National Cannabis Policy Reform: NADC engages public sector stakeholders in policy consultation process

A consultative workshop on National Cannabis Policy Reform, organised by the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) through its Technical Working Group, was held this morning at The Docks in Port Louis. The session formed part of a structured, evidence-based review of Mauritius’ National Cannabis Policy Framework and brought together relevant Ministries and public sector bodies.

The ongoing review is being carried out through a series of national consultations aimed at gathering perspectives on the potential health, social, legal, economic, regulatory and governance implications of Cannabis Policy Reform. The Technical Working Group has been mandated to assess the feasibility, implications and safeguards of alternative policy models, including depenalisation, decriminalisation and associated legal frameworks. Its report is expected to be finalised by the end of June 2026.

The opening session of the workshop featured presentations on the history of cannabis and key associated concepts, providing participants with contextual background to inform the discussions.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of NADC, Mr Kunal Naik, stated that consultations had been ongoing for approximately one and a half months, during which various stakeholders had already been engaged, including parents, union representatives, persons affected by substance use and members of specific communities. He indicated that a document had also been submitted to the relevant authority the previous week.

Mr Naik further stressed that the current phase of the process focuses on obtaining the perspectives of Ministries, many of which have already provided input. The objective is to ensure an inclusive and evidence-based approach, with emphasis on protecting young people, families and communities, while also reflecting on the health, legal, industrial and socio-cultural dimensions of cannabis, as well as progressively extending consultations to other stakeholders, including the private sector, he added.

03 June 2026

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Topics: Drugs