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Ananda: An Exploration of Cannabis in India
Cannabis, or ganja, is practically as old as recorded Indian civilization, with references to the plant being found in some of India’s earliest written texts and myths. Native strains of the plant are as common as rice or millet in many Indian states, and can often be found growing wild in the countryside. In scriptures and in the opinion of enthusiasts, ganja is said to provide ananda (bliss) or vijaya (victory) over the cares and ills of the world. Cannabis is best known as a recreational drug but it has a myriad other uses as well.
In this lively, well-researched, humorous, and occasionally trippy account of ganja, Karan Madhok looks at every aspect of the cannabis botanical, spiritual, medical, and recreational. Madhok hits the road in search of cannabis strains around the country, including a visit to the Himalayan hamlet that is home to the world-renowned Malana Cream (which has inspired various counterculture movements); looks for the mythical Idukki Gold in Kerala; seeks the Sheelavathi variety in the Andhra/ Orissa region; portrays the travails of addicts, and details the shadowy world of gangsters and suppliers; hangs out with devotees who openly consume bhang and other derivatives of ganja; and visits hospitals and clinics which use the drug for a wide range of therapeutics.
Besides the factual and eye-opening research into every aspect of the narcotic, the author contemplates the concepts of freedom, creativity, spirituality, and paranoia associated with the drug, and examines the upside and problems of decriminalizing ganja in India. Ananda, the first major study of cannabis in India, is entertaining, and enlightening—it is the perfect introduction to an integral aspect of the country that has often got a bad rap and is imperfectly understood.
In this lively, well-researched, humorous, and occasionally trippy account of ganja, Karan Madhok looks at every aspect of the cannabis botanical, spiritual, medical, and recreational. Madhok hits the road in search of cannabis strains around the country, including a visit to the Himalayan hamlet that is home to the world-renowned Malana Cream (which has inspired various counterculture movements); looks for the mythical Idukki Gold in Kerala; seeks the Sheelavathi variety in the Andhra/ Orissa region; portrays the travails of addicts, and details the shadowy world of gangsters and suppliers; hangs out with devotees who openly consume bhang and other derivatives of ganja; and visits hospitals and clinics which use the drug for a wide range of therapeutics.
Besides the factual and eye-opening research into every aspect of the narcotic, the author contemplates the concepts of freedom, creativity, spirituality, and paranoia associated with the drug, and examines the upside and problems of decriminalizing ganja in India. Ananda, the first major study of cannabis in India, is entertaining, and enlightening—it is the perfect introduction to an integral aspect of the country that has often got a bad rap and is imperfectly understood.
Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
About the author
Karan Madhok
2 books7 followersKaran Madhok is an Indian writer, editor, and journalist. He is the author of the novel A Beautiful Decay (Aleph Book Company, 2022) and the nonfiction book Ananda: An Exploration of Cannabis in India (December, 2024). His work has appeared in Epiphany, Sycamore Review, Gargoyle, Fifty Two, Scroll, The Plank, The Caravan, and the anthology A Case of Indian Marvels: Dazzling Stories from the Country’s Finest New Writers.
Karan loves Butter Chicken, the New York Knicks, and taking long walks around the Himalaya.
Karan loves Butter Chicken, the New York Knicks, and taking long walks around the Himalaya.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 10, 2025
Karan Madhok’s "Ananda" is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of cannabis in India—a substance as ancient as Indian civilization itself. The book seamlessly blends historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of a plant that has been both revered and vilified over centuries.
The narrative takes readers on an enlightening journey through India’s diverse cannabis culture. He visits regions like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha, unearthing the tales of legendary strains like Malana Cream and Idukki Gold. His on-ground reportage captures the lives of devotees, addicts, and the shadowy suppliers, while also highlighting the medicinal applications of the plant in hospitals and clinics. The inclusion of myths, scriptures, and spiritual practices adds depth, revealing how cannabis has been intertwined with Indian traditions and beliefs.
His analysis extends beyond the plant's recreational use to its societal, medical, and even philosophical dimensions. He raises critical questions about freedom, creativity, spirituality, and paranoia, while thoughtfully examining the implications of decriminalizing cannabis in India. His lively, humorous, and occasionally trippy writing style ensures the narrative remains engaging without compromising on the depth of research.
He is more than just a study of cannabis—it’s a lens through which one can understand India’s evolving relationship with the plant, from reverence to stigma. This book is an essential read for those interested in history, culture, and contemporary debates surrounding cannabis. He successfully bridges the gap between fact and perception, delivering an insightful, balanced, and thoroughly enjoyable account.
