Harm Reduction Society Kenya Pushes for Legalisation of Medical Hemp

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Harm Reduction Society Kenya founder and Secretary General Dr. Kariuki Michael has called for urgent policy and legal reforms to allow the use of medical hemp in Kenya, arguing that it could deliver significant public health benefits while reducing the harm caused by recreational cannabis.

Speaking during the Law Society of Kenya’s Annual Conference in Mombasa, Dr. Kariuki said Kenya needs to face the reality that cannabis is one of the most abused substances in the country, but stressed that medical hemp is “a completely different product” from recreational cannabis.

He explained that medical hemp contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for neuropsychiatric problems, particularly in young people. Recreational cannabis, by contrast, has high THC and low CBD levels.

“CBD is way less harmful than THC and has been scientifically proven to have medicinal value,” Dr. Kariuki said. He listed its potential uses, including pain management for cancer patients, treatment of complex seizure disorders in children, alleviation of anxiety and depression, management of opioid and alcohol addiction, and reduction of inflammation in HIV patients.

The Society is advocating for harm reduction strategies that would see smokers and other substance users recognised as people in need of help, with access to safe alternatives. Dr. Kariuki noted that countries such as Zambia, Uganda, and South Africa have already embraced medical hemp for therapeutic purposes.

“We must get our heads out of the sand and address this issue head-on,” he said. “Harnessing the medicinal value of hemp could transform healthcare in Kenya and help curb the menace of recreational cannabis.”



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