Legalizing Marijuana and India

Legalizing Marijuana and India

BCOM/275

July 15, 2012

Legalizing Marijuana and India

The debate of legalizing marijuana is not only a debate in the United States. Several other countries had also battle rather to legalize possession and use of the substance and what effect it may have on their economy and their people. One country that allows the substance to be used but not possessed is India. Although it is illegal to possess marijuana in India, the India government does permit use of the substance in government owned shops. This area is also known as India’s Holy Cities, where marijuana is used a part of their religious ceremonies. Marijuana, an illegal substance, has a widespread use in the culture of India; however, restriction such use is near impossible.

Many Hindu rituals use marijuana when celebrating certain events. One ritual that uses marijuana is a spring Hindu festival known as Holi. This festival is a time for adults, as well as children to play wildly with water guns and colored powder. It is a place for families to gather together and enjoy the celebrations. According to Verghese, “Holi in urban areas is more and more a reason for family and friends to gather and drink”. (Verghese, 2010) Many Indian people travel from afar to bring their families to celebrate. People believe they are able to be a kid again. One may ask is their youthful approach due to the “Bhang Thandai”