Kenyan content creator Cynthia Carpino popularly known as Lady Justice is now pushing for the legalization of Marijuana.
The Italy-based content creator says legalization of weed in most Western countries has seen artists not only use the drug for recreation, but some have invested in farming and processing of the plant.
“Artists for long have been negatively associated with abuse of weed which has created a stigma around the plant. However, we have seen celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Wiz Khalifa, Jay Z, Drake and others make a lot of money which in turn they invest in the industry,” she says.
According to her, societal attitudes have been putting pressure on governments to not change legislation surrounding the plant.
She says that it is shameful that more than two years since the passing of former Kibra MP Ken Okoth, the August House is yet to honour his proposals on the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
In 2018, former Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to facilitate him in preparing a Bill, the Marijuana Control Bill, which sought to decriminalise the growth and use of the stimulant.
Marijuana is considered a narcotic in Kenya and its cultivation, possession and use are a criminal offence under the Penal Code.
Scientists have hailed the drug’s medicinal value with research showing that it is effective in fighting chronic pain, some cancers, glaucoma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and depression among others.
“Personally I use it for recreation, but it is a fact that it helps not only in mental and cancer cases, but we know that it helps women during cramps. We need to make sure that we look at the positives more than the harms that we perceive the plant can cause,” says the dancer who hosts the Lady Justice Real Life show on social media.
Carpino joins the likes of Bien, Nyashinski and many other artistes in pushing for the legalization of marijuana.
Currently, the law sets out a Ksh1 million in fine or 10 years in jail if one is convicted of possession.
