Hash In Bahrain: Top Spots To Find The Best Hash

Hash is illegal in Bahrain, but that doesn't stop people from consuming it. In fact, according to one source, everybody smokes hash in Bahrain but [they are] rely serious about keeping it quiet. The same source suggests that to find hash, you could try going to bars on Exhibition Road and asking a Thai hooker, who might be able to help or point you in the right direction. There is also a reference to the 'Bahrain Hash House Harriers', which appears to be a running/walking club that meets every Monday evening in different locations across Bahrain.

Hash House Harriers in Bahrain

Hash House Harriers is a running/walking club in Bahrain that is as old as the country itself. The club has two groups: Bahrain Black Hash (BBH) and Bahrain Hash House Harriers (BH3).

BBH will be turning 41 years old this year and holds runs/walks every Saturday at 5 pm. The club has a Facebook page where members can find updates and a hareline for upcoming events.

BH3 just completed its 52nd year and celebrated its 50th birthday with Intergulf, which was attended by over 110 hashers, both local and international. The group holds runs/walks every Monday evening at various interesting locations across Bahrain. Some runs are themed and feature costumes and patches. There are also annual events such as the red dress run and desert dine out. Like BBH, BH3 also has a Facebook page and a hareline for updates and upcoming events. Additionally, they have an Instagram account.

Hash availability in bars on Exhibition Road

Exhibition Road in Bahrain is known for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars and pubs offering unique experiences to visitors and locals alike. While I cannot find explicit information on the availability of hash in these establishments, here is a list of some notable bars on Exhibition Road, each with its own distinct character and offerings:

Club 1 at the Metropolitan Hotel: Known for bringing in the best guest bands in Bahrain, Club 1 is a big hit with music enthusiasts, particularly musos and Americans. It offers a unique dining experience in a separate, glassed-off area, along with two bars to speed up service during peak times.

Likwid: Tucked away on the second floor of the City Centre Hotel, Likwid is Bahrain's only dedicated underground music venue and one of its best-kept secrets. This intimate 150-capacity spot sets itself apart from typical top 40 venues, featuring acoustic guitar jam sessions, Latin music nights with a live band and DJ, and renowned underground House and Techno talent from around the world on Thursdays.

Sherlock Holmes: One of Bahrain's oldest bars, Sherlock Holmes has been revamped and relocated downstairs into a slick, modern facility. They continue to serve great brews, and the live bands remain a highlight.

Trader Vic's: Located in the Ritz Carlton, this bar, lounge, and restaurant offers stylish Polynesian-themed decor, a smart-casual dress code, and a choice of tidbits or fine dining. Their cocktail list is always a main attraction, with potent concoctions that go down smoothly.

Wrangler's: With its Wild West decor, Wrangler's at the Elite Hotel in Juffair attracts many Americans, especially those stationed at "the base" nearby. It offers great discounts on drinks, a solid menu, and a mix of Hip-Hop, Dirty South, and R'n'B music.

Please note that I cannot confirm the availability of hash in these establishments, and it is important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding the use of controlled substances.

Hash smuggled from Iran and Pakistan

Hashish, or hash, is illegal in Bahrain. However, it is available, and most of the hash in the country is smuggled from Iran and Pakistan.

In 2023, there was a surge in the smuggling of Iranian fuel to Pakistan, with up to 35% of diesel sold in the country arriving illegally from Iran, according to the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA). The smuggling was previously limited to the Pakistani province of Balochistan but has now spread to the rest of the country.

In April 2023, Pakistan's energy ministry asked security forces to clamp down on fuel smuggling from Iran as diesel sales had slumped by "more than 40%." Pakistani refineries are facing difficulties with stock uptake due to Iranian fuel being significantly cheaper than domestic fuel.

While I could not find detailed information on the methods of hash smuggling from Iran and Pakistan into Bahrain, it is likely that similar networks and routes are used, given the proximity of the countries and the prevalence of hash from these sources in Bahrain.

Hash House Harriers' events and reunions

The Bahrain Hash House Harriers, or BH3, is Bahrain's first "drinking club with a running problem". It is part of an international group of non-competitive running social clubs called Hash House Harriers. The club is as old as Bahrain itself and has just completed its 52nd year. The club's 50th birthday was celebrated in the form of Intergulf, which was attended by over 110 hashers, both local and international.

The runs/walks take place every Monday evening at interesting locations all over Bahrain. Some runs are themed and involve costumes and patches. There are also annual events such as the red dress run and the desert dine out. The hash location is usually posted a few days prior to the run.

The club is open to everyone, including friends, family, and pets. It costs 2 BD to take part in the hash for the day. Membership costs 30 BD per year, 25 BD for 9 months, 20 BD for 6 months, or 12 BD for 3 months. Members get discounted rates on hash events, free drinks occasionally during an On-After, and free haberdashery.

There is also the Bahrain Black Hash, or BBH, which is a similar running/walking club that is as old as Bahrain itself. The BBH will be turning 41 years old this year. The runs/walks take place every Saturday at 5 pm.

Hash-related imprisonment in Bahrain

The possession and consumption of hashish, a cannabis-derived substance, is illegal in Bahrain. The country has strict laws regarding drug-related offences, and being caught with even a small amount of hashish can lead to significant legal trouble.

If convicted of a hash-related offence in Bahrain, individuals can expect to serve time in one of the country's state-owned and operated prisons. The prison system in Bahrain is run by three different security forces: the National Security Agency (NSA), the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), and the Ministry of Interior (MoI). These prisons are known for their poor conditions and human rights abuses, including torture and mistreatment of prisoners.

During periods of political unrest, such as the 2011-2012 uprising, the use of torture in prisons became widespread and systematic. While reports of torture declined after Emir Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa took power in 1999, it resurfaced in 2007 and became common again by 2010.

It is important to note that the legal system in Bahrain is different from that of the UK. Islam is the state religion, and the country has a dual legal system that includes secular laws and Islamic law. The trial process can include intensive questioning and rely heavily on confessions, and it is advised not to sign anything you cannot read.

The UK government provides support to British nationals arrested or detained in Bahrain, offering impartial and non-judgmental assistance. However, they cannot interfere with the local justice system or secure an early release.

In conclusion, hash-related imprisonment in Bahrain can have severe consequences due to the country's strict drug laws and prison system with a history of human rights abuses. Individuals facing hash-related charges in Bahrain should be aware of the potential risks and seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

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