Weed in Kolkata: The Unspoken Cannabis Culture in the City of Joy
Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is known for its rich history, intellectual debates, and deep appreciation for art, music, and literature. But beyond its colonial architecture and love for adda (casual discussions), the city has a long-standing relationship with cannabis. From the famous bhang drinks served in religious festivals to street-side joints shared among students and artists, weed (ganja) has quietly embedded itself into Kolkata’s culture.
Is Weed Legal in Kolkata?
Like the rest of India, cannabis is illegal in Kolkata under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. Possession, sale, and consumption of weed can lead to fines and imprisonment. However, law enforcement is inconsistent. While large-scale suppliers are often targeted, personal consumption is largely overlooked, especially in certain areas where cannabis use has been normalized over generations.
Interestingly, bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, is legally available in government-authorized shops, especially during festivals like Holi and Shivratri. This legal loophole has allowed Kolkata to maintain a unique relationship with cannabis, balancing between tradition and modern legal restrictions.
Where Do People Get Weed in Kolkata?
Despite its illegal status, weed is widely available in Kolkata. Some well-known sources include:
- Babughat – A historic smoking spot along the Hooghly River, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy weed openly.
- College Street – The intellectual heart of Kolkata, where students and artists often find sources for cannabis.
- Sunderbans and North 24 Parganas – These areas, located on the outskirts of the city, are known for cannabis cultivation and supply.
- Howrah Station and Sealdah Station – Some peddlers discreetly sell weed around these busy railway hubs.
- Shiv Mandirs and Ghats – Many followers of Lord Shiva consume weed as a spiritual offering, keeping the tradition alive.
- Online & Telegram Networks – As in other cities, encrypted apps provide a safer way for users to access high-quality cannabis.
Kolkata has a mix of locally grown ganja, hash (charas) from Himachal Pradesh, and occasionally imported strains. Prices vary depending on quality, with roadside purchases being the cheapest but often low in potency.
Who Smokes Weed in Kolkata?
Kolkata’s cannabis culture is deeply tied to its artistic and intellectual heritage. Writers, poets, painters, and musicians have long used weed as a creative stimulant. Students from the city’s prestigious universities, such as Presidency and Jadavpur, also contribute to its consumption, using it for both recreation and philosophical discussions.
Beyond the intellectual crowd, working-class people, rickshaw pullers, and daily laborers also use weed as an affordable way to relax. Additionally, religious groups and sadhus (Hindu ascetics) consider cannabis a sacred herb and use it in their rituals.
The Future of Weed in Kolkata
With global trends moving toward cannabis legalization, India is slowly opening up discussions on decriminalization. Many argue that legalizing and regulating weed could bring economic benefits and reduce the risks of unregulated trade.
For now, however, weed remains illegal in Kolkata. But given the city’s deep-rooted cannabis culture, it’s safe to say that ganja isn’t disappearing anytime soon—it will continue to thrive in the alleys, ghats, and artistic corners of the City of Joy.