As Indians, we’ve heard so much about Bhang—whether it’s the star of the show during Holi or enjoyed as a goli on regular days. And while Indians don’t shy away from all intoxicants as a way to celebrate, bhang often gets mixed reviews. Some folks absolutely swear by it, relishing its smooth high, while others remain skeptical and steer clear.
And we’re here to throw some Bhang facts your way to make your decision easier. Have you already tried it and want to understand how it works inside you, or are you considering your first small dose and wondering what it might do? If it’s either of those, then, you have somehow landed at the right place. In this blog, we’ll touch base on what bhang is, its effects, its medicinal uses, and more.
So, stay tuned and keep reading!
What is Bhang?
Bhang is a traditional Indian edible preparation made from the leaves and flower of the female cannabis sativa plant. Unlike other cannabis products such as ganja (flower) and hashish (resin), bhang is less potent and is typically consumed as a drink or sweet. And if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you’re always welcome to pop it in the form of goli (freshly ground cannabis mixed with water). Here’s how bhang is made:
Bhang, as we all know it, is a staple in Indian festivals and rituals, especially during Holi and Maha Shivaratri. Traditionally, the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant are ground into a paste, often using a mortar and pestle. This paste is then mixed with milk, ghee, and various spices to make a drink known as bhang thandai. The process is quite ceremonial, and the result is a deliciously potent drink that’s enjoyed during festivals. Nowadays, you can find various bhang recipes, from sweets like bhang ladoos to more modern concoctions.
Also Read: Male Vs. Female Cannabis Plants: What’s The Difference?
Where Did Bhang Come From?
Bhang is mentioned in the Atharva Veda, one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism, dating back to around 2000-1400 BCE. The Atharva Veda describes cannabis as one of the five most sacred plants on Earth, referring to it as a ‘source of happiness’ and a ‘liberator.’
Religious Mentions of Bhang
In Hindu mythology, bhang is closely associated with Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. Shiva is often depicted with a chillum, smoking cannabis, and is popularly known as the Lord of Bhang. It’s said that bhang was his favorite drink, and consuming it was a way for devotees to feel closer to him. There’s even a story that when the ocean of milk was churned during the Samudra Manthan, a few drops of nectar (amrita) fell to the ground and sprouted the first cannabis plant.
Bhang still holds a significant place in Indian religious and cultural practices. During Holi and Maha Shivaratri, bhang is consumed in large quantities. It’s believed to purify the soul, ward off evil, and celebrate life. And needless to say, Holi, the festival of colors, isn’t complete without bhang thandai. People get together, especially in North India, and drink bhang to celebrate Holi with a pinch of euphoria.
What Are the Effects of Bhang?
Here we have some of the good and not-so-good effects of Bhang. Know it before you decide to go for it:
The Good
- Euphoria: You may experience a sense of happiness and uplifted mood and it’s probably why people choose to consume it. It’s often described as a feeling of bliss and contentment.
- Relaxation: The THC in bhang can help you feel at ease and more relaxed than often. So, you can let go of the stresses of life for a few hours.
- Altered Perception: Colors might pop, sounds might be richer, and everything can feel more vivid. It’s an experience for your senses.
- Increased Appetite: Known as the “munchies,” bhang can make you feel hungrier than usual. So, you might want some snacks or “Blinkit” handy!
The Not-So-Good
- Sedation: In higher doses, bhang can make you feel quite drowsy or sleepy, which might not be ideal if you have things to do.
- Distorted Time Perception: You might feel like time is dragging or speeding by, which can be disorienting. Minutes can feel like hours and vice versa.
- Dry Mouth: A common side effect is a parched mouth, so keeping a drink close is a good idea.
Can Bhang Be Used for Medicinal Purposes?
In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, bhang was used to treat various ailments. Ancient medical texts like the Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita mention bhang as a remedy for conditions. Some of them are:
- The THC in bhang has been used as an analgesic to relieve pain, especially in cases of chronic pain and inflammation.
- It’s known to aid in digestion and has been used to treat digestive disorders.
- Bhang has been used to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
- It’s believed to have calming effects and has been used to reduce anxiety and stress.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of bhang make it useful in treating conditions like arthritis.
Is Bhang Legal in India?
The legal status of bhang in India is quite unique and somewhat complex. Let’s look at what went on.
Legal and Social Changes Before Independence
The British colonization of India brought about significant changes to the legal status of bhang. The British were intrigued by the widespread use of cannabis in India and conducted the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report in 1894. The report concluded that moderate use of cannabis was not particularly harmful, and thus, bhang remained legal while more potent forms like ganja and charas faced stricter regulations.
How It Is Post-independence
After India gained independence, the regulation of bhang became a bit of a gray area. Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, cannabis resin and flowers were banned, but the leaves, which are used to make bhang, were not. This legal loophole has allowed bhang to continue being a part of Indian culture.
Bhang vs. Ganja vs. Hashish vs. Hemp
It’s easy to get confused between bhang, ganja, hashish, and hemp, but they’re quite different. Let’s try to understand this in an easier way.
| Bhang | Ganja | Hashish | Hemp | |
| Source | Leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant | Flowers of the cannabis plant | Resin from the cannabis plant | Stalks and seeds of the cannabis plant |
| THC | Low to moderate | High | Very high | Very low |
| Use | Edible (drinks, sweets) | Smoked or vaporized | Smoked or vaporized | Industrial and medicinal products |
| Psychoactive Effects | Mild to moderate | Strong | Very strong | None to very mild |
| Legal Status in India | Generally legal (varies by state) | Illegal | Illegal | Legal for industrial use |
| Cultural Significance | High (religious festivals like Holi) | Low | Low | High (used in textiles, food, etc.) |
| Medicinal Uses | Traditional medicine (pain, digestion) | Limited (pain relief, recreational) | Limited (pain relief, recreational) | Wide-ranging (fibers, oil, seeds) |
| Preparation Method | Ground into a paste, mixed with liquids | Dried and smoked | Compressed and smoked | Processed into fibers, oil, or seeds |
Also Read: Understanding Hemp: The Basics, Uses, and Legal Status in India
How Long Does Bhang Stay in the Blood?
The duration bhang stays in your system depends on your metabolism and frequency of use. Generally, the effects of bhang can be felt within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption and can last for several hours.
For Occasional Consumers:
- THC (the active compound in Bhang) can stay in the blood for 1 to 2 days.
- THC can stay in the urine for several days.
For Regular Consumers:
- THC can be detectable in the blood for up to a week or more.
- THC can stay in the urine for several weeks.
Here you go with your crash course on what is bhang! While we’re all about sharing the scoop on all things cannabis, remember we’re not here to push you towards any cannabis adventures.
Our mission here at Grasspedia is to keep you in the loop with clear, and useful information. This way, you can make the best choices for yourself!
