Pass the J”. This is a phrase I hear frequently on the busy streets of Delhi University (DU). Whether I am at a campus café or hanging out with friends under the glorious D-school (Delhi School of Economics) trees, ‘J-talk’ follows wherever I go. For the uninitiated, ‘J’ is DU lingo for a joint of hashish (cannabis) mixed with tobacco and rolled up in a strip of butter paper.
Instant bonds are forged over a ‘pleasurable’ joint — usually passed around in a group of six to seven youngsters. In fact, in the world of college-goers, a joint is the sure shot way to social acceptance. Disturbed by this piece of information? Well, when I first entered the hallowed gates of DU, I was startled by this reality of campus life. However, after six months of life as an ‘artsee’ (a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts), I have become accustomed to the ‘joint’ phenomenon. Now, it neither repulses nor excites me.
I come from an age where drugs are taken as casually as munching on a bag of chips or eating chocolate. Today, almost every country in the world is affected by drug abuse. The problem cuts across national, ethnic, religious and gender lines.
According to the World Drug Report 2006 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), there are 200 million drug abusers, worldwide. A separate study in India, conducted by UNODC and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, suggests there are close to 73 million drug users in the country, a large number being children and teenagers.
Gateway (soft) drugs, like hashish, are the most popular and easy-to-procure. In fact, globally, cannabis is probably the most widespread and commonly used illicit drug — with 141 million users.
On the DU campus, every batch has roughly 15 to 20 heavy stoners, with around five to 10 freshers inducted annually into this close-knit set. Every ‘J’ group has at least a couple of women members.
And if you think that the ‘J’ groupies have an appointed hour for their daily fix, think again. Some light up before the first lecture (which is at 8 am); others have a drag in between classes; and some smoke through the night if they happen to be living as a paying guest or in the college hostel. Of course, it is not as easy for women residents as there are stricter regulations in place at the girl’s hostels. The addas (hang-out zones) for smoking up are regular DU joints — Nescafe kiosks, the college canteens, student residential blocks, and, of course, the D-school — which is by far the most convenient spot, as it is a crowded meeting point for students from different colleges.
And though most junkies don’t really have a monthly expense estimate for their fix, many spend anywhere between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500 at a go for hashish or weed, depending on its quality.
Interestingly, women have more innovative methods to role the J — in attractive leaf patters or even in the shape of a windmill. Another popular way to consume hash is to make brownies and cookies with it.
There are a number of possible reasons as to why drugs are so carelessly used and that, too, in such great quantities. Easy and ready availability is one. Though buying drugs on campus is not common, there are several shops, located both in inconspicuous locations as well as busy market complexes, selling the same around Delhi.
The other obvious reason is that youngsters like to indulge in activities that are taboo. So while the Delhi Prohibition of Smoking and Non Smokers Health Protection Act, 1996, and the consequent fine imposed are meant to dissuade people from puffing away in a public place, several college students consider it rather ‘cool’ to smoke openly.
To find out what the professors thought about the burgeoning smoking population on campus, I decided to speak to one after class. He had an interesting take on the subject. “It’s okay if you know exactly what you are getting into and still want to do it. But it’s the lack of concern for others that annoys me. Students sit around smoking with complete disregard for their batchmates.”
An opinion shared by a student and non-smoker, who said, “Smoking in college is just wrong. Those who want to smoke joints should just find another place. Don’t force others to breathe your smoke!”
So, what can be done to make sure that the smoking groupies don’t come in the way of the rest? “Have a smoking room in college would be my solution. It would be stupid to assume that if young men and women are tabooed from trying out drugs that they would actually pay heed. I feel imposing as little power as possible is the only way to handle it,” remarked a rather liberal professor.
But most do not share this view. Said a professor from a popular women’s college in Delhi, “Smoking is wrong and the rules don’t change for men or women. If not anything else, it is a major health hazard.” Continued use of cannabis can lead to health problems like memory loss; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem-solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Research indicates that women who smoke are more prone to psychological dependency, fatigue and paranoia. It also affects the menstrual cycle, which can lead to health complications.
The only way the youth can be sensitised to this alarming social trend of substance abuse on campus and elsewhere is to spread awareness about its ill-effects and offer support to those who want to kick the habit. Unfortunately, while the butter paper rolls and rings of smoke are visible on campus, I don’t see any counselling or support networks making their presence felt in colleges. Anyone up for the challenge?
(Women’s Feature Service)
