Gujarat Bans Rolling Papers and Pre-Rolled Cones: Health Concerns and Substance Abuse Prevention Measures

The Gujarat government has implemented an immediate prohibition on the storage, sale, and distribution of rolling papers and pre-rolled cones across the state.

Ahmedabad officials announced on Tuesday that these products, commonly utilized for tobacco smoking, are now banned due to significant health concerns.

These ultra-thin papers and paper cones, typically available at grocery and paan shops throughout Gujarat, are primarily used by smokers to create hand-rolled cigarettes by inserting tobacco into the paper sheets.

The state home department emphasized that the prohibition takes effect immediately, with no grace period for retailers or distributors.

Recent reports from local media outlets and social organizations raised alarms about these rolling papers, locally referred to as "Gogo paper," being misused by young people and adolescents for smoking illegal substances such as weed or charas, according to the official home department notification.

The government notification detailed that these rolling papers contain harmful substances including titanium oxide, potassium nitrate, artificial dye, calcium carbonate, and chlorine bleach, making them dangerous for public health regardless of what is smoked in them.

Despite these health hazards, the papers have remained easily accessible at paan parlors and grocery stores throughout Gujarat, contributing to increasing addiction rates among youth populations, the notification stated.

Authorities warned that anyone found violating this ban will face legal consequences under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to disobeying government orders.