Move over Himachal's Malana Cream: Odisha's Sheelavathi weed emerges as new favorite

A unique strain of cannabis called Sheelavathi is gaining popularity in India, surpassing the well-known Malana Cream variety. This strain is primarily cultivated in tribal areas along the Andhra-Odisha border. Recent data from the enforcement department reveals that Sheelavathi accounts for more than 70 per cent of the 23 lakh kilos of ganja confiscated by the NCB nationwide in the past four years. The increasing demand for this contraband and its widespread distribution across the country is evident from these staggering numbers, a TOI report said.

An official from Andhra's Special Enforcement Bureau attributes the popularity of Sheelavathi to its affordability compared to other varieties such as Malana Cream and Idukki Gold from Kerala. He explains that the cannabis plant contains different chemical compounds called cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol being the main psychoactive element. Sheelavathi possesses its own unique set of terpenes and aromatic compounds, setting it apart from other cannabis varieties.

Malana Cream, which is predominantly grown in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu region, used to be popular until 2019. However, its limited supply and high prices ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per kg have made it less accessible compared to Sheelavathi, which is available for Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh per kg.


Historically, Sheelavathi was cultivated in various parts of the Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh, bordering Odisha. However, due to strict enforcement measures, its cultivation is now limited to Malkangiri and Koraput districts of Odisha, as well as select areas of the ASR district.