Cannabis: Government Specifies Timeline for Reform Review

During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam provided details regarding the ongoing examination of various models for cannabis regulation. He was responding to a question from Adrien Duval, the opposition whip, who inquired whether the proposed decriminalization could include recreational use.

"I have been informed by the Director General of the National Agency for Drug Control that the Drug Control Board, during its fourth meeting on October 16, 2025, decided to establish a technical committee composed of experts in public health, criminal justice, tax policy, neuroscience, addiction medicine, risk reduction, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, to conduct a thorough review of three proposed technical models for cannabis regulation: decriminalization, legalization, and regulated legalization," stated the Prime Minister. He added that the Agency is also engaging with international organizations. "As part of its preparatory work, the Agency has initiated discussions with UNODC and WHO to ensure that Mauritius benefits from specialized expertise and that the review aligns with global best practices and public health standards."

The legal aspect is also being specifically addressed. "Consultations are being conducted in parallel with the Attorney General’s Office to deal with the legal complexities associated with the three proposed models and to determine the precise legislative drafting requirements for potential implementation within the Mauritian legal framework," he explained.

The timeline presented by Navin Ramgoolam outlines the next steps in the process. The technical committee is expected to meet in January 2026 to produce an initial legal document, which will include national requirements and options for compliance with international treaties. A health impact assessment is to be conducted between January and March 2026.

Finally, "a draft guideline and a proposal for an administrative framework are expected to be submitted in July 2026," the Prime Minister concluded. This timeline does not yet indicate whether recreational use will be included, as the question remains under technical evaluation.