Mauritius: Experts plan to legalize medical cannabis

This is an issue that has captured the imagination of Mauritians. And what if the Gandia, as cannabis is called in Mauritian Creole, would soon be approved for the treatment of certain diseases?

Since December, 25 experts have been discussing and consulting on the legalization of medical cannabis. They will soon submit their report to the Ministry of Health.

«We're working as fast as we can,», promises Theeshan Bahorun, chair of the technical committee on medical cannabis, interviewed by the Mauritian newspaper L’Express. Three subcommittees have already submitted their reports. One of them focuses on the chemical components of the Gandia consumed on the island. In particular, it focuses on synthetic cannabis, which is becoming increasingly popular. It’s worth noting that in Mauritius, a gram of marijuana costs an average of 2,500 Mauritian rupees—or 40 euros—which is the equivalent of one night’s stay at a hotel.

As a result, patients are turning to synthetic cannabis. « The legalization of medical or other forms of cannabis also directly affects synthetic drugs. On the ground, I see that synthetic drugs are just as widespread as gandia, alcohol, and cigarettes, "A social worker expresses concern in" L’Express. »There’s no point even discussing this medical legalization. I think it’s a must.”

«Go to any party—everyone's smoking!»

But the health minister doesn't see it that way. Far from considering it mandatory, Kailesh Jagutpal considers it dangerous. «It's not a good idea to introduce medical cannabis in Mauritius at this time. Just because other countries have done so doesn't mean we have to follow suit,», he said on Radio Plus, upon taking office in November 2019. A few months later, in January 2020, this member of the Militant Socialist Movement (left) will say that Maurice is not «not ready yet» in support of the legalization of medical marijuana.

It will be him, along with his Prime Minister Praving Jugnauth, who will have the final say when the experts submit their report. Will they still oppose the legalization of medical cannabis, even after several months of scientific research? In any case, they will be facing public opinion that is generally in favor of this measure.

In Mauritius, the Gandia is just as popular as the zamal in Réunion, a French department located 170 kilometers away. « »Go to any party, from the poorest to the richest, and you'll see joints being passed around. Almost everyone smokes!", says Brigitte Michel, the head of an organization that supports people who use drugs in Mauritius.