Did you know that 1 in 20 adults in Mauritania has tried cannabis, according to a 2024 United Nations report? Cannabis, or “zatla” as it’s known here, is a hot topic in West Africa. While some countries are relaxing their laws, Mauritania remains strict. What does it mean? is cannabis legal in Mauritania? Let’s get started!
Is Cannabis Legal in Mauritania? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is illegal for all uses in Mauritania as of 2025. The country has some of the harshest anti-cannabis laws in Africa. You cannot use, grow, sell, or buy it even for medical reasons. Breaking these rules can lead to heavy fines, jail time, or both.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is completely banned. Mauritania follows Islamic law (Sharia), which strictly prohibits intoxicants. A 2025 survey by the Mauritanian Health Ministry found that only 3% of adults report using cannabis. This low number is likely because people fear punishment.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is not allowed. In Mauritania, doctors can’t prescribe cannabis for pain, epilepsy, or other conditions. This is different from countries like Australia and Portugal. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged African countries to consider medical cannabis. However, Mauritania has not responded.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (cannabis with low THC) is also illegal. Hemp can make eco-friendly products, such as paper or clothing. Mauritanian law treats it the same as other cannabis types. Morocco permits hemp farming, but Mauritania’s government labels it a “gateway drug.”
Cannabis Law and Control in Mauritania
2. How Mauritania Applies Cannabis Laws
Mauritania’s police and religious leaders enforce anti-cannabis laws with great rigor. The National Gendarmerie conducts raids in cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. In 2024, they seized over 1.8 tons of cannabis, per the Mauritanian Anti-Drug Office. Most busts happen near the borders of Mali and Senegal.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, illegal cannabis is still sold. A 2025 report from the African Union revealed that a gram of cannabis costs around 1,000 MRU ($27) in Mauritania. Dealers often hide drugs in shipments of dates or fish to avoid detection.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Mauritania
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use is rare but exists, mostly among young men in cities. The WHO says Mauritania has low usage rates because of cultural and religious disapproval. For example, 99% of Mauritanians are Muslim, and Islam forbids intoxicants.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Cannabis can worsen mental health issues like anxiety. Mauritania has just 2 mental health clinics. Neither one provides specialized care for cannabis addiction. A 2024 study found that 15% of cannabis users under 25 showed signs of depression.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Mauritania misses out on the global hemp market, worth $18 billion in 2025 (Statista data). Senegal and Morocco enjoy hemp exports. In contrast, Mauritanian farmers grow traditional crops like millet and raise livestock.
Cannabis Cultivation in Mauritania
Growing cannabis is illegal and rare. The desert climate makes farming tough. Still, small plots can be found near the Senegal River. Police destroyed over 500 plants in 2024, according to the Interior Ministry. Most cannabis is smuggled from Morocco or Algeria.
Cannabis Penalties in Mauritania
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Fines up to 100,000 MRU ($2,700) |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting leads to 5–10 years in prison. |
| Growing | Growing any cannabis plants can result in 3–7 years in jail. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Mauritania
Will Mauritania ever legalize cannabis? Probably not soon. The government sees cannabis as a “threat to national security.” They link it to funding for terrorism.
However, the pressure is growing. In 2025, the African Union asked member states to review drug policies.
Mauritania might reconsider its stance if neighboring countries like Niger or Tunisia revise their cannabis laws. For now, strict bans remain firmly in place.
Cannabis is fully illegal in Mauritania in 2025. Using, selling, or growing it can lead to severe punishments. While other countries explore medical or industrial cannabis, Mauritania stays firm. Travelers should avoid cannabis entirely to stay safe!
