“Don’t Judge the Country By Your Standards” Parliament’s Medical Cannabis Debate Gets Wildly Personal
Kenya’s National Assembly debated medical cannabis legalisation on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026. However, the session quickly turned into must-watch television.
Passaris Makes the Case for Medical Cannabis
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris kicked off the debate with a personal story. She revealed that the late MP Ken Okoth used CBD oil during his cancer treatment in France.
Furthermore, she noted that South Africa already legalises and profits from regulated cannabis farming. Passaris also disclosed that billionaire Richard Branson once invited her to Necker Island.
There, he lobbied MPs to advance medical cannabis legislation globally.
Her “Miraculous” Comment Shocks the House
Then Passaris said something that stopped the chamber cold. She suggested that anyone who had never tried a joint would be “miraculous.” Consequently, Speaker Moses Wetangula fired back immediately. “I’ve never done it,” he said firmly.
“Don’t judge the country by your standards.”
Millie Odhiambo Defends Her Clean Record
Meanwhile, MP Millie Odhiambo rose to challenge Passaris directly. She declared she had never touched cigarettes, alcohol, or any substance. “Only church wine,” she added confidently.
Moreover, she delivered the line of the day: “I was born naturally high. I don’t need ganja.”
Passaris Doubles Down on the Reality
Despite the pushback, Passaris pressed on with her argument. She pointed out that young Kenyans already order cannabis online and have it delivered.
Additionally, she described bangi-laced cookies circulating at youth parties. She even recalled her late grandmother receiving bangi tea as a homemade painkiller. Therefore, she argued that Kenya must stop pretending the issue does not exist.
Speaker Wetangula Delivers the Final Word
Finally, a visibly frustrated Wetangula shut it down with one question. “What kind of parents are you people?!” he demanded. Nevertheless, the debate highlighted a real and growing national conversation.
Kenya must now decide whether to regulate cannabis medically or continue ignoring what is already happening.
