Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis is an incredibly popular and widely used drug in India and is known as ganga, charas or bhang. India has a long history of cannabis use, and the drug is one of the five sacred plants mentioned in the Hindu texts, the Vedas. It is typically associated with the Hindu deity Shiva, who is believed to like the hemp plant. The drug is often smoked or drunk in a beverage at Hindu ceremonies. Cannabis is combined with a mixture of milk or yoghurt and boiled with nuts and spices to make a refreshing beverage. This drink is consumed by many all over the country, especially by labor workers who find the relaxing properties beneficial.
Despite its widespread and accepted use, cannabis is illegal to use and possess in any form. Some figures place regular cannabis users as high as 10 million in India, many of these among the working poor. Many of these heavy users are dependent on the drug and suffer from major health problems including respiratory disorders, memory impairment, mental disturbance, digestive tract problems, major weight loss and problems with sleep.