Mauritius Prime Minister receives cannabis policy reform report

Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has received a comprehensive report from the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) regarding the reform of the nation's cannabis policy. The report was presented by NADC Director General Kunal Naik and President Nadia Peerun following months of multidisciplinary research and nationwide consultations involving over 1,800 contributors.

The document examines various legal scenarios, including decriminalization, depenalization, and legalization, weighing the health, judicial, and economic implications of each. A key focus of the study is the high number of individuals currently incarcerated for minor cannabis possession or consumption offenses.

The report will now undergo review by the National Drug Control Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister, before being submitted to the Cabinet for a final decision. The NADC has also sought government support to address ongoing operational challenges and constraints facing the agency.