CLAIM Mauritius priorities for cannabis reform in 2024
Since its creation in 2024, the CLAIM Mauritius collective has set itself the objective of decriminalizing cannabis in Mauritius and its supervised integration into the health system. To do this, the organization carries out awareness and lobbying campaigns and advocates for political reforms.
Cannabis: a contested classification and disproportionate sanctions
CLAIM Mauritius vigorously contests the classification of cannabis on the Island, where it is equated with hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Faced with this situation, the collective proposes to set a personal possession threshold of 5 to 10 grams. This measure would make it possible to decriminalize small consumers and direct police resources towards larger trafficking and more serious criminal activities.
Access to therapeutic cannabis: a priority
In parallel with decriminalization, CLAIM Mauritius is campaigning for better access to therapeutic cannabis for patients suffering from chronic pathologies, particularly those involving intense pain that does not respond to usual treatments.
The collective welcomes the pilot project initiated in September 2023 at Victoria Hospital in Candos, which authorizes the prescription of medical cannabis for research purposes.
If the results of this test phase prove conclusive, CLAIM Mauritius hopes to extend this program to other health centers. The integration of medical cannabis into the Mauritian therapeutic arsenal would constitute a major step forward for many patients and would help relieve their suffering, especially in the absence of certain opioid medications in the Island's pharmacies. .
The economic and cultural potential of hemp in Mauritius
CLAIM Mauritius affirms that hemp in its non-psychoactive form could establish itself as a lucrative and job-creating sector of activity. The cost of a ton of Sativa hemp is estimated at 260 dollars (around 221 euros). During the test phase in 2022, this activity generated an income of 1.1 million dollars (937,000 euros) for the country which seeks to diversify its sources of income beyond tourism and sugar cane.
The group also highlights the deep Mauritian cultural heritage linked to the traditional uses of cannabis. Historically, the Island's ancestors used cannabis in food, medical care, textile production and spiritual rites. However, these practices were abandoned following the prohibitionist policies of the colonial powers, then of successive governments.
Reactions and perspectives to the relaxation of cannabis legislation
The authorization of experimental cannabis cultivation in 2021 has been favorably received in the country, especially by patients suffering from chronic diseases.
Shirish Rummun, a weightlifter committed to the legalization of cannabis for therapeutic purposes, praised this approach. He sees in this experimental phase a chance to bring relief to patients thanks to locally manufactured medicines.
However, this project encounters several obstacles, particularly in terms of control and prevention against illegal exploitation.
This is why the Mauritian government has established strict regulations to regulate this crop, authorizing only plantations controlled by the FAREI organization and the Ministry of Agro-industry.
