Moses' ongoing court case has captured significant attention after his bloodwork revealed dangerously high cannabis levels of 146 mg/L. Medical experts emphasize that this figure is extraordinarily severe, far exceeding the acceptable threshold and presenting critical risks to both mental and physical health.
Doctors confirm the alarming cannabis levels
For individuals who haven't recently consumed cannabis, the normal blood level limit is below 0.20 mg/L. However, Moses' results—146 mg/L—indicate an overwhelming amount, surpassing normal levels by over 700 times.
Dr. Marilyn Huestis, a renowned expert in drug effects on the human body, stated that cannabis levels exceeding 100 mg/L "highlight profound mental impairment, diminished decision-making capacity, and critical health dangers."
Experts have warned that individuals with cannabis levels as elevated as Moses’ may suffer from impaired thinking, difficulty making decisions, memory loss, challenges in operating vehicles or completing precision tasks, severe physical weakness, sudden collapses, heart complications, and brain dysfunction.
Moses defends himself in court
Prosecutors claimed that Moses was found with 13 packages of cannabis, reportedly imported from Kenya. However, he contested the claims, explaining: “I had 5 grams, and they confiscated only 2 grams, which I handed over willingly.”
Moses admitted his cannabis use but attributed it to coping with severe depression. “I used cannabis as a way to manage my depression,” he said. “I came across research showing that some treatments utilize cannabis.”
He further disclosed that he had bought a plane ticket to the United States to consult experts specializing in substance abuse recovery. Additionally, he shared that a doctor from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) conducted medical tests that could potentially support his case in the future.
Admitting guilt and seeking forgiveness
Moses expressed regret for his actions, apologizing to the court and the Rwandan public. “I have repented before God, the court, and society,” he said, pledging not to use cannabis again. “I’ve started working with doctors to help me break this harmful habit.”
Rwanda’s laws and cannabis regulations
In Rwanda, the recreational use of cannabis is strictly prohibited. Although medical cannabis may be permitted under a doctor’s prescription, Moses’ cannabis blood levels of 146 mg/L far surpass medically acceptable thresholds.
Article 263 of Rwanda’s penal code stipulates that individuals convicted of consuming illegal drugs may face one to two years of imprisonment or be assigned community service.
The article also specifies that those convicted of transporting or storing high-risk narcotics could face life imprisonment and fines of up to 20 million Rwandan francs.
In a 2019 directive, Rwanda's Ministry of Health classified cannabis alongside cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine as high-risk substances.
Moses admitted to using cannabis to cope with severe depression
Turahirwa revealed he had purchased a ticket to the U.S. to seek rehabilitation help
Moses requested bail, citing his severe depression