Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. India law
Cannabis laws in Kerala follow India’s national law. The rules here are set by the broader jurisdiction, and city-level differences are uncommon.
Under the law, recreational and medical cannabis are illegal. In practice, bhang preparations are often tolerated in certain religious contexts. Possession of other cannabis products can lead to penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Not available
- Possession: Illegal (limited traditional exceptions)
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Subject to enforcement risk
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
I saw little enforcement. People said US$20 or more could get an officer to look the other way. That was an unverified claim about bribes.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Clubs had offers of weed, hash, LSD, ecstasy and coke. There was also an angry local aside about poverty, displacement and redevelopment in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kannammoola Bund Colony and Kannamoola, Kadakampally, Two-Cent Colony, Rajiv Nagar Wireless Colony, Kalady Bund Colony and Alathara Four Cents Colony at Vilappilsala were named. The concern was that tin shacks, mud-brick houses and straw huts would be knocked down and taxes would push poor residents out. The passage reflected frustration with local government and prejudice about residents’ caste, poverty and health.
Marijuana Prices
US$20 for a ten-gram tola of good charas, less per gram in bulk, or US$5–10 for ganja.
Types of Marijuana
Kashmiri charas was my favorite. Manali and Manali cream were very good, too. Weed ranged from named strains to “100% Indian sativa.”