We, the people of India, have found unity in diversity throughout history. So when it comes to the consumption of ganja, it is no surprise that there are people who see it purely as illegal narcotic substances or drugs and the other half that is adamant on seeing it beyond the political constraints, referring to the substance as plant medicine— something that is not abused but used for recreational purposes as well as for the overall healing and wellbeing of a person. While these ‘stoner communities’ appear to be newly formed by the hippie youth of the country, the origins of the herb go much deeper in the roots of India.
Religion & Spirituality:
To break the ice or even better, to crush it, India, despite having a diverse cultural background has always been harboring communities of all religions. While the debates are still on about what significance religion holds when it comes to cannabis and how it affects us in today’s world, we cannot ignore the fact that it was widely used before it became illegal in the country.
Call it third-eye instincts but we know you saw this coming. Ancient texts in Hinduism have always talked about Lord Shiva and his love for ganja. It all started with Him consuming ‘bhaang’ to soothe His throat after drinking poison during the ‘Samudra Manthan’, or ‘Churning of the Ocean’ as mentioned in the Atharva Veda. This great Indian deity is often depicted in a meditative state, seated on the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, smoking ganja with a chillum (clay pipe).
Devotees and sages have not only used ganja as an offering but consumed it themselves to reach a trance-like meditative state that is believed to bring them closer to God. The influence hasn’t just stayed within borders but attracted a lot of attention from other countries not just to the ritualistic usage of ganja but to India and its culture.
While Sufism has openly expressed the use of cannabis for relaxation and enhancement of creativity, there are still debates on whether Islam has specifically forbidden it or not. Hashish, popularly known as hash, was called as “the morsel of meditation” by a Sufi. While others in the community referred to it as the “Sufi herb”.
Today, devotees and mystics have all shown interest and love for the herb and its consumption, breaking the infamous stereotypical world view of it being illegal, harmful and addictive. As the spiritual benefits and religious significance is widely known, it is often used in various Indian festivals like the consumption of ‘bhaang’ in celebration of Holi and Mahashivratri.
Entertainment & Media:
Bollywood has rarely ever shied away from showcasing taboo topics, from prostitution to corruption, we have seen it all! It is no surprise that there have been at least mentions of cannabis, if the storyline isn’t entirely based on the consumption of the substance. While ‘Breaking Bad’ broke the internet, we have had our own movies and songs revolving around narcotics— whether to create awareness or to simply talk about the reality of availability and existence of these substances in common public, that’s for the people to decide.
Sharing a small piece from our Bollywood watchlist and playlist both, movies like Dum Maaro Dum, Udtaa Pubjab and Go Goa Gone have been in spotlight for quite some time whereas, songs like Manali Trance, Babaji Ki Booti, Dum Maaro Dum have explicitly mentioned drug usage. A lot of new age artists, graphic designers and social places like clubs are including cannabis themed art and ambience, attracting large crowds of like-minded people.
Ganja Tourism:
Have you ticked that Goa trip with your friends off your bucket list yet? If yes, we might have a little surprise in store for you! While Goa and Gokarna have been popular destinations for Indians and international tourists both, the hippie culture in India has brought tourists’ attention to other offbeat locations you can add to your travel list.
With places like Parvati Valley, Manali, Rishikesh in the north to Pushkar in the west and Kodaikanal in the southern part of India, cannabis culture can be held responsible for being a strong component influencing the tourism industry in India. The food, marketplace, scenic beauty and hospitality of these places have attracted not just stoners but hikers and bikers, both.
Healing & Medicine
Hemp and hemp products have widely been used in alternative healing methods and medicine. While The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and excise laws in several states restrict people from consuming cannabis or any of its byproducts making it a punishable offense; research and ancient texts have always spoken highly (no pun intended) of the unbelievable healing properties of this herb, bringing in a revolutionary change in the medical system.
As hemp is considered organic and sustainable, many budding brands are using it as a base product in their businesses. Hemp seed oil, fabric and inclusion of it in superfoods, skin care and fashion are not just completely safe and legal but actually beneficial for both, the environment and the people. In fact, for the first time ever, Pune, Maharashtra opened its doors to The Hemp Cafeteria, a one of its kind café that serves hemp infused food and coffee legally! Additionally, we also have government authorised bhaang shops operating in major cities in India. While the spiritual and medicinal properties are well known, this edible form of the herb made from crushing cannabis leaves, buds and flowers is also ingested for recreational purposes in a milk-based drink called “thandaai”. Currently, bhaang is legally available in Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Varanasi, Karnataka, Noida and Mathura.
Final Thoughts
The Vedas mention that ganja is one of five essential plants used in Ayurveda. The Indian subcontinent was once at the forefront of world thinking and innovation. The same civilization which created great strides in ayurveda, meditation, yoga, and technology understood the uses of ganja in physical and mental healing. This relationship continued until the USA pressured us into cutting ties with this sacred plant. Now, as we continue to stand against it, they have legalized the plant and are reaping its medicinal and recreational benefits. Hopefully, YOU, the next generation of lawyers, doctors, politicians, and engineers will unite in changing this.