Rajasthan: Opium husk ban from April 1 puts addicts, customs in a fix

A comprehensive ban on the sale of doda post, or poppy husk, from April 1 brings to a close an important chapter of Rajasthan’s social and political tradition
The Hindustan Times (India)
Friday, April 1, 2016

A comprehensive ban on the sale of doda post, or poppy husk, from April 1 brings to a close an important chapter of Rajasthan’s social and political tradition. The drug has been an emotive issue in the state, symbolising societal bonding as well as political convenience. Serving drinks made of opium and poppy husk has been a long-standing ritual during ceremonies including weddings in western Rajasthan. Thousands of consumers queued up regularly at government-authorised shops in the districts of Jaislamer, Barmer, Bikaner and Ganganagar to get their fix. These were registered users who got a monthly quota endorsed by their doctors. (See also: Doda or death? Addicts forced to choose after poppy husk ban | Doda post ‘mafia’ thrives as govt turns a blind eye)

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