Weed in Mysore: A Look at the Underground Cannabis Culture
Mysore, known for its rich heritage, palaces, and as a major tourist destination in Karnataka, has an emerging underground cannabis scene. While the city is not as widely known for drug-related activities as nearby Bengaluru, the use of weed (ganja) exists discreetly among certain groups, including students, artists, and spiritual seekers. With Karnataka being a transit state for smuggled cannabis, Mysore occasionally sees an inflow of marijuana from other regions, despite strict laws.
Is Weed Legal in Mysore?
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, cannabis is illegal in Mysore, as it is across the rest of India. Possessing, selling, or consuming weed can lead to serious legal consequences, including heavy fines and imprisonment. Karnataka police regularly conduct raids to curb the illegal trade of marijuana, and Mysore has seen a few such operations in recent years.
However, there is an exception—bhang. Unlike ganja (dried cannabis flowers) and charas (hashish), bhang (a drink made from cannabis leaves) is legally sold in some parts of India, especially during religious festivals like Holi. That said, bhang is not as common in Karnataka as it is in North India.
Where Do People Get Weed in Mysore?
Weed is not openly available in Mysore, but those who seek it often rely on underground networks. Some common sources include:
- Local Dealers in Secluded Areas – Weed is usually sold in hidden spots, often through word-of-mouth referrals.
- Interstate Supply from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha – Some of the cannabis in Mysore comes from illegal cultivation in these states.
- Nearby Forested Regions – Parts of Karnataka, including some tribal areas, have wild cannabis plants that some people harvest.
- Tourist and Backpacker Connections – Since Mysore is a travel hub, some visitors bring in weed from other states or even Nepal.
- Personal Networks – Many users rely on trusted contacts or friends to source their cannabis.
Most of the weed found in Mysore is of average quality (patti or leafy weed), while high-quality charas (hashish) is rare and expensive, often coming from Himachal Pradesh or imported illegally.
Who Uses Weed in Mysore?
Although not as prevalent as in larger cities, weed consumption in Mysore exists among:
- College Students and Young Adults – Some students experiment with weed for relaxation and social reasons.
- Artists and Musicians – Creative individuals sometimes use cannabis for inspiration.
- Spiritual Seekers and Yogis – Mysore is a hub for yoga and spirituality, and some practitioners use cannabis in meditation.
- Daily Wage Workers – Some laborers use weed as a way to unwind after long work hours.
The Future of Weed in Mysore
Karnataka has strict drug policies, and there are no immediate signs of cannabis being legalized for recreational use. However, with India gradually exploring medical cannabis and industrial hemp cultivation, there could be changes in policy over time.
For now, weed in Mysore remains an underground affair—used discreetly by those who seek it, while the authorities continue to crack down on illegal trade.