This project, titled "More than Just a Hallucination: Historical Use of Cannabis sativa L. in Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh," explores the intricate relationship between the people of Parvati Valley and the cannabis plant. The study aims to uncover the historical usage of Cannabis sativa L., understand local perspectives on its utility, and examine the traditional knowledge associated with the plant, alongside its social impact on the community.

Himalayan Hemp, an organisation active in Himachal Pradesh, played a crucial role in the project by helping to identify relevant locations and providing preliminary information essential for the study's commencement. The research methods included conducting interviews and informal conversations with residents across four villages in Parvati Valley. Data collection was facilitated through snowball sampling and transect walks through these villages, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of cannabis-related practices and perceptions. Four villages were selected with the help of the host organisation Himalayan Hemp and 70 participants were interviewed in those villages through snowball sampling and transect walks across two and a half months.

Historically, cannabis has been an integral part of the local culture, primarily for producing charas, a resinous extract used locally and traded as a significant source of income. Traditional uses of cannabis included its incorporation into various dishes and beverages, medicinal applications, and its role in rituals and ceremonies. Despite the modern stigmatisation and legal restrictions, historical evidence points to a deep-rooted significance of cannabis in various aspects of life in Parvati Valley. In the Parvati Valley, many other hemp initiatives have been observed and boosted economic opportunities. Markets in areas like Kasol and Tosh are flooded with products claiming to be made from hemp fibres, though many are imported or blended with other materials, raising questions about their authenticity, emphasising the need for transparency and innovation in product development and marketing. Additionally, a pioneering cafe in Himachal Pradesh has introduced hemp-infused food and beverages, promoting the health benefits and culinary potential of hemp seeds. These initiatives highlight the diverse applications and challenges in the hemp industry. Through interviews and discussions, it became evident that traditional knowledge about cannabis is fading among the locals. While many people still use cannabis in traditional ways for food, medicine, and rituals, there is a general discomfort in openly discussing the plant. This discomfort stems from the plant's association with charas production, which, despite being a lucrative source of income, has been criminalised and stigmatised by both locals and the law. The study highlights a generational divide in attitudes towards cannabis, with older community members recalling its traditional uses and younger individuals being more cautious due to legal and social pressures.