Kasol, a charming and quaint hill station located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, is widely known for its stunning natural beauty, trekking trails, and outdoor activities. However, it has also gained a reputation as a popular destination for cannabis enthusiasts.
While cannabis has been a part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage since ancient times, its relationship with the plant has been complex and at times fraught with controversy.
Although recreational marijuana consumption is illegal and heavily stigmatized in India, the use of Bhang, a cannabis-infused drink, is widely accepted and even enjoyed during festivals such as Holi and Shivratri. On the other hand, hemp, a variety of cannabis plants that contains low levels of THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana), has numerous industrial uses and is becoming increasingly popular. Hemp can be used to make textiles, food products, paper, and even shoes.
Despite the many potential benefits of hemp, the level of misinformation and stigma surrounding cannabis continues to fuel an atmosphere of distrust towards the industry. This is where Off Limits, a unique cafe in Kasol, comes in.
Founded by childhood friends Omair Alam and Mayank Gupta, Off Limits began as a speciality coffee shop. They wanted to offer a diverse range of food options that went beyond the typical Maggi and chai found in most hill stations. However, as they settled into their new home in Kasol, they were struck by the prevalence of cannabis use in the area, and the lack of education and awareness about the plant.
Determined to create a welcoming and informative space for the growing cannabis community in India, Omair and Mayank decided to transform their coffee shop into a hub for education and community building.
Off Limits features Hemp Educators, who are on hand to answer questions, clarify misconceptions, and inform customers about the many benefits of using hemp in their daily lives.
The cafe’s menu is infused with hemp, including special hemp-roasted coffee seeds, dishes made with hemp hearts, and salads and sandwiches served with a side of hemp seed oil. While some people may mistakenly believe that hemp can cause a high, it is important to note that it does not contain enough THC to produce psychoactive effects.
Off Limits is more than just a coffee shop; it’s an experience. The cafe has partnered with four nearby hotels to offer guests a chance to stay and soak in the beauty of Kasol. It also hosts events such as “Wake, Bake and Meditate,” which brings together cannabis enthusiasts to discuss topics such as mental health and wellness.
Looking towards the future, Omair and Mayank have ambitious plans for Off Limits. They have acquired land in Uttarakhand and plan to establish their own Research and Development facility, which will enable them to produce high-quality hemp products that can compete in the international market.
Off Limits is a unique and innovative cafe that serves as a testament to the growing acceptance and popularity of hemp in India. By providing education, dispelling myths, and fostering community, Omair and Mayank are helping to shape a more informed and open-minded approach to cannabis in India.