In our Regulatory Snapshot, when we say a country treats Medicinal Cannabis as restricted, it means that products like cannabidiol (CBD) oils are only allowed under formal medicine registration rules. This does not exclude other interpretations, where the same CBD oil may be seen as a herbal medicine, supplement, or even a superfood. In many countries, this remains a “grey area” — a space where entrepreneurs must actively engage and help shape the path forward.
What you'll learn
Table of contents
Mauritania Introduction
Mauritania applies strict prohibition of cannabis, with Sharia-influenced law that enforces severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking. There is no distinction between cannabis, hemp, or CBD. However, the country has a strong tradition of herbal medicine and natural cosmetics, including products based on argan, desert herbs, hibiscus, and moringa. Functional mushrooms and adaptogens are legal and represent a safe entry for Hemp Vegan cafés focused on tea, coffee, mushrooms, and herbal cosmetics.
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Cannabis & Wellness Regulation Overview
Recreational Cannabis (Adult Use)
Status: Illegal.
- Cannabis possession, use, and trafficking criminalized.
- Harsh penalties, including long prison terms, due to Sharia-influenced criminal law.
Medical Cannabis
Status: Prohibited.
- No medical cannabis program.
- Cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals not authorized.
Hemp & Industrial Definition
Status: Not recognized.
- Hemp is legally treated as cannabis.
- No industrial or agricultural framework.
CBD Oils and Products
Status: Prohibited.
- CBD classified as cannabis derivative.
- Imports and retail not authorized.
Cosmetics & Artisanal Production
Status: Allowed if non-cannabis.
- Mauritania’s cosmetic traditions include argan oil, moringa, hibiscus, henna, and desert herbs.
- Hemp/CBD not permitted.
Functional Mushrooms & Adaptogens
Status: Allowed.
- Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and adaptogens like maca, ginseng, and ashwagandha permitted.
- Must comply with Ministry of Health regulations.
Psilocybin / Psychedelics
Status: Strictly prohibited.
- Classified as narcotics.
- Severe penalties for possession or trafficking.
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Operating Guidance (Hemp Vegan)
Wellness-Driven Coffee & Retail
- Cannabis/CBD not viable.
- Safe entry: tea, coffee, mushrooms, adaptogens, and artisanal herbal cosmetics.
- Positioning: align with Mauritania’s desert wellness identity.
Clinical Tools & AI
- No cannabis integration possible.
- AI tools can support nutrition, herbal medicine, and adaptogen education.
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Marketing, Claims & Compliance
Advertising & Claims
- Cannabis/CBD prohibited.
- Mushrooms/adaptogens: general wellness claims allowed.
- Avoid therapeutic/disease-treatment claims.
Packaging & Labeling
- Labels must be in Arabic or French.
- Imports require Ministry of Health approval.
- Supplements must list dosage, ingredients, and importer/distributor.
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Taxes, Import & Duties
- VAT: 16%.
- Cannabis/hemp/CBD: prohibited.
- Mushrooms/adaptogens: import allowed with approval.
- Cosmetics: local and export markets exist for herbal-based skincare.
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Risks & Practical Notes
- Cannabis/hemp/CBD: prohibited, severe penalties.
- Psilocybin: prohibited.
- Opportunity: mushrooms, adaptogens, herbal cosmetics, teas, and coffee.
- Strategy: position Hemp Vegan cafés as desert-inspired wellness hubs, avoiding any cannabis branding.
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FAQ (Hemp Vegan)
How Hemp Vegan supports operations in Mauritania
We help partners launch non-cannabis wellness cafés, focused on mushrooms, adaptogens, teas, and herbal cosmetics.
Payroll & local operations
Employer contributions ~15–17%. Hemp Vegan provides HR compliance kits adapted to Mauritanian law.
Creators vs. Employees
Retail staff must be hired locally. Remote collaborators may work as contractors.
Ongoing support
We monitor Ministry of Health & CNSS regulations for supplement and cosmetic compliance.
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Sources & Review Log
_Last reviewed_: 2025-08-23
