'LET POULTRY FARMERS GROW MARIJUANA'

Veterinary doctors from Makerere University have requested politicians
to stop harassing poultry farmers for growing marijuana.

The doctors said the drug was one of the leading herbs used in
treating chicken. Dr. Rebecca Nalubega from the university's
veterinary department said local poultry farmers relied on the drug to
treat their chicken.

Nalubega was presenting a paper about medicinal properties of herbs at
Bwala social centre in Masaka town on Wednesday.

"It is good that we have politicians in this workshop. Why don't you
help poultry farmers growing marijuana since they don't use it for
human consumption?" Nalubega asked.

Teopista Mbabazi, the woman councillor for Kyazanga sub-county,
objected to the request, saying a single plant of marijuana could be
dangerous to the public.

"They told us there are over 60 herbs, which can be used in treating
poultry. Why do they insist on marijuana?" she asked.

The half-day workshop was held to enlighten politicians and veterinary
workers about bird flue.

Nalubega said the veterinary department was carrying out research on
the local methods that could be used to protect poultry from diseases
like bird flu.

"If bird flue attacked a district like Masaka, it would kill millions
of chicken," she said.