In their new video, the Kursiv Media team traveled to Shu — one of the most talked-about cities in Kazakhstan, known for its wild cannabis fields. Journalists explore what it’s really like to live in this region, which lies at the intersection of crime, business, and everyday human stories, while the special unit "Delta-Dolina" destroys the harvested plants.
Where does cannabis grow?
Cannabis in Shu grows in sandy areas, and although the bushes can reach two meters, one should not expect dense thickets as described in myths. Police show journalists dry stems and explain the process of how fresh plants are turned into dried leaves and fine fractions used for processing. The resin, extracted by hand, is formed into a dense lump known as "max".
Duration of special operations
The operation "Kharasura" is conducted annually for five months while the plants mature. This year, 44 crimes have already been recorded, including 18 attempts at sale. The tactics remain the same: wild plants are mowed down, dried on-site, and then collected. The operation involves dog handlers and the "Delta-Dolina" and "Sұңқар" units, which specifically arrive in Shu.
If cannabis is found in a garden, an agronomist is called to determine whether it was planted or grew by itself.
Life next to wild cannabis
The district akim notes that while drug use does occur, the real picture differs from common stereotypes. Not all residents of the city are drug addicts, and in other regions, one can find even more cannabis thickets than in Shu. Locals talk about their lives, filled with ordinary concerns: schools, markets, and sports events. There are problems, but they are not limited to just the plant.
The influence of China
In conversations with journalists, the district head touches on issues of economic development, including industrialization and new enterprises. Investors, particularly from China, are actively working in the region, as seen by the logistics routes and industrial projects. Shu is a key railway hub connecting Kazakhstan with Russia and Uzbekistan.
Infrastructure problems
The roads in Shu are in a deplorable state: more than 50% of them are destroyed. The sewage treatment facilities, built 60 years ago, are located in the city center and continue to emit an unpleasant odor. The water supply has not been updated since the city was founded, and there are 2000 people waiting for housing. Since 2023, a program has been launched to buy apartments, which for the first time has allowed some progress in the housing queue.
Residents of Shu
The story features opinions from local vendors, schoolchildren, mothers struggling to find work, and pensioners living near the train station. People express their concerns about low wages and rising food prices. These everyday stories portray Shu not as a "marijuana center," but as an ordinary Kazakh city with its common worries.
Sport as a unifying force
Sports life in Shu also holds an important place. An entrepreneur from this city organizes annual tournaments in table tennis, football, volleyball, and chess for children. These events, supported by the akim, become real celebrations for the young participants.
Legalization and the future of the region
Kazakhstan has legalized the industrial cultivation of cannabis, and now entrepreneurs are actively seeking ways to enter the market, from processing to pharmaceuticals. One businessman has already developed a cannabis-based spray and claims that wild cannabis has high medicinal potential. The prosecutor's office proposes creating a new state body to oversee the process, which aligns with international standards.
