Debate on the legalization of cannabis in India

It's not just in Europe and America that the A debate on cannabis is taking shape. Today, a brief detour to India, where doctors and some politicians are fighting to restore the product’s reputation.

Light traffic

According to Prakhar Singh, a regular user and small-scale dealer: «Getting weed in India is as easy as buying vegetables at the market—everyone smokes.» This New Delhi resident, who works in marketing, sells small bags for 100 rupees, or 1.5$.

Before the 1980s, cannabis was legally available in state-licensed stores. Unfortunately, India had to follow the United States in the « War on Drugs«. Under pressure, the government banned the sale of marijuana. Although its use is prohibited, the authorities seem to turn a blind eye to minor offenses.”.

Custom, Tradition, and Shilom

In India, the use of cannabis and other plants with psychotropic effects is part of the culture. We owe the famous name «ganja» to the Indians. In rural India, particularly in regions near the Himalayas, cannabis grows wild. These cannabis fields provide the raw material used to produce the famous Charas.

In addition, this The plant is an integral part of the religion. During Hindu festivals, the sadhus (people who devote their lives to religion) perform a series of bhang made with bhang, a milk-based drink similar to »lassi,» to which stems or cannabis leaves. If you are lactose intolerant, a more traditional shilom will be offered to you. Sadhus and Hindu devotees intoxicate themselves to enter a state of meditation or trance, which, according to tradition, brings them closer to the spiritual wisdom of the gods.

With the about-face by the The United States and Cannabis, the debate over re-legalization is gaining momentum. Last year, Tathagata Saptathy, a member of the Odisha state legislature, admitted to having used it during his high school years. He even offers advice on «how to get weed legally.» Doctors, pharmacists, and lawyers are holding an increasing number of conferences and meetings to restore the cannabis to its former legal status.

For now, a return to the old system still seems a long way off. Petitions are circulating in the assemblies, while doctors are trying to legalize medical cannabis. These minor debates across the various states have not yet reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prakhar Singh is content with that for now, even though she admits to feeling some remorse about selling products of average quality.