Weed in Srinagar: The Quiet Cannabis Culture of Kashmir
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, Dal Lake, and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond its serene beauty, the city also has a lesser-known connection with cannabis. Weed, or ganja, remains illegal in Srinagar, yet it continues to be used discreetly by different sections of society. Whether for relaxation, spirituality, or traditional purposes, cannabis consumption has been a part of the region for generations.
Is Weed Legal in Srinagar?
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, cannabis is illegal across India, including in Srinagar. Possessing, selling, or consuming weed can result in fines and imprisonment. The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir take strict action against drug-related offenses, and the region has witnessed increased crackdowns in recent years.
However, there is one legal exception—bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, is still used in some religious and cultural settings. Unlike ganja (dried cannabis flowers) and charas (hashish), bhang is sometimes tolerated, especially during festivals like Mahashivratri.
Where Do People Get Weed in Srinagar?
Although cannabis is illegal, it is still accessible through underground sources. People who use it in Srinagar typically find it through:
- Local Villages and Remote Areas – Some rural areas in Kashmir have wild cannabis plants, and people harvest them for personal use.
- Tourist and Trekking Routes – Some travelers and locals source hashish (charas) from high-altitude areas where cannabis grows naturally.
- Sadhus and Religious Practitioners – Certain ascetics and spiritual seekers use cannabis as part of their meditation and rituals.
- Private Networks and Word-of-Mouth – Due to strict law enforcement, people rely on close connections to acquire weed discreetly.
Kashmir is historically known for producing some of the finest charas, a form of hashish made from the resin of cannabis plants. While charas from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is more famous, Kashmiri hash has been part of local traditions for centuries.
Who Uses Weed in Srinagar?
Cannabis consumption in Srinagar is not as open as in other parts of India, but it exists among:
- Sadhus and Spiritual Seekers – Some religious figures use cannabis as a tool for meditation.
- Younger Generations – A small section of students and young adults experiment with weed recreationally.
- Tourists and Travelers – Some visitors seek out Kashmiri charas as part of their experience in the region.
- Laborers and Workers – Some daily wage laborers use cannabis to cope with stress and harsh working conditions.
The Future of Weed in Srinagar
Despite the global trend toward cannabis legalization, Jammu and Kashmir remain strict about drug enforcement. The ongoing political situation and security concerns in the region make it unlikely that cannabis laws will be relaxed anytime soon.
However, discussions about medical cannabis and industrial hemp are growing in India. If regulated cultivation is allowed in the future, Kashmir’s natural cannabis fields could contribute to a legal hemp and medicinal cannabis industry.
For now, weed in Srinagar remains a part of the underground culture—used in secrecy but known to those within certain circles.