National Cannabis Policy Reform: NADC initiates stakeholder consultations

The first stakeholder consultation on National Cannabis Policy Reform workshop organised by the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC), was held this morning at the Gold Crest Hotel in Quatre-Bornes.

The opening session featured presentations on key topics, namely: a situational analysis of drugs in Mauritius, a history of Cannabis criminalisation and an overview of depenalisation, decriminalisation, legalisation of Cannabis.

In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of NADC, Mr Kunal Naik, described the consultation workshop as a foundational step to bring stakeholders together to exchange views on Cannabis policy reform, emphasising that discussions will be guided by health, medical, economic and legal considerations.

“In line with our inclusive approach, other consultations and focused group discussions, taking onboard professionals of the industry, the community at large and marginalised groups, will be held at regional level, which will eventually contribute to the elaboration of a Report by June that will be submitted to the Government”, he indicated.

He indicated that as part of NADC's inclusive approach, consultations and focus group discussions taking onboard industry professionals, the community, and marginalised groups will be conducted at national level, pointing out that these efforts will inform a report that which will be finalised in June and submitted to the Government.

Speaking about the prevailing the drug situation in the country, including the proliferation of drugs and the rising synthetic drug use, the Mr Naik highlighted that NADC endeavours to shield youngsters from these scourges, and assess the health impacts of drugs including Cannabis as well as the associated economic burdens.

Besides, the CEO reaffirmed that decolonising drug policy is central to his agenda, prioritising measures that reflect Mauritius' unique social realities and multicultural landscape.

He moreover stated that NADC’s recommendations will address the specific context of the country and will be based on scientific and factual information. These, he informed, will be relayed to the National Agency for Drug Control Commission, while noting that policy reform decisions rest solely with the Government.

06 May 2026

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Topics: Drugs