Mumias East Member of Parliament, Peter Salasya, has shared a cautionary tale regarding the consumption of cannabis-infused edibles.
Speaking during a recent interview on the Mic Cheque Podcast, the lawmaker revealed that a past encounter with "weed cookies" resulted in him sleeping for two consecutive days.
The MP explained that he had ordered the cookies from a dealer. He noted that the deceptive nature of the snacks makes them particularly risky for unsuspecting users.
The Deceptive Nature of Edibles
Salasya warned that because the cookies are flavoured to taste like regular treats, it is easy to consume too much. He described the experience as overwhelming and unexpected.
"Cookies are very bad because number one, they are put in a flavour that is like sugar," Salasya said during the interview. He further described the physical sensation that followed the consumption, stating, "you find like someone is like you are light a bit it is like you want to fly. I slept for 2 days."
The MP used his personal experience to argue for the legalisation and strict regulation of marijuana in Kenya. He suggested that a "black market" for such substances creates a lack of standardisation and safety for consumers.
Salasya pointed to countries like South Africa and the United States as examples where the substance is controlled. He noted that in those regions, regulations guide how it is used, whether for sleep or general happiness.
"If you push for legalization, then it becomes easy to regulate because anything that is not legal means you automatically create a black market for it," the MP argued.
He suggested that products should have clear labels and prescriptions based on their intended purpose, such as improving appetite or aiding sleep.
A Call for Civic Education
Beyond legalisation, Salasya emphasised the need for public awareness. He noted that many people misuse the substance because they do not understand its potency or proper use.
"It comes with a lot of civic education," he explained. He expressed concern that without proper guidance, users might consume substances that lead to mental health challenges or physical distress.
"You find like someone has lost their head because you do not know the purpose," he added.
During the discussion, the podcast hosts highlighted the risks of other popular substances, such as shisha. They noted that shisha carries extreme health risks due to chemical exposure.
. He is frequently in the news for his candid and often humorous interactions with his constituents and his unconventional approach to parliamentary duties. This latest revelation is consistent with his reputation for being exceptionally open about his private life and personal choices.
