Kenya's High Court has dismissed a legal challenge by a Rastafarian group seeking to legalise cannabis use for religious purposes. The community argued that the ban infringed on their constitutional rights to freedom of religion and belief.

In a landmark judgement on Wednesday, July 15th 2026, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the Rastafarians failed to prove that existing drug laws violated their constitutional rights. However, he emphasized the importance of a broader national debate on cannabis policy in Kenya.

“There has to be frank conversations on cannabis and which directions we should take,” Justice Mwamuye said, adding, “This is not a question for the Rastafarian community only. It is a national question that cuts across the entire spectrum of our society.”

Advocates for legalisation argue that regulated cannabis cultivation and trade could create jobs, increase tax revenue, and support industrial and medicinal uses. Meanwhile, Rastafarians maintain that cannabis smoking is a core part of their religious doctrine deserving respect and protection.

The court's decision reflects ongoing tensions in Kenya over cannabis policy, balancing constitutional rights claims with public health and legal considerations.

Sources