Weed in Bengaluru: The Unspoken Reality of Cannabis in India’s Tech Hub
Bengaluru, often called the Silicon Valley of India, is known for its booming IT industry, vibrant nightlife, and pleasant weather. But beneath its corporate and cosmopolitan exterior, the city also has a well-established cannabis culture. Weed, or ganja, is widely consumed across different social groups, from college students and tech professionals to artists and musicians. Despite its illegal status, Bengaluru has one of the most active underground marijuana markets in India.
Is Weed Legal in Bengaluru?
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, cannabis is illegal in India. Possession, sale, and consumption can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines. However, law enforcement in Bengaluru, as in many other Indian cities, is inconsistent. While major drug busts occasionally make headlines, small-time users often get away with minor penalties or warnings, sometimes even resolving matters with bribes.
Interestingly, bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, is legally available in some parts of India, mainly during religious festivals. This legal loophole highlights the contradiction in India’s approach to cannabis.
Where Do People Get Weed in Bengaluru?
Despite the legal restrictions, finding weed in Bengaluru isn’t difficult. The city has several hotspots where cannabis trade happens discreetly. Some well-known sources include:
- Shivaji Nagar – Known for affordable, low-quality weed, this area is popular among budget-conscious consumers.
- Majestic and Gandhinagar – These busy commercial areas have a reputation for underground weed sales.
- Koramangala and Indiranagar – Bengaluru’s nightlife hubs, where techies and partygoers often manage to score high-quality marijuana.
- Electronic City and Whitefield – The IT crowd in these areas has helped fuel a demand for premium strains, often sourced through private dealers.
- Telegram and Dark Web – Online platforms and encrypted messaging apps have become the go-to method for discreet transactions, offering better quality but at a higher price.
Bengaluru has a steady supply of both local and imported cannabis products. While low-grade patti (leafy weed) is the cheapest option, high-quality hash (charas) from Himachal Pradesh and exotic strains from international sources are also available for those willing to pay more.
Who Smokes Weed in Bengaluru?
Cannabis users in Bengaluru come from all walks of life. College students and young professionals make up a large portion of the user base, using weed for relaxation and stress relief. Tech workers, often dealing with intense work schedules, also turn to cannabis as a way to unwind.
The city’s thriving music and arts scene is another driving force behind its cannabis culture. Musicians, painters, and writers often see marijuana as a tool for creativity. Additionally, a small but significant number of spiritual seekers consume cannabis as part of meditation and religious practices.
The Future of Weed in Bengaluru
With global trends shifting toward cannabis legalization, discussions around marijuana laws in India have started gaining momentum. Some advocates argue that legalizing and regulating cannabis could generate revenue and provide medicinal benefits.
For now, however, weed remains illegal in Bengaluru. Despite this, its underground culture continues to grow, and as long as demand exists, the supply will find a way to keep up.