What Is Charas? Types of Charas Found in India
More than 3.1 crore Indians have consumed cannabis-based medicines such as charas, ganja, or bhang. It is culturally and religiously significant, primarily among Lord Shiva devotees. Charas is a highly potent cannabis concentrate that is prepared by hand-rubbing the resin of fresh Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica plants. Top-quality charas, including Malana Cream, Rasol Cream, and Tosh Ball, are produced primarily in Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley.
Despite its illegality, charas becomes one of the dominant cash crops in these isolated tracts of land. If you or someone close to you is addicted to charas, it's time to seek professional assistance. Jagruti Nasha Mukti Kendra provides specialised de-addiction programs for charas. This article discusses issues like types of charas found in India and their regional origins.
What Is Charas?
A form of cannabis concentrate that is sometimes mistaken for hash is known as charas. Charas is derived from a living cannabis plant. Charas is popular worldwide but mainly in India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal. Charas is cultivated only in certain parts of India. However, the Parvati Valley in Northern India is an ideal location for the cultivation of charas.
Charas has a religious legacy in Indian mythology, Lord Shiva would escape to the mountains to enjoy a smoke. Though charas manufacture is prohibited in India due to the side effects of charas, many people in India still keep producing and using it, regardless of the law's prohibition. Charas is a significant cash crop for many tribes in Northern India's Himalayan region.
There are two most popular varieties of Charas in India, and we have listed them in this post.
Related Article: Difference Between Bhang and Ganja
Types of Charas Found in India
India has some of the world's best and highest-quality charas, particularly from the north Indian Himalayan belt. These varieties are normally called by the name of the village or area in which they're made. Here are the most common varieties of charas found in India:
1. Malana Cream
Originating from the village of Malana in Himachal Pradesh, Malana Cream is one of the most famous and expensive types of charas. It is known for its high THC content and smooth, aromatic smoke. It has even received international recognition for its quality.
2. Rasol Cream
Derived from the remote village of Rasol in the Parvati Valley, Rasol Cream has a strong, earthy smell and a sticky consistency. It is prized for its natural, hand-rubbed quality and is slightly less potent than Malana Cream.
3. Tosh Ball
This strain is from Tosh Village, another Parvati Valley gem. Tosh Ball charas is typically softer in texture and delivers a well-balanced high, hence its popularity with tourists as well as locals.
4. Waichin Cream
Made in Waichin Valley, this one is famous for having a strong smell and a milder high. It's typically preferred by people who want a less intense experience.
5. Nagaru Cream
Grown in Nagaru village, this strain is scarce and is usually available only in small quantities. It is valued for its distinctive aroma and long-lasting duration.
6. Grahan Cream
This type of charas from the rural hamlet of Grahan is comparatively lesser-known but becoming more popular due to its smoothness and light psychoactive effects.
7. Kerala Gold (Idukki Gold)
Unlike the Himalayan varieties, Kerala Gold or Idukki Gold originates in the southern state of Kerala. While technically more of a cannabis strain than a charas, it is frequently hand-rubbed into a sticky resin like northern varieties.
Final Word
Smoking Charas has religious values; however, there are multiple side effects of Charas. It can give you a euphoric effect, but an overdose can cause hostile effects in the body, such as low immunity, reduction in sexual functioning, psychological issues, and respiratory problems.
Jagruti Rehab Centres in India
Charas addiction and overdose should only be addressed in recovery facilities since they have the necessary processes and instruments. There is a Nasha Mukti Kendra in Mumbai, called Jagruti Rehab. We offer the best de-addiction treatment for Charas and other drugs.
Frequently asked questions
Charas is a psychotropic drug prepared from the resin of fresh cannabis plants, typically Cannabis Sativa or Cannabis Indica. Charas is a concentrated form of cannabis and is primarily smoked. Charas has a high concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance responsible for its effects on the mind.
No, charas is not healthy if consumed recreationally or excessively. Although it is said to have traditional or therapeutic significance, charas used over a period of time results in mental illnesses, respiratory conditions, and intellectual decline. Continued use can also result in addiction and adversely influence sexual health and immunity.
No, charas is illegal in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Possession, sale, or production of charas can result in serious legal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
The side effects of charas are:
- Paranoia and anxiety
- Hallucinations or thought distortion
- Decreased concentration and memory loss
- Respiratory problems caused by smoking
- Impaired sexual functioning
- Psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms
If you or a friend is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get professional assistance at a de-addiction centre such as Jagruti Nasha Mukti Kendra, which provides specialised charas addiction treatment in a secure and caring environment.
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