Bhang

Bhang is a traditional Indian beverage made from cannabis, mixed into a paste with water, spices, and milk. It holds cultural significance, especially during Hindu festivals like Holi and Shivratri. Bhang has been used in India for centuries for its psychoactive effects and is mentioned in ancient texts.

Historical Documentation and Cultural Significance:

• Garcia de Orta, Jan Huyghen van Linschoten, and Thomas Bowrey documented bhang use in the 16th century.
• Different forms of bhang consumption were described by early Western explorers.
• Bhang is a traditional part of Hindu festivals like Holi and Maha Shivratri.
• Bhang is believed to have medicinal properties and is part of Ayurvedic practices.
• Bhang is differentiated from European hemp and is deeply rooted in Indian culture.

Preparation and Consumption:

• Cannabis leaves are ground into a paste for bhang consumption.
• Bhang is mixed with milk, filtered, and flavored with various ingredients.
• Various dishes like bhang thandai, bhang lassi, and bhang chutney incorporate bhang.
• Bhang is used to make purple halva by mixing it with ghee and sugar.
• Bhang seeds are ground with mint and spices to make bhang chutney.

Legal Status and Regulation in India:

• Bhang is not banned under the NDPS Act of 1985 as it is prepared from seeds and leaves.
• Some states in India regulate and ban the sale of bhang.
• Bhang can be used as medicine with a prescription from an Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Cultivation of cannabis is regulated by the government in India.
• Bhang products are openly sold in states where its sale is legal, including bhang goli and golas at paan shops.

Research and Publications on Cannabis and Bhang:

• Historical texts and modern research discuss cannabis and bhang.
• Academic publications explore the global history of narcotics, including cannabis.
• Studies examine the medicinal and recreational use of bhang and marijuana.
• Specific publications highlight the legality of bhang in Ayurvedic prescriptions.
• ResearchGate and Indian Journal of Clinical Practice feature articles on cannabis use and bhang legality.

External Resources and Links:

• Wikimedia Commons and Wiktionary offer information on bhang.
• Websites like vice.com provide insights into bhang’s health benefits and safety.
• Reports from news outlets such as The Times of India cover cannabis markets and regulations.
• Academic resources like the International Community Law Review discuss legal aspects of cannabis regulation.
• Exploration of legal regulation of cannabis markets under UN drug control conventions is also highlighted.

Bhang Data Sources