Certain parts of the world are associated with present or historical use of one or more psychoactive drugs. Over the 12+ years I spent writing The Drug Users Bible I sought them out, eventually visiting 33 countries, and taking thousands of drug related photographs.
I have recently started to organize these properly, and thought it might be of interest if I posted a selection of them here. This post presents some of those I took on my visit to Varanasi.
Please note that, when visiting any territory, should you choose to use any psychoactive substance it is vital that you conduct your own research with respect to legality and law enforcement. Don’t get banged up abroad. For the attention of law enforcement: none of this post constitutes a confession that I broke the law in any place or at any time.
VARANASI
Varanasi is a remarkable destination. I loved wandering through the bustling city and along the banks of the Ganges, but the highlight (or perhaps lowlight) was the day I decided to try the legendary cannabis brew bhang lassi. You can read about this in the book itself, but the photos below illustrate how it must have looked to anyone who wasn’t completely out of their tree.
On my way to the source I just followed the crowd to get to the Ghats, and then turned right.
The Green Lassi shop was one of three dispensaries which were recommended to me before I travelled. It was easy to find courtesy of some hippie looking guys with Google Maps on their phones. I love that the shopkeeper here has entered the spirit of the occasion.
Although I asked for a bhang lassi light, he obviously misheard. My less than demure presentation obviously trumped my words.
Bottoms up! Unfortunately though, it blew me away.
After an hour or so I was overwhelmed and had to escape this madness, so I went back down to the Ghats, by the river.
Seeking solitude I sat down by a traditional burial ceremony…. OMG, they are burning real bodies! Yes, paranoia and anxiety had now crept in. I had to retreat to my hotel.
But half an hour in the back of a tuk-tuk in this condition, on crazy Indian roads, made it a journey from hell. It was the ultimate thrill ride, but not in a pleasant way. On top of this my mouth was so parched that I could barely speak. Fortunately, by the next day I was totally okay.
So on to betel (a stimulant), which was available here and there throughout the city centre.
This is another with which complacency can bite you. It can induce a clean feeling of stimulation, but equally, especially when mixed with some form of tobacco, it can deliver a rather unpleasant and intense ride (again, see the book for details).
The Stoned Elephant: as encountered on a leisurely walk up the river on my last day.
A boat ride on the river to come back down to planet earth seemed to be a good idea.
I walked for miles, but it was always interesting, a word which fails to do justice.
This is in fact Shiva, the Hindu cannabis consuming deity. It is this connection which has enabled the current situation to emerge with respect to weed (bhang lassi).
I also stumbled across an advert for one of the other bhang dispensaries, The Blue Lassi Shop.
And there it was.
I have no idea why the walls were covered by photographs like this. Presumably they are stoned customers.
Finally, yes, visiting Varanasi is an awesome experience. Should you every have the opportunity to go there, take it.
LAST & ABSOLUTELY NOT LEAST: STAY SAFE
Whatever the circumstances of your own travel do not suspend judgement, safety or the use of a harm reduction process. Please refer to The Drug Users Bible for further information. You can download a free copy of the PDF version from the following page: https://bbgate.com/resources/the-drug-users-bible.3477/
I have recently started to organize these properly, and thought it might be of interest if I posted a selection of them here. This post presents some of those I took on my visit to Varanasi.
Please note that, when visiting any territory, should you choose to use any psychoactive substance it is vital that you conduct your own research with respect to legality and law enforcement. Don’t get banged up abroad. For the attention of law enforcement: none of this post constitutes a confession that I broke the law in any place or at any time.
VARANASI
Varanasi is a remarkable destination. I loved wandering through the bustling city and along the banks of the Ganges, but the highlight (or perhaps lowlight) was the day I decided to try the legendary cannabis brew bhang lassi. You can read about this in the book itself, but the photos below illustrate how it must have looked to anyone who wasn’t completely out of their tree.
On my way to the source I just followed the crowd to get to the Ghats, and then turned right.
The Green Lassi shop was one of three dispensaries which were recommended to me before I travelled. It was easy to find courtesy of some hippie looking guys with Google Maps on their phones. I love that the shopkeeper here has entered the spirit of the occasion.
Although I asked for a bhang lassi light, he obviously misheard. My less than demure presentation obviously trumped my words.
Bottoms up! Unfortunately though, it blew me away.
After an hour or so I was overwhelmed and had to escape this madness, so I went back down to the Ghats, by the river.
Seeking solitude I sat down by a traditional burial ceremony…. OMG, they are burning real bodies! Yes, paranoia and anxiety had now crept in. I had to retreat to my hotel.
But half an hour in the back of a tuk-tuk in this condition, on crazy Indian roads, made it a journey from hell. It was the ultimate thrill ride, but not in a pleasant way. On top of this my mouth was so parched that I could barely speak. Fortunately, by the next day I was totally okay.
So on to betel (a stimulant), which was available here and there throughout the city centre.
This is another with which complacency can bite you. It can induce a clean feeling of stimulation, but equally, especially when mixed with some form of tobacco, it can deliver a rather unpleasant and intense ride (again, see the book for details).
The Stoned Elephant: as encountered on a leisurely walk up the river on my last day.
A boat ride on the river to come back down to planet earth seemed to be a good idea.
I walked for miles, but it was always interesting, a word which fails to do justice.
This is in fact Shiva, the Hindu cannabis consuming deity. It is this connection which has enabled the current situation to emerge with respect to weed (bhang lassi).
I also stumbled across an advert for one of the other bhang dispensaries, The Blue Lassi Shop.
And there it was.
I have no idea why the walls were covered by photographs like this. Presumably they are stoned customers.
Finally, yes, visiting Varanasi is an awesome experience. Should you every have the opportunity to go there, take it.
LAST & ABSOLUTELY NOT LEAST: STAY SAFE
Whatever the circumstances of your own travel do not suspend judgement, safety or the use of a harm reduction process. Please refer to The Drug Users Bible for further information. You can download a free copy of the PDF version from the following page: https://bbgate.com/resources/the-drug-users-bible.3477/