Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Mauritius: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Mauritius maintains a strict prohibition on cannabis under the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000. Recreational use remains fully illegal. A 2022 amendment intended to create a narrow medical CBD pathway has been passed by Parliament but has not been proclaimed into force, so it is not operational. At the same time, the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) has been conducting a formal policy review that could lead to future changes. This guide summarises the current legal position as of September 2026.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical cannabis / CBD: 2022 amendment passed but not proclaimed into force – no operational access in practice
- Industrial hemp: No operational licensing regime; treated under the same Act
- Personal possession: Criminal offence
The principal statute is the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000. Cannabis (also known as gandia or Indian hemp) is listed as a dangerous drug. Subject to limited research authorisations, production, manufacture, trade, distribution, transport, possession, supply, purchase, use, import, export and transit of Schedule I substances (including cannabis) are prohibited. UK FCDO travel advice continues to warn that illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation, sale and trafficking of cannabis remain criminal offences. There is no adult-use market and no personal-use exemption currently in force. Larger quantities are typically charged as dealing or trafficking and attract significantly heavier penalties. Bail is frequently refused in drug cases and pre-trial detention can be lengthy.
Medical Cannabis and the 2022 Amendment
In 2022 Parliament amended the Dangerous Drugs Act to create a narrowly defined pathway for medical cannabis products (primarily CBD-focused formulations with strict concentration and volume limits) for specific therapeutic conditions that had failed to respond to conventional treatment. However, multiple authoritative sources confirm that this amendment has not been proclaimed into force as of 2026. Consequently, there is still no operational public medical cannabis programme, no routine prescription pathway, and no legal access for patients or travellers. Foreign medical prescriptions have no practical legal recognition.
A technical committee and national consultations organised by the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) in 2025–2026 examined options including depenalisation, decriminalisation and regulated legalisation. A strategic report was submitted to the Prime Minister in September 2026. Any legislative change remains subject to further government and parliamentary processes and has not yet altered the law in force.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
- CBD: In practice still controlled. Because the 2022 medical amendment is not in force, CBD products remain subject to the general prohibition. Imports of CBD oils, tinctures and similar products risk seizure by Customs and potential prosecution. The Pharmacy Board has not opened a general consumer or pharmaceutical pathway.
- Industrial hemp: No operational licensing framework exists under the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Plant Protection Act or the Seeds Act. Low-THC hemp is not exempted. Imported hemp seed, protein or fibre products are frequently treated as cannabis-derived and held or seized pending regulatory input. Pilot proposals have been discussed but no enabling instrument has been adopted.
Products that are legal in other countries remain risky in Mauritius.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under the Dangerous Drugs Act are significant:
- Simple use / personal possession: Up to 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 50,000 rupees.
- Dealing, trafficking or larger quantities: Substantially heavier penalties, potentially involving decades of penal servitude and large fines.
Enforcement is active. Mauritius Revenue Authority Customs regularly reports significant seizures of cannabis, hashish and synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids are a particular focus of control and are also scheduled under the Act.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or related materials into Mauritius — even if legal or prescribed elsewhere — carries a high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and fines. Bail is often refused. There is currently no reliable medical exception for travellers. Informal availability does not equal legality.
Anyone following the ongoing policy review should treat any future change as prospective only until legislation is passed and proclaimed into force.
Comparison with Neighbouring / Regional Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | Illegal | Amendment passed but not in force | CBD still controlled in practice; no operational hemp regime |
| Madagascar | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Comoros | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Seychelles | Illegal | Illegal / limited | Strict controls |
| South Africa | Private adult use limited | Limited framework | CBD under dosage rules |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (≤ 0.3% THC) | Licensed low-THC medical & industrial pathway |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Mauritius in 2026?
No. Cannabis remains an illegal dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000. Recreational use is fully prohibited.
Is CBD legal in Mauritius?
In practice, no. A 2022 amendment intended to allow narrowly defined medical CBD has not been proclaimed into force. CBD products remain subject to control and importation carries legal risk.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Mauritius?
No operational licensing framework exists. Unlicensed cultivation of cannabis plants remains prohibited.
What are the penalties for possession?
Simple personal possession can attract up to 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 50,000 rupees. Dealing and trafficking attract much heavier penalties. Bail is frequently refused.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No practical pathway currently exists. The 2022 medical framework is not operational.
Is reform coming?
The NADC conducted extensive consultations and submitted a strategic report to the Prime Minister in September 2026 examining depenalisation, decriminalisation and regulated legalisation options. Any change requires further government and parliamentary action and has not yet altered the law in force.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Mauritius continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis under the Dangerous Drugs Act 2000. The 2022 medical CBD amendment remains unproclaimed and therefore inoperative. Industrial hemp lacks an operational regime. At the same time, a formal policy review process led by the National Agency for Drug Control has produced a strategic report that could form the basis for future legislative change. Until any new law is passed and brought into force, the legal risk for possession, use, cultivation, sale or importation of cannabis or CBD products remains high.
Anyone considering travel, research, investment or personal use should treat the current prohibition as fully applicable and obtain advice from a qualified Mauritian lawyer. Monitor official announcements from the NADC, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Government for any future proclamations or new legislation.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official sources and qualified local counsel before taking any action related to controlled substances in Mauritius.