BHANG Taking Over Kenyan Universities

By Nyanchama Eglah Atei

The scent is unmistakable. Walk through any university in Kenya, and at some corner near the hostels, in a hidden spot behind lecture halls, or at a weekend party and you’ll catch a hint of its smell. Bhang. Recent report on drug use in Kenyan learning institutions has raised serious concerns, revealing that 61.7% of students have smoked bhang, with statistics showing that 1 out of 6 students has used the drug. In response, CS Kipchumba Murkomen has urged swift investigations to address the rising cases of drug abuse among students. Authorities are now under pressure to take immediate action to curb the growing menace in schools.

For some students, it’s just a bit of fun and for others, it’s a daily habit. Some call it cannabis, ganja, or marijuana.But in Kenyan universities, the name weed sticks. It’s rolled into joints, stuffed into blunts, or smoked through homemade pipes. Some mix it into tea or bake it into cakes or cookies. It’s everywhere.

Bhang is widely used however, opinions about it remain divided. Some say it’s harmless, a natural herb with medicinal properties. Others warn of its risks like mental health struggles, addiction, and the slow, creeping effects it has on academics and life.

So, what’s the truth about Bhang? And why are so many university students using it?

Bhang isn’t new. Cannabis use in Kenya dates back generations, often used in traditional medicine or spiritual rituals. But in recent years, its presence in universities has exploded.

Some of the many factors that fuel its popularity among student are:

1. The Pressure to Perform.University isn’t easy. The stress due to assignments, exams, and the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. Many students claim that Bhang helps them cope.

2 .

Social Influence and Peer Pressure may also be one of the causes. No one wants to feel left out. At campus parties, in hostel rooms, or during road trips, Bhang is often part of the experience.

Before long, what started as an occasional hit becomes routine.

The Myth That ‘It’s Just a Plant’.One of the biggest reasons students use Bhang is the belief that it’s natural and harmless. Unlike alcohol or hard drugs, Bhang is often seen as a soft drug that is a recreational substance with few consequences.

But while Bhang might not have the immediate dangers of harder drugs, its long-term effects can be significant.

What Bhang Really Does to You.

While some students claim Bhang makes them feel relaxed, happy, or even creative, others experience negative effects they didn’t expect. These effects may either be short-term and they may include an increase in appetite, altered perception of time,Impaired memory and concentration and anxiety ,or long-term effects such as reduced motivation where one even neglects coursework, mental issues such as schizophrenia and addiction.

Is Bhang Legal in Kenya?

The legal status of Bhang in Kenya remains strict. Under Kenyan law, possession and use of cannabis are illegal, and students caught with it can face expulsion or even arrest.

Despite this, many students continue using it, arguing that cannabis legalization is happening worldwide. Countries like Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the U.S. have made cannabis legal, fueling debates on whether Kenya should follow.

But health experts warn that legalization isn’t just about personal freedom but also about public health. In countries where cannabis is legal, strict regulations control its use to prevent abuse, especially among young people.

Bhang isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether students use it for relaxation, academic pressure, or social reasons, the reality is that it’s deeply embedded in campus culture.

What’s the way forward?

Having honest conversations and not just punishment.Universities often focus on punishments like expulsions,

suspensions, or arrests. But this doesn’t stop drug use. Instead, students need education on the real effects of Bhang, both positive and negative, to make informed choices.

Providing Mental Health Support.Many students use Bhang to cope with stress and anxiety. If universities provide better mental health services, some students might not feel the need to turn to drugs.

Having a real debate on legalization,

should bhang be legalized in Kenya? It’s a complex issue. While some argue for personal freedom, others warn of potential risks. A balanced, research-based discussion is needed.

Bhang is everywhere in Kenyan universities. Some see it as harmless fun, others as a dangerous habit. The truth lies somewhere in between since it affects different people in different ways.

As students, the challenge is to be informed. Whether you choose to use Bhang or not, the key is to understand what you’re getting into.

The Kenyan government has also implemented several measures to curb the use of bhang and they include;

Policy Recommendations.The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse ,NACADA has proposed extending the existing 300meter rule, which restricts alcohol and other stimulant drugs sales near schools so as to also encompass universities and tertiary institutions.

Enhanced Surveillance.There have been proposals to deploy National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers within universities to monitor and address drug abuse issues more effectively.

Preventive Programs. NACADA is designing targeted drug prevention programs, enhancing public awareness and advocating for policy and legal reforms to address the issue.

University Initiatives.Recommendations have been made to strengthen mentorship programs, increase parental involvement in drug prevention efforts, expand institutional guidance and counseling services, and provide affordable rehabilitation programs for affected students.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including limited budget allocations for mental health and drug abuse treatment. Addressing the issue of bhang use in Kenyan universities requires a multifaceted approach, involving policy enforcement, enhanced surveillance, preventive education, and adequate resource allocation.