Rastafarian Marijuana Seizure Case Moves to High Court for Legal Interpretation
Published on October 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM by Evance Kapito
The case involving the seizure of marijuana claimed to be for religious purposes by members of the Rastafarian faith has been referred from the lower court in Zomba to the High Court for further legal interpretation.
According to court documents, the referral follows Section 26 (2) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code, which allows a case to be elevated to the High Court when constitutional or legal principles require clarification.
The development means all parties involved in the case will soon be summoned before the High Court to determine the legal standing of using marijuana for religious ceremonies.
The matter stems from an incident in July this year, when James Magwira, a member of the Rastafarian community, was arrested in Zomba for possessing marijuana, which he claimed was sacred herb meant for use during their annual religious ceremony at Namilongo in Zomba.
Magwira was later released on bail pending trial.
Photos from the ceremony show Rastafarian followers gathered in Zomba for their traditional observance, which they describe as part of their spiritual and cultural identity.
Times360Malawi
