Did you know that 1 in 15 adults in Mauritius has tried cannabis, according to a 2024 United Nations report? Known locally as “ganja,” cannabis is a hot topic on this tropical island. While some countries are relaxing their laws, Mauritius is at a crossroads. So, is cannabis legal in Mauritius? Let’s explore!
Is Cannabis Legal in Mauritius? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Mauritius as of 2025, but medical cannabis is allowed under strict rules. The government permits limited medical use but bans growing, selling, or using it for fun.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is fully banned. Mauritius has strict anti-drug laws, and using cannabis for fun can lead to arrest. A 2025 survey from the Mauritius Health Ministry found that 8% of adults aged 18 to 35 have tried cannabis, usually in private.
2. Medicinal Use
In 2021, medical cannabis was legalized. It helps with conditions like chronic pain, cancer, and epilepsy. Patients need a doctor’s prescription and approval from the Ministry of Health. In 2024, over 1,200 patients were registered for medical cannabis, a 50% jump from 2022.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) is not legal. Mauritius doesn’t permit hemp farming, unlike South Africa or Lesotho. This means it can’t produce items like textiles or biofuels. But, debates about its economic potential are growing.
Cannabis Law and Control in Mauritius
1. How Mauritius Applies Cannabis Laws
Police and the Anti-Drug Smuggling Unit (ADSU) enforce cannabis laws. Key rules:
- Medical cannabis must be imported and stored in licensed pharmacies.
- Public use of cannabis can lead to six months in jail.
- In 2024, authorities took 900 kg of illegal cannabis. Most of it came from shipments at Port Louis.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, the black market thrives. A gram of cannabis costs Rs 500–1,000 ($11–$22) locally double the price in South Africa. Dealers often sell near tourist areas like Grand Baie, targeting visitors.
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use is rising among young adults. A 2025 University of Mauritius study found:
- 70% of users consume it at home or parties.
- 25% mix cannabis with alcohol, increasing health risks.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Heavy cannabis use can worsen anxiety or depression. Mauritius has four mental health clinics, but only one offers addiction support. In 2024, 10% of cannabis users under 25 sought help for mental health issues.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Mauritius misses out on the $25 billion global hemp market (2025 Statista data). Experts argue that hemp could boost eco-tourism and farming, but laws block progress.
Cannabis Cultivation in Mauritius
Growing cannabis is illegal, even for medical use. Most illegal farms are hidden in forested areas like Black River Gorges. Police destroyed 2,000+ plants in 2024, per the ADSU. Farmers face jail but cite poverty as a reason for growing.use.
Cannabis Penalties in Mauritius
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Rs 10,000–50,000 ($220–$1,100) fine + community service. |
| Trafficking | Selling or smuggling leads to 5–15 years in prison (larger quantities). |
| Growing | Growing any amount can lead to 3–10 years in jail (based on plant count). |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Mauritius
Will Mauritius legalize cannabis? Talks are ongoing. In 2025, the National Assembly proposed a bill to:
- Decriminalize small amounts (under 10 grams) for personal use.
- Allow hemp farming for eco-friendly products.
- Expand medical cannabis access.
A 2025 poll by L’Express Mauritius found that 55% of citizens support decriminalization, especially youth. If passed, Mauritius could follow South Africa’s relaxed laws.
In 2025, cannabis will remain illegal for fun but allowed for medical use in Mauritius. Breaking laws can lead to steep fines or jail.
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