Marijuana is a part of Nepali culture since the ancient ages. They say that some of the finest weed in the world is grown in the mountains of Kathmandu. While their Pot doesn't look aesthetic as per the western standard, it is really potent and a good dosage can keep you high for days!

While weed grown in most of the world has a rich green colour, Nepali weed is slightly brown and has an earthy smell. It is actually socially acceptable to smoke weed in some temples of Nepal! People visit these Shiva temples to worship the deity, smoke a lot of weed and sing Bhajans whilst high.

A large chunk of the Nepali population is Hindu Shiva worshippers who believe that if God could smoke weed to unwind, maybe they should too! In fact, smoking weed is so common in Nepal, that the government actually lifts the ban on Marijuana for the occasion of Mahashivratri.

Apart from smoking weed, Nepali people are also known to make some of the best edibles that get you stoned. One particular edible comes in the form of a Milkshake called Ghota. Ghota is mainly consumed in rural parts of Nepal. Ghota is really easy to make. While the weed is being cleaned, milk is boiled in a kettle. Sugar and dry fruits are added to give it some character and sweetness. The clean weed is then wrapped in a fine cloth like a makeshift tea bag and is dipped in the kettle. This bag is taken out once in a while and is squeezed so that its contents mix well with the milk in the kettle. Once the milk has been reduced to about two thirds, it is taken off the flame and is set aside to cool. 

Once you consume a glass of Ghota, it takes about an hour for it to kick in and because of the high potency of the weed, the consumer is intoxicated for hours! And the locals don't just make this milkshake for special occasions. It's more like a staple drink for them which they consume several times a week.

While most people smoke Marijuana or consume edibles for recreational purposes, Nepalis consume pot to lose their senses and clear their mind. Pot for Nepalis is more linked to spirituality than recreation. 

Image courtesy- DOPE