The Gujarat government has taken a decisive step against public health risks by imposing an immediate and comprehensive ban on rolling papers and pre-rolled cones across the state. The order, issued by the state home department on Tuesday, prohibits the storage, sale, and distribution of these products, which are ubiquitously sold at grocery stores and paan shops.
Health Hazards and Youth Addiction Prompt Drastic Action
According to an official notification, the ban was prompted by serious concerns raised by local media and social organisations. These ultra-thin paper sheets and cones, commonly known as "Gogo paper", are primarily used to roll cigarettes with raw tobacco. However, authorities found they were increasingly being misused by youths and teenagers to smoke narcotic substances like weed and charas.
The notification highlighted that the rolling papers, sold in packets, contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals. These substances include titanium oxide, potassium nitrate, artificial dye, calcium carbonate, and chlorine bleach. Despite the known dangers, the easy availability of these products at paan parlours and local shops was facilitating the spread of addiction among young people.
Immediate Enforcement and Legal Consequences
The Gujarat home department has stated that the ban has come into force with immediate effect. There is no grace period for sellers to clear existing stock. Anyone found violating this government order will be prosecuted under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals specifically with disobedience of lawful orders promulgated by a public servant.
A Broader Crackdown on Substance Abuse
This move is seen as part of a broader crackdown on substances that enable drug consumption, targeting the supply chain at a grassroots level. By banning the very tools used to roll and consume tobacco and narcotics, the government aims to curb accessibility, especially for younger demographics. The direct link made in the notification between these commonly available papers and harder drug use underscores the state's intent to address a growing social menace.
The success of this ban will hinge on strict enforcement at the countless small retail outlets across Gujarat. It represents a significant shift in policy, moving beyond the regulation of the substances themselves to also control the paraphernalia associated with their use.
