For A Republic Of Fun

I have often written that the prohibition of cannabis (ganja, charas and bhang) is my “pet peeve,” but I think I feel much stronger than that.

Much, much stronger.

We have just heard of the Gujarat hooch tragedy – and of the Gujarat police.

Now think of the scale of adulteration in ganja and charas?

See what the poor people smoke – and you will cry.

See what the young kids buy on the streets – and your blood will boil.

Yes, there is a “public health issue” here. But public health demands that cannabis be free cultivated and freely sold, and that low alcohol beverages like beer and wine be totally delicensed and also freed from tax.

Under present policy, smokers smoke poor quality stuff, and drinkers drink strong IMFL. How can this make sense in terms of public health?

Further, as far as ganja and charas are concerned, I am on the side of the farmers – who live on the verge of poverty today. Their fields are always in remote, inaccessible locations, far from a road, to stay clear of prying eyes. There, the farmer lives in his little hut, no electricity, no irrigation, no modern seeds, no scientific technique – and he is routinely busted. This is Tyranny.

Yes, cannabis must be legalized in India. Free the weed and make it The Crop. Pull out all the apple trees in Kulu-Manali and plant the Noble Herb.

And there is some good news: A group has been formed on Facebook called “Legalize Cannabis in India.” It has been just a week, but over 700 people have joined.

If you feel strongly about this Unholy Tyranny on the Noble Herb, do join, by clicking here.

The basic idea now, as far as I can gather, is to take the matter to court. But let’s see how things progress.

Most Indian economists ignore the tourism industry. It is here that India has tremendous potential. We need world-class roads, of course, but we also need Liberty – to keep the tourist happy. After all, he is The Customer. Tourists come on holidays – to have fun. We desperately need to inject some Fun into our country – not just for the tourists, but for ourselves too. All this requires Liberty – so that entrepreneurs can compete to offer us Fun.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t smoke ganja for fun. For me, getting stoned is serious business.

Ha ha.