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Kenya Rastafarians Seek Legal Weed for Religious Freedom
8 Jul
Summary
- Rastafarians pray court allows legal cannabis use for religious practice.
- A High Court ruling on July 15 will determine their fate.
- Kenya may grant religious freedom for cannabis use despite law.
Kenyan Rastafarians are engaged in a legal battle for the right to use cannabis for religious purposes. Followers of the movement, recognizable by their dreadlocks and Pan-Africanist beliefs, are awaiting a High Court decision expected on July 15. They consider cannabis essential for meditation and spiritual practice, viewing their spiritual leader, Haile Selassie I, as a divine figure.
Despite a 1994 law imposing a 10-year prison sentence for marijuana possession, the Rastafari community in Kenya sees this case as crucial for their religious freedom. Their efforts gained traction in 2019 when a court affirmed the right of a student to wear dreadlocks, a symbol of their faith. However, many Rastafarians report continued harassment by authorities.
The Rastafari Society of Kenya reports a growing movement, particularly among youth, who face persecution for possessing even small amounts of cannabis. A ruling in their favor would significantly impact their ability to practice their faith openly, asserting that cannabis use is deeply ingrained in their cultural identity and must be defended.
