Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Mauritania: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Mauritania maintains a complete prohibition on cannabis and all related substances. There is no recreational market, no public medical cannabis programme, and no legal distinction for CBD or industrial hemp. The country applies strict narcotics laws in an Islamic Republic context and sits on a major Sahel trafficking corridor for Moroccan cannabis resin. Penalties are severe; trafficking carries the death penalty on the books (subject to a long-standing de facto moratorium on executions). This guide summarises the formal legal position as of 2026, including recent legislative developments and practical advice for travellers and residents.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical cannabis: Illegal – no public programme or practical pathway
- CBD products: Illegal – treated as controlled cannabis derivatives
- Industrial hemp: Illegal – cultivation of the cannabis plant is explicitly prohibited
- Personal possession: Criminal offence (any amount)
Key legislation includes Loi n° 2008-012 du 27 avril 2008 relative au contrôle du marché licite de stupéfiants, substances psychotropes et précurseurs (which classifies substances into tables and explicitly prohibits cultivation of the cannabis plant) and earlier frameworks such as Loi No. 93-37. In August 2026 the Council of Ministers approved a new draft law expanding the scope of narcotics offences (production, manufacture, transformation, possession, cultivation, trafficking, precursors, equipment and organised criminal groups). The draft is presented as a modernisation and strengthening of the anti-narcotics framework (intended to replace the 1999 law) rather than a liberalisation. There is no industrial-hemp or CBD consumer carve-out.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation, sale, supply, import and export of cannabis are criminal offences. There is no adult-use market, no personal-use exemption and no home-grow allowance. Mauritania is a significant transit country for Moroccan cannabis resin moving through the Sahel toward other destinations. Enforcement is active, with regular seizures reported. Informal availability does not equal legality.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
Mauritania does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. There is no system of patient registration, authorised prescriptions or licensed dispensaries. Foreign medical prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products have no legal recognition. Theoretical provisions for medical or scientific use under controlled-substance frameworks have not created a functioning public pathway.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Mauritanian law does not create separate categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD-dominant products or industrial hemp.
- CBD: Illegal. There is no THC threshold or consumer exemption. CBD oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals and similar products are treated as controlled. Imports risk seizure.
- Industrial hemp: Illegal. Article 10 of the 2008 law (and related frameworks) explicitly prohibits the cultivation of the cannabis plant. Landowners and occupants are required to destroy any such plantings. No licensing regime for fibre, seed or industrial purposes exists.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in Mauritania.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under Mauritanian narcotics laws are severe:
- Possession of any amount: Criminal offence. Travel advisories warn of imprisonment. Exact statutory ranges for simple personal possession are not always detailed in Tier-1 advisories; treat any quantity as a serious risk of arrest and a prison term.
- Production, cultivation, trafficking and related commercial activity: Very heavy penalties. Older frameworks prescribed lengthy prison terms (e.g., 15–30 years) and large fines for high-risk production, import and export, with the death penalty for recidivism. Trafficking carries the death penalty on the books, although Mauritania observes a long-standing de facto moratorium on executions. The 2026 draft law further expands the range of incriminated activities and targets organised networks.
Exact outcomes depend on quantity, role, recidivism and judicial application. Foreign visitors receive no special treatment. Airport and border controls are active (Nouakchott and other entry points).
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into Mauritania — even if legal or prescribed elsewhere — carries an extremely high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution and imprisonment. There is no medical exception. Alcohol is also fully prohibited (zero-tolerance, including for non-Muslims and duty-free items), reflecting the country’s Islamic legal and social framework.
Mauritania’s position on the Sahel trafficking corridor means anti-narcotics enforcement is a priority. Recent government action (2026 draft law) has focused on strengthening repression rather than creating regulated medical or industrial pathways. Informal availability does not create a legal safe harbour.
Comparison with Neighbouring Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritania | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD and hemp treated as controlled; trafficking can carry death penalty on the books |
| Senegal | Illegal | Illegal / highly restricted | Strict controls |
| Mali | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Morocco | Illegal (recreational) | Licensed medical & industrial (Law 13-21) | Regulated medical/industrial pathway |
| Algeria | Illegal | Theoretical authorization only; no operational programme | No distinction; CBD and hemp treated as controlled |
| Western Sahara / disputed areas | Variable / contested | Variable | Complex jurisdictional situation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Mauritania in 2026?
No. Cannabis is completely prohibited for recreational, medical and industrial use. There is no public medical programme.
Is CBD legal in Mauritania?
No. CBD is not distinguished from other cannabis products and is treated as prohibited. There is no authorised medical or consumer pathway.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Mauritania?
No. Cultivation of the cannabis plant is explicitly prohibited. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime.
What are the penalties for possession?
Possession of any amount is a criminal offence and can result in arrest and imprisonment. Trafficking and production attract far more severe penalties, including the death penalty on the books (subject to a de facto moratorium). The 2026 draft law expands the scope of related offences.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No. Foreign prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Mauritania continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp under its narcotics legislation (including Loi 2008-012 and earlier frameworks). Cultivation of the cannabis plant is explicitly banned. There is no public medical cannabis programme, no CBD consumer market and no industrial-hemp pathway. Penalties are severe; trafficking carries the death penalty on the books (with a long-standing de facto moratorium on executions). The August 2026 draft law approved by the Council of Ministers expands and modernises the anti-narcotics framework rather than creating regulated medical or industrial uses. Mauritania remains an important transit country on the Sahel cannabis-resin corridor, and enforcement is active. There are no strong indications of imminent recreational or medical legalisation.
Anyone considering travel, research, investment or personal use involving cannabis-related products should treat the legal risk as extreme and obtain advice from a qualified Mauritanian lawyer. Always verify the latest position with official authorities and consult current travel advisories before any travel. Leave all cannabis and CBD products at home. Note also that alcohol is fully prohibited.
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 Mauritania.