By Our Reoorter

Renowned Rastafarian and Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) board member Ras David Chikomeni Chirwa is expected to return to court on August 14 in a case in which he is accused of possessing Cannabis Sativa without a licence or permit.

Chirwa was arrested last week at Jenda Police roadblock alongside 45-year-old Storm Kandodo of Mpulula Village in the area of Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District.

According to Jenda Police Station spokesperson Gladwell Simwaka, the two were allegedly found in possession of 19.2 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.

The pair are facing charges of being found in possession of Cannabis Sativa without a permit, contrary to the country’s cannabis laws.

Chirwa appeared before the court on Friday, where he was granted bail pending further proceedings in the matter.Ras Chikomeni urges youth to vote for experience

Simwaka confirmed that the case is scheduled to return to court on August 14.

The arrest has attracted particular attention because Chirwa serves as a board member of the Cannabis Regulatory Authority, the institution responsible for regulating the cultivation, production, processing and use of cannabis for lawful purposes in Malawi.

However, Chirwa’s position on the CRA does not, by itself, exempt him from the requirement to comply with applicable licensing and permit requirements.Why is it important for the 2025 Malawi Presidential candidates to collect nomination forms, regardless of possible electoral alliances?

Under Malawi’s cannabis regulatory framework, possession and handling of cannabis must comply with the conditions set by the authorities. The legality of cannabis depends, among other things, on whether the person or entity involved has the appropriate authorisation.

Police allege that Chirwa and Kandodo were found with the cannabis without the required permit.

The case will therefore provide an opportunity for the court to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged possession and determine whether the prosecution can establish the charges against the two accused persons.

Chirwa is a prominent figure within Malawi’s Rastafarian community and has previously been associated with advocacy around cannabis and the rights of Rastafarians.Rasta David Chikomeni Chirwa Arrested With 19.2kg of Suspected Chamba in Mzimba

His involvement with the CRA has also placed him at the centre of discussions surrounding Malawi’s transition towards regulated cannabis production and commercialisation.

The arrest therefore comes at a time when Malawi is seeking to develop its cannabis industry while maintaining controls over the possession, cultivation, transportation and use of the plant.

For now, Chirwa and Kandodo remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have not been proven in court.

The matter is expected to come before the court again on August 14, when further proceedings are anticipated.Ras Chikomeni Chirwa vows to run as independent in 2025 Presidential Election