How American capitalism, CBD research and a devoted group of hydroponic pioneers are transforming Indias cannabis landscape.
“Wait!” Rumi tells me as he opens the door to his flat. “We’d better do this properly.”
He sets his joint down in an ashtray on the table and runs towards the interior of the unit. Shoes half removed, backpack in one hand, I stand in the doorway, unsure, until Rumi summons me in. We’re 13 storeys above a part of Mumbai that I didn’t know had buildings like this – where the brushed aluminium appliances match the colour of the suits worn by the English-speaking security guards below. Through the door to my right, I see a kitchen full of appliances that I own in my private fantasies. The wall to the left is decorated with a multicoloured art installation made of flat panel LEDs. “Oh, those?” Rumi replies. “I picked them up in Hong Kong.”
In front of me is a plain white display case with wooden shelves. Soon, Rumi tells me, it will be filled with a selection of LPs from his vinyl collection. A keypad with a red digital display sits, mysteriously, on one of the shelves. As I examine the shelf, he presses a remote control button and the solid-looking wooden case cracks open in the middle, revealing another room, windows blacked out, behind it.
What lies beyond those secret doors – lights, nutrients, hydroponic equipment and an array of tools of the cannabis trade – is emblematic of a new trend that’s emerging from the farms of Haryana to the terraces of Delhi and the hidden backrooms of Mumbai. Fuelled by a global cannabis boom that’s resulted in legalisation in much of North America, enthusiasts here are taking matters into their own hands. Whether growing marijuana using hydroponics and LED lights, sourcing the high-grade stuff from the dark web or producing extracts and oils at home, India is poised at the edge of a transformation of how we think about weed.
India has a problem with bad weed.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.