Citizen Gathering in Rose-Hill - Cannabis: Voices for Legalization

At a gathering in Rose-Hill, several speakers advocated for the legalization of cannabis and the revision of an outdated law on dangerous substances.

Though attendance was low this Sunday in Rose-Hill, their voices resonated strongly. Rallying under the theme "What is the cannabis law for Mauritius?", activists, athletes, and health professionals called for cannabis legalization. Their main argument: this plant poses no harm or side effects as it is natural, unlike synthetic drugs, which are responsible for severe addiction.

A woman stepped forward, visibly emotional, sharing her son’s struggle with synthetic drugs. "I urge the government to take action; our youth are perishing. My son is trapped and cannot escape even if he wants to. Every day I hear stories of other mothers like me..." She continues, "Our youth are becoming like zombies, they don’t work... Synthetic drugs are more dangerous than cannabis, which is a natural herb. I hope my words have been heard."

Her testimony set the tone for this event organized by Percy Yip Tong, a committed activist who gathered several pro-cannabis activists and medical professionals. The gathering coincided with the 25th anniversary of singer Kaya's death, a prominent figure in this fight. Amid songs and speeches, Percy Yip Tong stated: "Cannabis should be legalized as it is non-toxic, unlike synthetic drugs."

Another notable testimony came from Ranini Cundasamy, a champion in Kun Khmer and Muay Thai. She recounted her childhood in Barkly Residence in Beau-Bassin, where drugs circulated freely. "Most of the time, I stayed home except for school or specific needs. At every street corner, there were drug users, often very young." Sports became her escape.

After moving to Bambous with her husband Patrick, she noticed many young people, especially teenagers, for whom idleness became second nature. The couple then opened a training center offering free Kun Khmer and Muay Thai classes.

According to her, the initiative bore fruit until her departure for Thailand to train. "I was stuck there due to COVID and was housed in a residential center." Upon returning, she was shocked to find that many of those they had trained and supported had fallen into synthetic drugs. "I didn’t recognize them anymore."

Despite this, the couple decided to continue their efforts. "Ironically, those young people who were our students came back to us, but they no longer had the same skills. They were ashamed, knowing they had erred."

Her experiences in Thailand also shaped her perspective: "At the center, athletes infused cannabis for their well-being, not to ‘gain an advantage’. According to them, cannabis has several benefits for athletes." Her message to the youth: "Engage in sports, even when faced with obstacles, 'crack through it'."

Dev Ramano offered another perspective on the debate. "I support legalization, even though I’m not a consumer myself." He believes that "those who demand evidence of cannabis's benefits are hypocrites" and considers the topic "frightening."

He also deemed the current repression policy insufficient, arguing that the classification of cannabis under the Dangerous Drugs Act is "an archaic law that needs revisiting."

Several speakers followed: Raouf Khodabacus, Ras Naty Baby, Natacha Rose, Jacques Achille, Heman from NGO 420, Sunny Shiva, and young activist Kathy. Among them, Azaria, son of Kaya, captured attention: "Synthetic drugs have taken over and are killing our youth, sold on every corner at all hours. We need to legalize cannabis to combat synthetic drugs and allow personal cultivation rights."

Finally, engaged singer Nitish Joganah challenged those opposing legalization: "Put your children in a room with cannabis and synthetic drugs, and then you’ll know." It remains to be seen if these voices, though few, will make their mark on the national debate.