India
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| India | |
|---|---|
| भारत (Bhārat) | |
| Flag | File:Flag of India.svg |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Continent | Asia |
| Gene Pool | South Asia |
| Cannabis Status | |
| Legal Status | Illegal (bhang excepted) |
| Status Since | 1985 |
| Enforcement | Variable by state |
| Documentation | |
| Growing Regions | 3 |
| Growing Areas | 1 |
| Accessions | 25 |
India is a federal republic in South Asia with a long and complex history of cannabis cultivation, use, and regulation. Traditional cannabis preparations—particularly bhang, ganja, and charas—have been integrated into religious, medicinal, and recreational practices for millennia, particularly within Hindu and Sufi traditions.
Despite the NDPS Act of 1985 criminalizing most cannabis activities, enforcement varies dramatically across states, and traditional preparations remain culturally embedded in regions such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the Himalayan belt.
Legal Status
Current Framework
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) is the primary legislation governing cannabis in India. Under this act:
- Cannabis resin (charas) and ganja (flowering tops) are classified as narcotic drugs
- Bhang (leaves and seeds) is explicitly excluded from the definition of cannabis
- Penalties range from rigorous imprisonment to fines depending on quantity and intent
State Variations
Indian states have considerable autonomy in regulating bhang and enforcement priorities:
| State/UT | Bhang Status | Enforcement Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Legal (licensed shops) | Low | Government-authorized bhang shops |
| Uttar Pradesh | Legal (licensed) | Low | Traditional use protected |
| Himachal Pradesh | Technically illegal | Variable | Major charas production area; periodic crackdowns |
| West Bengal | Ambiguous | Low-Medium | Traditional ganja cultivation in north |
| Odisha | Ambiguous | Low | Some traditional cultivation continues |
Historical Timeline
- Pre-1961: Cannabis widely cultivated and used; various regional regulations
- 1961: India signs UN Single Convention but secures 25-year exemption for traditional use
- 1985: NDPS Act passed under US pressure; most cannabis activities criminalized
- 1989: NDPS Act amended; bhang explicitly excluded
- 2020s: Growing debate on medical cannabis; some states exploring pilot programs
Enforcement & Threats
Eradication Campaigns
Major eradication efforts are concentrated in:
- Himachal Pradesh: Annual pre-harvest destruction campaigns in Parvati Valley, Kullu Valley
- Manipur/Nagaland: Northeast India sees periodic enforcement
- Odisha: Campaigns in tribal areas
Current Threats
No recent news items.
Cultivation History
Cannabis has been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent for at least 3,000 years. The plant appears in the Atharva Veda (c. 1500–1000 BCE) as one of five sacred plants.
Traditional Production Regions
- Himalayan Belt: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir — primarily charas (hand-rubbed resin)
- Eastern Plains: West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha — primarily ganja (dried flowers)
- Central India: Madhya Pradesh — wild and semi-cultivated populations
Colonial Period
The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report (1894) remains one of the most comprehensive studies of cannabis use ever conducted. The British commission concluded that moderate use was essentially harmless and recommended against prohibition.
Demographics & Culture
Linguistic Context
India's cannabis terminology varies by region and language:
| Term | Language/Region | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| भांग (bhāṅg) | Hindi/Sanskrit | Leaves and seeds preparation |
| गांजा (gānjā) | Hindi/Bengali | Dried female flowers |
| चरस (caras) | Hindi | Hand-rubbed resin |
| মদক (madak) | Bengali | Ganja mixed with tobacco |
| കഞ്ചാവ് (kañcāv) | Malayalam | General term for cannabis |
Religious & Cultural Use
- Shaivism: Cannabis associated with Lord Shiva; consumed during Maha Shivaratri and Holi
- Sufi traditions: Historical use among certain orders
- Ayurveda: Cannabis preparations used medicinally for pain, insomnia, digestive issues
- Unani medicine: Traditional use continues in some practices
Ethnic Communities
Traditional cultivation knowledge is maintained by various communities:
- Rajput and Rajwari communities in Himachal Pradesh (charas production)
- Koch and Rajbongshi communities in North Bengal (ganja cultivation)
- Tribal communities in Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Climate Overview
India's diverse geography supports various cannabis ecotypes:
| Zone | Climate | Typical Varieties | Harvest Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himalayan | Alpine/Montane | Short, resinous, early-finishing | Sept–Nov |
| Northern Plains | Subtropical | Tall, moderate THC | Oct–Dec |
| Eastern | Tropical humid | Very tall, late-flowering | Dec–Feb |
| Central Plateau | Semi-arid | Variable; wild populations | Nov–Jan |
Documented Regions
Growing Regions
| Region | Has conservation status | Has gene pool |
|---|---|---|
| North Bengal Plains | South Asian Gene Pool | |
| The Dooars | South Asian Gene Pool | |
| Western Himalayas | Vulnerable | South Asian Gene Pool |
Growing Areas
| Area | Has growing region | Has conservation status |
|---|---|---|
| Koch Bihar | North Bengal Plains | Medium |
States & Territories
Browse by state coming soon.
For now, see individual Growing Region pages for state-level breakdown.
See Also
- South Asia — Gene pool overview
- NDPS Act, 1985
- Indian Hemp Drugs Commission
- Bhang
- Charas