In conclusion, with its mix of intensive research and vibrant storytelling, the book offers a refreshing perspective on cannabis in India. A must-read for enthusiasts and skeptics alike, this book challenges stereotypes and invites readers to rethink their understanding of this ancient plant.
The narrative takes readers on an enlightening journey through India’s diverse cannabis culture. He visits regions like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Odisha, unearthing the tales of legendary strains like Malana Cream and Idukki Gold. His on-ground reportage captures the lives of devotees, addicts, and the shadowy suppliers, while also highlighting the medicinal applications of the plant in hospitals and clinics. The inclusion of myths, scriptures, and spiritual practices adds depth, revealing how cannabis has been intertwined with Indian traditions and beliefs.
His analysis extends beyond the plant's recreational use to its societal, medical, and even philosophical dimensions. He raises critical questions about freedom, creativity, spirituality, and paranoia, while thoughtfully examining the implications of decriminalizing cannabis in India. His lively, humorous, and occasionally trippy writing style ensures the narrative remains engaging without compromising on the depth of research.
He is more than just a study of cannabis—it’s a lens through which one can understand India’s evolving relationship with the plant, from reverence to stigma. This book is an essential read for those interested in history, culture, and contemporary debates surrounding cannabis. He successfully bridges the gap between fact and perception, delivering an insightful, balanced, and thoroughly enjoyable account.
In conclusion, with its mix of intensive research and vibrant storytelling, the book offers a refreshing perspective on cannabis in India. A must-read for enthusiasts and skeptics alike, this book challenges stereotypes and invites readers to rethink their understanding of this ancient plant.
January 28, 2025
Karan Madhok's recent book "Ananda: An Exploration of Cannabis in India" offers an enlightening and thought-provoking exploration of cannabis’s history, cultural significance, and potential in India. For readers like me, whose knowledge of cannabis was limited to its recreational use or cultural stereotypes like the iconic 'Manali Trance', this book is a revelation. Madhok’s narrative not only traces cannabis’s ancient roots in Indian civilization but also demystifies its many uses beyond recreation, opening up a new perspective on a plant often shrouded in stigma.
The author skillfully unpacks the various forms of cannabis—hemp, charas, ganja, and bhang—and their roles in India’s cultural and spiritual tapestry. Particularly striking are the discussions on cannabis’s environmental and medical applications. Madhok highlights its potential to create sustainable products like eco-friendly textiles and its emerging role in pain management and therapeutic treatments. By balancing botanical details, historical anecdotes, and contemporary scientific research, the book paints a comprehensive picture of a plant often misunderstood or reduced to its recreational associations.
One of the book’s most significant contributions is its advocacy for informed cannabis policies in India. Madhok underscores the need to move beyond stigma and misinformation, presenting evidence and arguments for reforming cannabis laws. Whether visiting clinics where cannabis-based therapeutics are utilized or examining the challenges faced by communities dependent on its cultivation, the narrative calls for a shift in societal and governmental attitudes. It is a compelling argument for decriminalizing cannabis and embracing its potential as an economic, environmental, and medical asset.
What makes "Ananda" especially engaging is Madhok’s vibrant writing style, blending well-researched facts with personal anecdotes and cultural insights. From seeking the mythical Idukki Gold in Kerala to exploring the famed Malana Cream in Himachal Pradesh, Madhok’s on-the-ground experiences bring the story to life. He delves into the spiritual rituals involving bhang, the shadowy networks of suppliers, and the everyday lives of those who use or depend on cannabis. Through this lively and nuanced account, "Ananda" challenges preconceptions and inspires informed discussions about cannabis’s place in India’s past, present, and future.
The author skillfully unpacks the various forms of cannabis—hemp, charas, ganja, and bhang—and their roles in India’s cultural and spiritual tapestry. Particularly striking are the discussions on cannabis’s environmental and medical applications. Madhok highlights its potential to create sustainable products like eco-friendly textiles and its emerging role in pain management and therapeutic treatments. By balancing botanical details, historical anecdotes, and contemporary scientific research, the book paints a comprehensive picture of a plant often misunderstood or reduced to its recreational associations.
