Exploring Indian Cannabis Culture and Charas

Aug 22, 2024

Notes on Indian Expedition and Charas Production

Introduction

  • Exploration of cannabis culture in India, specifically in the Malanna Valley.
  • Importance of charas (hashish) in local culture and economy.

Journey to India

  • Departure from Amsterdam, KLM flight to India, approximately 8-hour journey.
  • Arrival greeted by Simon in Chokey, an old friend from Africa.
  • Cultural experiences during the journey, including ceremonies and offerings at temples.

Traditional Culture and Ceremonies

  • Witnessed a ceremony honoring Shiva, the god of charas.
  • Offered a goat to the gods for wellbeing during the expedition.
  • Explanation of the Service Festival: a celebration of victory over evil.

Exploration of Malanna Valley

  • Initial steep climb to Malanna Valley reaching 2700 meters.
  • Introduction to Franco, a local with extensive knowledge of cannabis cultivation and charas production.
  • Description of the unique biodiversity and cannabis strains in the area.

Cannabis Cultivation Techniques

  • Charas made from live plants, a unique method in Malanna Valley.
  • Various phenotypes observed: purple plants, sweet-flower plants, and sativas.
  • Traditional hand-rubbing techniques for charas production discussed by Franco.
  • Impact of altitude on cannabis quality: higher altitude yields better quality.

Cultural Significance of Charas

  • Charas as a form of barter among locals, replacing wool.
  • Cannabis deeply integrated into local culture, seen as a source of freedom.
  • Charas production linked to self-sufficiency of the mountain communities.

Challenges Faced

  • Encounter with police actions: raids and destruction of cannabis fields.
  • Discussion on the futility of police operations against cannabis cultivation.
  • The contradiction of police and community attitudes towards cannabis.

Conclusion and Future Plans

  • Reflection on the journey and the impact of cannabis culture.
  • Plans to support local communities through the Green House Foundation.
  • Aim to educate others about the positive aspects of cannabis and contribute to the legalization movement.

Final Thoughts

  • The expedition highlighted the importance of understanding cultural contexts of cannabis.
  • Ongoing commitment to preserving unique cannabis strains and supporting local traditions.