Weed in Jodhpur: The Quiet Cannabis Scene in the Blue City
Jodhpur, the “Blue City” of Rajasthan, is famous for its historic forts, vibrant culture, and stunning desert landscapes. However, beyond its tourist attractions, there exists a lesser-known cannabis culture. While ganja (weed) is illegal in Jodhpur, like the rest of India, its use persists quietly among different groups, including locals, travelers, and spiritual seekers.
Is Weed Legal in Jodhpur?
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, cannabis is illegal across India, including in Jodhpur. Possession, sale, or consumption of weed can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines. Rajasthan has a strict stance on drug-related offenses, and police occasionally conduct raids to curb illegal drug use.
However, there is a legal loophole—bhang. Unlike ganja (dried cannabis flowers) and charas (hashish), bhang is legally sold in licensed shops across Rajasthan. It is commonly consumed in the form of bhang lassi or bhang thandai, especially during festivals like Holi and Mahashivratri. Tourists and locals alike enjoy bhang as a culturally accepted alternative to weed.
Where Do People Get Weed in Jodhpur?
Since weed is illegal, it is not openly sold, but those familiar with the city can find it through:
- Street Dealers in Secluded Areas – Some sellers operate in hidden parts of the city, though law enforcement is a risk.
- Villages on the Outskirts – Some rural areas outside Jodhpur have access to wild-growing cannabis.
- Tourist Hotspots – Some travelers manage to source cannabis through word-of-mouth.
- Personal Networks – Locals who consume cannabis usually rely on trusted connections.
- Highway and Truck Routes – Transporters moving through Rajasthan sometimes carry weed from other states.
Most of the cannabis available in Jodhpur is low to mid-quality patti (leafy weed) brought in from states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, or Andhra Pradesh. Occasionally, charas (hashish) from Himachal Pradesh makes its way into the city, but it is expensive and harder to find.
Who Uses Weed in Jodhpur?
Cannabis consumption in Jodhpur is not as visible as in major metropolitan cities, but it exists among:
- Tourists and Backpackers – Some visitors, especially foreigners, seek out cannabis while exploring Rajasthan.
- Local Youth and College Students – A small section of young adults experiment with weed for recreation.
- Sadhus and Spiritual Practitioners – Some religious figures use cannabis as part of meditation and rituals.
- Artists and Musicians – Creative individuals sometimes use cannabis for inspiration.
- Laborers and Daily Wage Workers – Some workers consume cannabis to cope with stress and exhaustion.
The Future of Weed in Jodhpur
India’s stance on cannabis remains conservative, and Rajasthan is no exception. While states like Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh are exploring legal hemp cultivation, Rajasthan has not shown any signs of relaxing its cannabis laws. However, discussions on medical cannabis and industrial hemp are growing, and if policies change in the future, Jodhpur could potentially see a regulated cannabis market.
For now, weed in Jodhpur remains part of an underground culture—used discreetly by those who know where to look, while bhang remains the only legal alternative for those seeking a cannabis-infused experience.