leaves room for substandard, but when it's legal, there'll be proper institutions, then people can find proper ways to find it," he added.

The Current Legal Framework: Kenya's Ongoing Cannabis Debate

Cannabis remains illegal in Kenya under the country's narcotics laws, although proposals and public debates on possible reforms have continued to surface in recent years.

The issue has periodically been raised in public forums, interviews and political discussions, with some leaders advocating for changes to the current legal framework while others have maintained support for existing restrictions.