One of the book’s most significant contributions is its advocacy for informed cannabis policies in India. Madhok underscores the need to move beyond stigma and misinformation, presenting evidence and arguments for reforming cannabis laws. Whether visiting clinics where cannabis-based therapeutics are utilized or examining the challenges faced by communities dependent on its cultivation, the narrative calls for a shift in societal and governmental attitudes. It is a compelling argument for decriminalizing cannabis and embracing its potential as an economic, environmental, and medical asset.
What makes "Ananda" especially engaging is Madhok’s vibrant writing style, blending well-researched facts with personal anecdotes and cultural insights. From seeking the mythical Idukki Gold in Kerala to exploring the famed Malana Cream in Himachal Pradesh, Madhok’s on-the-ground experiences bring the story to life. He delves into the spiritual rituals involving bhang, the shadowy networks of suppliers, and the everyday lives of those who use or depend on cannabis. Through this lively and nuanced account, "Ananda" challenges preconceptions and inspires informed discussions about cannabis’s place in India’s past, present, and future.
December 3, 2024
Cannabis is a controversial bliss no doubt right? Cannabis, or ganja, has been an integral part of Indian culture and history, with mentions in ancient texts and myths. Traditionally associated with spirituality, relaxation, and medicinal benefits, cannabis is known for its therapeutic properties and its role in religious rituals like the consumption of bhang. However, widespread misuse by citizens has led to its ban in India. Despite its rich heritage, the plant remains misunderstood, largely due to its association with addiction and crime.
Ananda is an exploration of Cannabis in India by Karan Madhok
-A comprehensive history of cannabis in India, from ancient scriptures to modern-day usage.
-Exploration of cannabis varieties like Malana Cream, Idukki Gold, and Sheelavathi.
-Insight into spiritual practices and rituals involving cannabis consumption.
-Examination of the therapeutic uses of cannabis in hospitals and clinics.
-An on-ground look at the shadowy underworld of suppliers and addicts.
-Humorous anecdotes from the author’s road trips across India in search of cannabis strains.
-A balanced discussion on decriminalization and its potential impact on Indian society.
-The cultural significance of cannabis in rural and urban India.
-An analysis of cannabis’s influence on creativity, spirituality, and paranoia.
-An engaging and well-researched introduction to an often misunderstood aspect of Indian life.
Karan Madhok’s Ananda is a must-read for those seeking to understand the nuanced relationship between India and cannabis.
Ananda is an exploration of Cannabis in India by Karan Madhok
-A comprehensive history of cannabis in India, from ancient scriptures to modern-day usage.
-Exploration of cannabis varieties like Malana Cream, Idukki Gold, and Sheelavathi.
-Insight into spiritual practices and rituals involving cannabis consumption.
-Examination of the therapeutic uses of cannabis in hospitals and clinics.
-An on-ground look at the shadowy underworld of suppliers and addicts.
-Humorous anecdotes from the author’s road trips across India in search of cannabis strains.
-A balanced discussion on decriminalization and its potential impact on Indian society.
-The cultural significance of cannabis in rural and urban India.
-An analysis of cannabis’s influence on creativity, spirituality, and paranoia.
-An engaging and well-researched introduction to an often misunderstood aspect of Indian life.
Karan Madhok’s Ananda is a must-read for those seeking to understand the nuanced relationship between India and cannabis.
October 27, 2025
This is probably the most intriguing book i have read in the longest time. I stumbled across the author in one of the unlikeliest of podcasts that i would see, and that had left me with a lot of questions. Ultimately I did get a chance to buy the book at one of the events where the author was the chief guest, did also get the privilege to get a signed copy from Karan.
The book which is written in the format of a travelogue actually opens a lot of locks omnipresent in my mind associated with the plant and its reverence across generations.
Karan has done a wonderful job at creating one of the most lucid accounts of covering a plant which is so much available in India and yet not so too.
I was totally gripped by the account, and could only compare his prowess to that of Mario Puzo or Dan Brown, though he did not share the genre with them at all.
This book has led me to buy and recommend many other books which he has himself read, referred and cited in Ananda. This is definitely a piece of art, and deserves way more accolades than it does till date.
The book which is written in the format of a travelogue actually opens a lot of locks omnipresent in my mind associated with the plant and its reverence across generations.
Karan has done a wonderful job at creating one of the most lucid accounts of covering a plant which is so much available in India and yet not so too.
I was totally gripped by the account, and could only compare his prowess to that of Mario Puzo or Dan Brown, though he did not share the genre with them at all.
This book has led me to buy and recommend many other books which he has himself read, referred and cited in Ananda. This is definitely a piece of art, and deserves way more accolades than it does till date.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews