Weed in Indore: The Growing Cannabis Culture in Madhya Pradesh’s Commercial Hub
Indore, the largest city in Madhya Pradesh, is best known for its street food, booming education sector, and rapid urban development. While it is famous for its clean streets and business-friendly environment, the city also has a quiet but noticeable cannabis (ganja) culture. Over the years, weed consumption in Indore has grown, especially among students, working professionals, and laborers looking for relaxation or an escape from daily stress.
Is Weed Legal in Indore?
Like the rest of India, cannabis is illegal in Indore under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. Possession, sale, or consumption of marijuana can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment. Madhya Pradesh police frequently conduct raids on large-scale suppliers, making the trade riskier for those involved.
However, Madhya Pradesh is one of the few states in India where the government allows the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. This has created an interesting dynamic—while legal cultivation exists, personal use remains illegal, pushing recreational users toward the black market.
Interestingly, bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, is legally available in Indore at government-licensed shops. During festivals like Holi and Shivratri, people openly consume bhang thandai or bhang lassi, highlighting the contradiction in India’s cannabis laws—where weed is illegal, but bhang is culturally accepted.
Where Do People Get Weed in Indore?
Despite strict laws, cannabis is available in Indore through various underground sources. Some common hotspots include:
- Rajwada and Sarwate Bus Stand – These busy areas have discreet suppliers catering to local users.
- Bhanwarkuan and Vijay Nagar – College students and young professionals often access cannabis through private dealers.
- Chandan Nagar and Aerodrome Road – Some small-time peddlers operate in these areas.
- Temples and Ghats – Some sadhus and traditional users consume cannabis near religious sites.
- Online & Telegram Networks – Many urban users prefer sourcing cannabis through encrypted messaging platforms for safety and quality.
The majority of cannabis available in Indore is low-quality patti (leafy weed). However, those with better connections can find charas (hash) from Himachal Pradesh or high-end imported strains at premium prices.
Who Smokes Weed in Indore?
Weed consumption in Indore spans across different groups of people. College students from institutions like Devi Ahilya University and IIT Indore are known to experiment with cannabis for recreational and social purposes. Young professionals and businessmen also use it to unwind from work stress.
Laborers and daily wage workers frequently use weed as an affordable alternative to alcohol. Additionally, some spiritual seekers and sadhus continue the centuries-old tradition of consuming cannabis for meditation and religious practices.
The Future of Weed in Indore
With increasing global discussions on cannabis legalization, India may eventually consider decriminalization. Some experts argue that regulating marijuana could generate revenue and reduce black-market crime.
For now, however, weed remains illegal in Indore. While law enforcement continues to crack down on the trade, cannabis culture persists quietly, making it an unspoken yet growing part of the city’s social life.