Smoke and Mirrors

Indeed, cannabis consumption is common across the country and does not attract the kind of stigma attached to other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances being consumed illegally in India. In a 2019 study commissioned by the social justice and empowerment ministry, 31 million people in India were reported to have consumed a cannabis product in the past year, of which 13 million had used weed and hash. Cannabis consumption was higher in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Delhi than the national average. Based on the annual figures held by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNoDC), a 2018 study by German data firm ABCD placed Delhi third on the list of 120 cities with the highest consumption of cannabis, ahead of Los Angeles, Chicago and London. Mumbai was sixth.

CANNABIS: ITS MOST POPULAR FORMS IN INDIA AND WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT THEM

Ganja or Weed:

THE PRODUCT: Also known as marijuana, pot, grass, Mary Jane, it is a mix of the dried flowers, stems, seeds and leaves of the cannabis plant

THE PRICE: Weed dust can cost as little as Rs 50, otherwise prices vary with quality. Ten grams of average quality weed costs Rs 100-250 in Delhi.

THE LAW: Six-month prison term for 1 kg ganja; up to 10 years for 1-20 kg, 10-20 years for over 20 kg. Fines vary from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

Bhang:

THE PRODUCT: A paste of cannabis leaves and seeds often consumed in a milk-based drink. The fat in the milk improves absorption of THC, leading to an instant, often stronger, high.

THE PRICE: Rs 150 for a glass in Delhi

THE LAW: Since bhang does not use the flowers or resin of cannabis, it is not within the NDPS Act’s purview. But laws to regulate consumption vary in each state. In most states, it is legally sold only at government-licensed shops.

Marijuana Meals

THE PRODUCTS: Hash brownies, cheese, coffee, salt, pizza sauce and even dried noodles are popular cannabis-laced products. Usually made with oil extracted from weed and available at various cafes in marijuana-growing regions.

THE PRICE: Different for different items

THE LAW: Since it is not easy to detect marijuana in food products, prosecution too is difficult.

The Cannabis Connoisseur's Collection:

Malana cream

Idukki Gold

Mysore Mango

Super Cream

Golden weed

Manipuri weed

Entire generation of Indians now regards cannabis as a harmless, ‘casual’ drug. It is an affordable drug which is often viewed as spiritual.

It's a tough call but if govt. legalize the use of cannabis the youth is going to be very happy definitely.