As part of our ongoing research and outreach activities on cannabis culture and the meaning of cannabis understood as work around the world, Alessio Fabbro (one of Cannabisjobs` instructors in the training courses) embarked on a journey through the valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India. His journey has been an exploration of traditions, spirituality, and artisanal production.
The goal was to understand the meaning of the plant as a source of livelihood and its role as a form of work within the community. He closely explored the origin of cannabis, its traditional uses, and the ancient art of Charas (a type of hashish – cannabis resin) production. In this article, you will experience his journey, offering an authentic glimpse into a cultural heritage still little known in Europe.
A cannabis farmer answers our questions – Himachal Pradesh, India.
The cultural roots of Cannabis in India
India is one of the historical cradles of cannabis. In the Himachal Pradesh region, at the foothills of the Himalayas, the plant has been growing naturally and wildly for centuries. This area is one of the original homelands of cannabis, along with northern Pakistan, Tibet, and southern regions of China.
In the Indian context, the cannabis plant – locally known as bhang or vijaya – is much more than a simple psychoactive plant: it is an integral part of culture, Ayurvedic traditional medicine, and spiritual practices.
The plant is used in many forms: its stalks are used to produce durable hemp textiles, such as jackets and footwear suitable for the cold mountain climate; the seeds are nutritious foods, often used in spiced chutneys; and the flowers, combined with local spices, are used to make bhang, a narcotic drink legal in certain areas, consumed during religious festivals or as a medicinal remedy for various ailments.
According to the sacred Vedic texts (a collection of ancient Indian scriptures that form the foundation of Hinduism), cannabis is one of the five most sacred plants in the world. It is closely associated with the deity Shiva, the god of destruction, who in Hindu myths is often portrayed as a consumer of the plant, appreciating its therapeutic properties and meditative potential.
The tradition of Charas production dates back to the Early Medieval period (600-1200 CE). Over the centuries, several key aspects influenced the development and refinement of this technique: royal figures like Mughal Emperor Babur (16th century), the introduction of the Hookah in India (late 15th/early 16th century) and the sacred rituals of Charas consumptions by the Hindu Sadhus (especially the ones devoted to Lord Shiva).
Indian Cannabis Farmers at work – Parvati Valley, India 2024
Historical records indicate that the Mughal dynasty (1526-1857) actively encouraged the cultivation, production and use of various cannabis products, including Charas and bhang. This period represents the early stages of charas commercialisation.
Later on, the 19th century represents a critical turning point; seeing the British authorities to issue trading licenses for both opium and Charas. This formalisation of trade channels facilitated the movement of Charas in great quantities, particularly to Europe, with its peak between 1880 and 1900.
At the dawn of the 20th century, the global supply chain for hashish, including Charas, was well-established. Even though the global prohibition efforts intensified, the mid-to-late 20th century saw a surge in Charas commercialisation, primarily due to the rising Western demand and the so called “Hippie Trail”.
During this era (1960-1970) Western travelers from Europe (including the narrative of Italian figures like Franco Casalone and Galeno), have widely influenced the refinement of hand-rubbing techniques. They educated and taught the local villages of Malana and the Kullu Valley on how to pursue a higher quality product, leading to the recognition of premium products like the “Malana Cream”. Selectively rubbing only the most resinous flower buds, precise harvesting times and specific curing methods have been key aspects in the refinement of this century-old extraction technique (credit to @BengalBudProject).
A happy worker while making Charas – Parvati Valley, India
Charas: the traditional Indian Hashish
Among recreational, narcotic, spiritual, and religious uses, cannabis in India gives rise to a unique product: Charas, one of the oldest and most rudimentary forms of cannabis resin extraction. Charas is a type of hashish obtained by manually rubbing fresh cannabis flowers. Unlike other hashish, which is made from dried flowers, charas is produced by gently rubbing live flowers between the palms to extract the resin.
The traditional Charas-making process:
- The inflorescence is cut from the living, not fully mature plant, still in the ground;
- The “fan” leaves are removed;
- The flower is gently rubbed 3–4 times between the palms;
- Green plant residue is removed from the hands, and the process is repeated with a new flower.
The palms quickly become extremely sticky due to trichome buildup. Flower after flower, the resin layer thickens and darkens from greenish-brown to the characteristic dark brown, almost black.
Once the entire palm is covered, the thumb of the opposite hand is used to gather the resin into a single point. Starting from the area with the highest concentration, a thick layer forms on the thumb, allowing the resin to be collected while gradually cleaning the palm. The process is then repeated on the other hand, and the gathered resin is combined into a traditional Charas ball.
This ancient and laborious method makes each ball of Charas a unique product. Quality varies depending on the number of rubs, the part of the plant used, and the care put into the process.
