What is charas? Meaning explained

INDIAN authorities have continued to investigate an alleged Bollywood drug ring following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. It’s since brought attention to the country’s drug laws, including the use of the popular cannabis extract charas. Here’s all the key details.. GettyCharas is made from cannabis extract[/caption] What is charas? Charas is one of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrate and is mainly thought to originate from regions of Asia including India, Pakistan, and Nepal.  The drug is a usually handmade using dead, dried plant material and typically sold in balls or sticks. The charas is still a source of income for many arable farmers in the region and still plays an integral role in spiritual and religious practices. For example, the Shaivs – a Hindu sect who worship Lord Shiva – often depict their Lord smoking and therefore incorporate the practice of smoking charas into their rituals. Others, including the Naga Sadhus, Ahjorhis and Tantric Bhairava sects also smoke it freely as an integral part of their religious practice. Most read in World News PLANE TRAGEDY Who was Romanian billionaire Dan Petrescu and what was his cause of death? MID-AIR CHAOS Billionaire killed in Milan plane crash alongside family was 'piloting' craft KILLER SMASH Swedish artist killed in mystery car crash after drawing Prophet Mohammed STEER CLEAR Brit ex-spies told to avoid China as Beijing is on recruitment drive PUTIN IT ABOUT Putin's 'lover's $100m assets including $4m flat’ revealed in Pandora docs LEAF THEM KIDS ALONE Mum demands babysitter pay compensation after feeding veggie kids meat Is charas illegal? Charas was made illegal in India as part of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. The law prohibits and criminalises the sale, possession, transportation and cultivation of cannabis in certain forms in India.  Other cannabis illegal under the Indian law includes: Ganja, “the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops)”; And “any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of any of the above forms of cannabis or any drink prepared therefrom”. Notably, however, the use of seeds and leaves produced from cannabis is allowed but remains highly regulated. GettyThe drug is illegal in India alongside other forms of cannabis[/caption] What are the side effects of charas? According to rehab India, the effects of charas can be powerful and dangerous given as the active ingredient is in higher concentration than in marijuana or regular hash. Side effects include Nausea, vomiting, and stomach crampsExtreme sleepinessIncreased appetite and weight gainMental illness or depressionAnxiety, panic attacks, confusion and a sense of a loss of controlLong-term respiratory problems .Altered consciousness (such as hallucinations)Lowered immune system –Higher risk of cardiovascular issues