While Karnataka police is constantly trying and to nab the Sandalwood drug racket for dealing in marijuana, some temples, on the other hand, are promoting the usage of marijuana by distributing it as prasad in the temple premises.
Among Sharana, Aruda, Shaptha and Avadhuta traditions, the devotees believe that consuming marijuana aka ganja helps them attain enlightenment, the Times of India reported. Surprisingly, the Mouneshwara temple at Tinthini in Yadgir district even organises an annual fair in January were ganja packets are distributed to devotees 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. Well, all that I have heard it enhances is jail term and health woes.
The temple authorities have denied that the cannabis is sold to outsiders for recreational purpose. “During the fair, anybody can come here and smoke. While some eat ganja after boiling it, others consume it like tobacco powder,” a temple committee member said.
Also Read: 7 Easy Yet Super Fun Treks That You Can Take In India
The use of marijuana has become a topic of debate after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. His girlfriend Rhea, her brother Showik and Sushant’s house manager Samuel Miranda were recently grilled by the NCB after they found hints of them being involved with a “bud” supply racket.
The usage of marijuana varies with its bud and the leaves. While weed (ganja) is made from the extract of Marijuana leaves, bud refers to smoking elements of the plant directly as against an extract.
Also Read: To Anyone Who Needs To Hear This: No FAUG Didn’t ‘Copy’ The Poster
Bud is more expensive and costs around Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 per gram and is illegal in India.
