Moreover, while speaking on Wednesday, August 3, the NACADA boss warned that anyone caught using marijuana will be prosecuted.
Similarly, Okioma called out the Roots Party leader for pushing what he labelled, incomplete information on marijuana use in the countries where it has been allowed.
“Wajackoyah is not being truthful and is not giving enough information. You can’t say Uganda has legalized marijuana and not say that it has legalized production for pharmaceuticals under very strict controls,” he stated.
“South Africa has legalized recreational cannabis but you cannot take it in public, it is an offence and you will be arrested. Even in the European countries and the US where it is legalized, they have very strict controls.” added the NACADA boss.
Nonetheless, Prof. Wajackoyah and his running mate Justina Wamae plan to legalize marijuana for trade and export purposes, if they win the presidential bud.
Furthermore, the Roots party team say their administration would plant bhang on the 4,494.8 hectares of Mumias Sugar Company nucleus estate.
Meanwhile, NACADA has been vocal against drug use, especially due to political debates surrounding the issue.
Moreover, the anti-drug abuse organisation has urged politicians to desist from misinforming the public about Marijuana.
The organization further said the comments have led to increased cases of illicit trafficking and arrests.
NACADA also cited a study by the World Drug Report released last year, stating that teenagers in the country are largely affected by the narcotic drug, which they say is widely abused and results in immense effects.
“Data from a national survey conducted in 2017 showed that at least 1% of the country’s population aged between 15-65 years are current users of cannabis. Kenya has continued to suffer the devastating effects of cannabis as its abuse is on the rise, particularly amongst the youth,” NACADA stated.
To add on that, NACADA mentioned some of the negative health effects of bhang among them; vulnerability to addiction, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions such as mental illness.
