Cannabis in Mauritius

Cannabis in Mauritius is illegal; locally it is known as gandia.

History
Cannabis was banned in the British colony of Mauritius in 1840: "Whereas it results from the reports made to the Governor that a plant or herb commonly called and known by the name of Gandia (cannabis indiae [sic]) is daily imported and openly sold in the Colony, to a considerable extent, the use of which, being carried to excess among the labouring class, is productive of the most pernicious effects, often exciting them to disorderly conduct and in some cases causing death ; It therefore becomes urgent that prompt and efficient measures be resorted to for preventing abuses of so grave a nature ;"

Usage
A 1974 report on addiction noted that cannabis was usually smoked in cigarette rolls or clay pipes, but was also mixed into cakes or sweets, or the beverage bhang. The writer noted it was rarely sniffed as snuff as "it burns the nose".

Reform
In February 1999, a rally was held calling for legalization of cannabis. The famed Mauritian musician Kaya performed, and publicly smoked cannabis at the event. He was detained by police, and four days later died in custody.