The Untold Story Malana – India’s Cannabis Country

DECEMBER 10, 2020 – As part of Soul Central Magazine (London, UK). We have been researching the world of cannabis and its link to the culture and subcultures in its social,recreational and medicinal value. What the benefits are for medical use and the difference between sativa and indica. It is a belief that ” God put this here for you and me”. It is from the earth and it is a proven fact that it has healing in it. Like any other substance it can be abused and become a problem for oneself.

Kuldeep Bhandari, a businessman, from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Mr. Bhandari owns a recording label RPM Studio, Shimla. Kuldeep shares this story:

The Untold Story Malana – India’s Cannabis Country.

Malana, is an ancient village to the northeast of Kullu Valley. This solitary village in the Malana Nala, a side

valley of the Parvati Valley, is isolated from the rest of the world. At an altitude of 9,938 feet above sea level

lies the village known as “the village of taboos”.

Hashish, known as “hash”, is from the dried resin tops of flowering female plants.There are many ways to separate this out from the flowers.

Malana cream, is the purest and most expensive hashish in the world. Cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas. In a village named Malana.

Malana has been famous for hashish growth. But don’t be fooled as you can not just walk up and purchase the finest in the land. They have the no more stoner visitors rule in effect. The villagers must grow on steep land away from village yet can still fall victim to machete wielding police officers as it is illegal. They believe it is the only thing that will grow there. For most they feel they would actually be able to stop growing it if the government would give them some assistance.The conditions can be harsh in this part of the world in the winter. It comes down to grow or starve.

Dont worry, locals are always willing to find a back way to make a deal but it is forbidden. So keep that in mind. Malana won Best Hashish in 1994 and 1996 High Times Cannabis Cup.

Drug mafias have been bringing more serious drugs into this little village as well as moving it out. The village and local police have strict laws. The remote village now is engulfed in a battle of heroin and cocaine addiction. Much movement attention is focused on this area by the local authorities.It is highly recommended not to visit this little village with a local guide.

The history of this place is pretty interesting. It is said by the people living in Malana are inheritances of Alexander the Great. Alexander invaded Asia, then came across Malana. He moved towards the Himalayas where he was defeated by the cold weather of the Himalayas.

 Many members of his army were killed due to heavy snowfall at the palace named “Mari”, located near Rohtang pass. The families residing in Malana came back from Mari at that time.

The people in Malana used to make clothes and household items from the fiber comparative to jute which were expensive too in those days. Jute is a vegetable fiber that is quite strong. It is also known for the oldest democracy in the world. It is advised not to touch walls and belongings in the village. One can get fines charged as it is taboo.

 Soul Central Magazine/World of Cannabis. Thanks to our team for 2020, 2021. COURTESY OF REZCONNECTent& Promotions.