Consumption and procurement of marijuana in any form is illegal in India but, apparently there are some temples in North Karnataka where cannabis is sacred and is served as prasad to devotees.
Sounds unbelievable but, it’s true.
As per Sharana, Aruda, Shaptha and Avadhuta traditions, devotees consume cannabis aka ganja in various forms, in hope to achieve enlightenment.
In fact, Mouneshwara temple at Tinthini in Yadgir district conducts an annual fair in January, every year, where devotees receive small packets filled with ganja as prasad. The devotees then smoke the prasad after praying to Mouneshwara or Manappa.
The devotees and saints believe this sacred grass shows the path to enhancing knowledge of spirituality.
During the fair, anybody can come here and smoke. While some eat ganja after boiling it, others consume it like tobacco powder.
Bud is also more expensive as compared to weed. It costs around ₹4000 to ₹5000 per gram.
While there is still taboo around the usage of marijuana in India, certain countries like Canada and South Africa have legalised marijuana consumption for recreational purposes.