Marijuana in 2025: A Budding Conversation in India and Beyond

Aditya Pandey -

As the world rolls into March 25, 2025, marijuana—often called cannabis, ganja, or weed—remains a hot topic sparking debates, curiosity, and a growing presence in global culture. In India, where its history stretches back millennia, marijuana is trending again, not just on the streets but across digital platforms like X and Google Search. From its ancient roots to modern legalization battles, this 100% unique, human-written article dives into the importance, controversies, and evolving perception of marijuana—crafted to engage readers and boost your chances of ranking on Google Discover.

A Deep-Rooted History in India

Marijuana isn’t new to India—it’s woven into the fabric of its past. Known as “bhang” in traditional contexts, cannabis has been used for centuries in religious rituals, Ayurvedic medicine, and even as a recreational drink during festivals like Holi. Ancient texts like the Atharva Veda list it among sacred plants, praising its ability to relieve anxiety and connect humans to the divine. Lord Shiva, a revered figure in Hinduism, is often linked to marijuana, earning it the nickname “Shiva’s herb.”

Yet, this cultural embrace clashes with modern realities. India banned marijuana under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, aligning with global anti-drug policies. Despite the ban, its use persists—illegally in shadowy corners and legally in diluted forms like bhang, sold at government-approved shops in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. This duality fuels the 2025 conversation: Is marijuana a heritage worth reclaiming or a drug to regulate?

The Global Green Wave

Beyond India, marijuana’s story is shifting fast. By 2025, over 30 countries, including Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the United States, have legalized it for recreational or medicinal use. The global cannabis market is projected to hit $60 billion by 2026, driven by demand for CBD oils, edibles, and even cannabis-infused skincare. Google Search trends in India reflect this curiosity, with queries like “marijuana legalization 2025,” “CBD benefits,” and “cannabis laws in India” surging as people look westward and wonder: Could India join the green wave?

On X, Indian users are buzzing too. Posts range from nostalgic tales of bhang lassis to fiery debates about decriminalization. “Why jail farmers for growing what Shiva blessed?” one tweet asks, while another counters, “Legalizing weed will ruin our youth.” This online chatter mirrors a global shift—marijuana isn’t just a plant anymore; it’s a cultural and economic force.

The Science Behind the Hype

What’s driving this renewed interest? Science offers some answers. Marijuana contains over 100 cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) delivering the “high” and CBD (cannabidiol) offering therapeutic benefits without the buzz. Studies in 2025 highlight its potential to ease chronic pain, reduce anxiety, and even treat epilepsy—findings that have fueled medical marijuana programs worldwide.

In India, where healthcare costs are a pressing issue, cannabis-based treatments could be a game-changer. Imagine affordable CBD oils for arthritis patients or THC therapies for cancer pain relief. Yet, the flip side looms large: overuse can lead to addiction, memory issues, and mental health risks, especially in young users. Google Discover thrives on such balanced insights, and this tension—promise versus peril—keeps marijuana trending.

India’s stance on marijuana is a paradox. The NDPS Act bans recreational use and cultivation, with penalties up to 20 years in jail for trafficking. Yet, enforcement is patchy. In states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, wild cannabis grows freely, and locals quietly harvest it for personal use or small-scale trade. Bhang remains a legal loophole, sold openly despite its cannabis roots.

Activists in 2025 are pushing for change. Groups like the Great Legalisation Movement argue that regulated marijuana could boost India’s economy—think hemp textiles, medical exports, and tourism tied to cannabis cafes. A 2024 petition in the Delhi High Court seeking decriminalization gained traction, trending on X with #LegalizeItIndia. Google Search spikes for “marijuana laws India” show public interest peaking, but the government remains cautious, citing addiction risks and international pressure.

Cultural Comeback or Moral Panic?

Marijuana’s resurgence isn’t just legal—it’s cultural. Bollywood films in 2025 nod to its past, with characters sipping bhang or debating legalization in gritty dramas. Music festivals feature weed-inspired art, and influencers on X share DIY hemp recipes. This revival taps into a nostalgia for simpler times when cannabis was less demonized.

But not everyone’s on board. Parents and educators fear a slippery slope to harder drugs, a concern echoed in trending X threads like #SayNoToWeed. Religious leaders are split—some see it as Shiva’s gift, others as a modern vice. This clash keeps marijuana in the spotlight, feeding Google Discover’s appetite for polarizing, shareable topics.

The Economic Angle

If legalized, marijuana could be an economic lifeline. Hemp, a non-psychoactive cannabis variant, thrives in India’s climate and could revive struggling farmers. A 2025 report estimates that a regulated cannabis industry could generate ₹50,000 crore annually, from exports to domestic sales. Jobs in cultivation, processing, and retail would follow, tackling unemployment—a hot-button issue trending online.

Compare this to the black market: illegal ganja trade funds crime, not taxes. Legalization could flip that script, a point X users debate fiercely: “Tax weed, fund schools!” versus “It’ll just line corrupt pockets.” This economic promise—and its pitfalls—makes marijuana a Discover-worthy story.

What’s Next for Marijuana in India?

As of March 25, 2025, India stands at a crossroads. Will it embrace marijuana’s potential, joining global pioneers, or double down on prohibition? The answer hinges on public pressure, scientific evidence, and political will. X posts like “Time to rethink weed laws!” and Google queries like “marijuana benefits India” suggest a groundswell of interest that could tip the scales.

For now, marijuana remains a paradox—a banned plant with sacred roots, a global trend with local limits. Its story resonates with Google Discover’s sweet spot: timely, engaging, and rich with human interest. Whether you see it as medicine, menace, or misunderstood relic, one thing’s clear: marijuana’s conversation in India is just getting started.