A hash maker’s hands in Parvati Valley, India – September 2024
The different types are usually classified in:
- Business (low quality)
- Medium (medium quality)
- Super (high quality)
Among the most fine varieties there is the Malana Super Cream, produced in the remote village of Malana, in the Parvati Valley. The plants grown here are considered sacred, and only residents are allowed to cultivate and process them. This village is one of the oldest democracies in the world, maintaining ancient traditions and cultural autonomy.
Although foreigners are prohibited from directly touching people or buildings, Malana has become an almost mythical destination for cannabis enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Malana Cream won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1994 and 1996 and is still considered one of the best in the world. The standard unit of measurement for Charas is the tola. One tola is equivalent to approximately 10–11 grams. On average, a person can produce 5 to 6 grams, up to 10 grams, of medium-quality Charas Hashish in a full working day (about 8 hours). Alternatively, one can obtain around 3 to 4 grams of Super Cream Charas in the same amount of time.
A unique botanical heritage
The phenotypes found in the field show incredible variety. Semi-wild cultivations with diverse terpene profiles, different plant structures, and varying trichome density. The final product is unique. Every single Charas ball produced by the hand of a specific person is slightly different from the rest. The skin itself plays a role in making the final product unique.
Generally speaking, Charas has a wild terpene profile, very raw, natural, and greener if compared to the organoleptic characteristics we may be used to in Europe.
Charas is truly one of a kind. Moreover, its effect is absolutely peculiar. The landrace plants from this region have a much more balanced and natural cannabinoid profile. THC levels are lower than current Western strains, with a higher percentage of CBD, creating an incredible synergy between the two. The narcotic effect is balanced, very physical, while still offering the psychotropic effect that this sacred plant can provide.
A farmer smoking a chiloom of Charas – India 2024
Work and livelihoods in the Himachal Pradesh valleys
Charas production represents a primary source of income for many families in the Parvati Valley. Before the migration of European travellers towards these areas, the cannabis was present in small scale seasonal cultivations of strains evolved in isolation for centuries. The production of Charas supported remote villages, with discreet trade via nomadic groups (Gaddis) and underground networks.
By the systemical influence of Western travelers in the 1970s, this activity spread throughout the region, allowing farmers to support themselves during the summer season entirely on this activity. In the colder months, the local economy relies on other crops and livestock farming.
Malana village is a unique case: the terrain and climate conditions allow exclusively the growth of cannabis plants and few other vegetables. Here, the production of the famous Malana Cream has become the main activity of the community; representing 40-60% of the cash income in this remote area. Guided by this purpose too, in the last 20 years the hermit village of Malana has gradually started to open its doors to tourists and travelers.
While men primarily focus on cannabis cultivation, Charas production and trade, along with farming of other plants, women are mainly involved in household duties, cooking, and childcare. If not busy with family life, women also collect herbs and sometimes work on processing the cannabis plants.
Current situation: Tradition Needs Legal Status
In many areas of Northern India, cannabis cultivation represent a fundamental resource since centuries, all one with the culture, spirituality, and livelihood of local communities. However, despite its historical and social value, this practice is now illegal.
Until the late 1980s, cannabis – along with opium – was legal in India. It was distributed through government-authorized shops and even under the colonial administration British East India Company. However, in 1985, to align with the U.S.-led War on Drugs promoted by President Nixon, India introduced the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). Controversially, this law criminalized cannabis use but left certain ambiguities around its production and local trade; which continued to flourish, especially with the rise of the hippie movement and the growing international demand.
Today, farmers have moved cannabis cultivation to more remote areas to avoid detection. Yet, despite this isolation, authorities often destroy their fields, forcing farmers to pay bribes just to keep their livelihoods. This shows that the real problem is economic, not a true fight against drugs.
The consequences for local farmers are harsh and far-reaching: lost harvests, disrupted growing seasons, and a constant fear that erodes the peace and stability of communities that depend entirely on agriculture. In the face of these challenges, farmers are united in their call for legality and recognition, a chance to transform this age-old tradition into a lawful and sustainable source of livelihood. As they put it simply, “We are not criminals, we are farmers.”
Conclusion
Indian cannabis culture is deeply rooted in the history, spirituality, and daily life of the Himalayan mountain communities. From the sacredness of the plant to the artisanal methods of Charas production, India offers a priceless heritage for anyone seeking to truly understand the origins and many uses of the cannabis plant.
A journey to these places is not just a botanical or psychoactive experience, but an immersion into a millennia-old culture that has preserved the bond between humans and the plant despite the pressures of prohibition.
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Pictures and Article By Alessio Fabbro – Cannabis Biotechnologist and Traveler
References:
The History of Hookah – 500 Years of Smoking Tradition.
