‘Gogo paper’ banned: Gujarat bars sale of rolling papers, pre-rolled cones; cites youth addiction | India News

NEW DELHI: Gujarat government on Tuesday imposed an immediate ban on the storage, sale, and distribution of rolling papers and pre-rolled cones, citing health risks, the state home department said.These ultra-thin paper sheets and cones are commonly sold at grocery stores and paan shops across the state. They are mainly used by tobacco smokers to roll cigarettes by filling raw tobacco inside.According to a notification issued by the home department, local media outlets and social organisations had raised concerns that these rolling papers, commonly known as “Gogo paper”, were also being used by youths and teenagers to smoke narcotic substances such as weed and charas.The notification said the rolling papers, which are sold in packets, contain harmful substances. These include titanium oxide, potassium nitrate, artificial dye, calcium carbonate, and chlorine bleach.Despite the harmful effects, the products were easily available at paan parlours and grocery shops, leading to the spread of addiction among young people, the notification said.The home department stated that the ban has come into force with immediate effect. Anyone found violating the order will be booked under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with disobedience of government orders.