By David Maina and Anne Juma
The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has opposed a bill that seeks to exempt cathinone and cathine in miraa from being classified as psychotropic substances.
In a press statement, PSK says that the bill seeks to exempt cathinone and cathine, key substances found in the miraa crop (Catha edulis), from being classified as psychotropic substances.
PSK highlighted the rationale behind this amendment, emphasizing the government’s intention to enhance the economic prospects of the miraa industry, which is a crucial source of livelihood for many Kenyans ..
“The classification of these substances as psychotropic by the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has been cited as negatively impacting the market for miraa, despite ongoing governmental efforts to boost the sector,” read part of the statement.
However, PSK strongly opposes this amendment saying that it contradicts both the Kenyan Constitution and international conventions to which Kenya is a party as cathinone and cathine are internationally recognized as psychotropic substances that can negatively affect mental health.
According to PSK, deregulating these substances could lead to increased abuse and health-related issues, necessitating more government spending on public health initiatives adding that it could pose significant health risks.
PSK further cautioned that the right to health, as stated in Article 43(1) of the Kenyan Constitution, should take precedence over economic interests warning that deregulating cathinone and cathine might lead to an influx of both natural and synthetic derivatives, complicating enforcement and public health efforts.
Additionally, PSK called for the international market access for miraa to address these issues at the UN level, rather than through unilateral legislative changes.
Finally, PSK says that even though the bill seeks to boost the miraa industry by deregulating its psychoactive components, it as well faces significant opposition due to health concerns and potential conflicts with international law.
