A guide to bhang, and how to consume it safely this Holi

Closely tied with the festival of Holi, bhang has got a hued reputation due to its recreational usage. According to ‘The Asian Cannabis Report' published in 2022 by Prohibition Partners around 15 million people consume bhang each year in India (estimates based on official figures from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India's Magnitude of Substance Use in India). For the longest time, bhang has been considered a part of our culture, yet there is uncertainty and concerns around legality, content, and impact. Just in time for Holi celebrations, we asked medical and industry experts to clear the air around bhang.

What is bhang?

"An edible preparation made by soaking and grinding the leaves of the Cannabis Sativa plant to create a paste, is usually mixed with milk or water in traditional Indian beverages. It is known for its mild hallucinogenic effects. Bhang also refers to a consumable paste, or preparation from the leaves of the Cannabis plant which is used as an active ingredient within the development of Ayurvedic medicines," explains Dr Bhupesh Vashisht, chronic diseases specialist and founder of Aas Ayurveda.

Is bhang legal?

Delzaad Deolaliwala, chairman of Pan India Medical Cannabis and Hemp Association explains, "According to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, this prohibited the manufacture and selling of cannabis resin and flowers, but permitted the use of leaves and seeds, allowing states to control the latter, effectively avoiding the stigma of being labelled as contraband. The act declared cannabis cultivation legal in India for industrial purposes such as producing industrial hemp or for horticultural use. The NDPS now acknowledge cannabis as a source of high-value oil, biomass, and fibre."

He further clarifies, "Bhang is not protected by the NDPS Act. According to it, the act only forbids the use of certain sections and cannabis plant preparations, including hash resins produced from the plants or its buds. The acts provide for the use of plant leaves which are the exact features that are used in Bhang."

Quoting a previous case, Deolaliwala shares, "In the case of Arjun Singh v State of Haryana, the Chandigarh High Court claimed that, according to the NDPS Act, bhang is not "cannabis (hemp)" under the Statute, but is a cannabis plant. Thus, it is not unlawful to eat cannabis leaves under the rule."

Why is bhang a taboo?

Deolaliwala shares that western influence, and a perception of bhang being consumed by a lower social class contributes to the taboo. He says, "The usage of bhang isn't strictly reinforced as a taboo, given it has cultural significance. As a result of various connotations, we see millions of Indians commonly consume it during auspicious days such as Holi and Maha Shivratri. The taboo around bhang is primarily driven by historical western taboos around the Cannabis plant, with global pressure resulting in India creating the NDPS Act 1985. However, even after the creation of NDPS Act, fortunately, bhang has continued to remain outside it as decided by our lawmakers to pass such an exception. Its purview has been treated as a potentially therapeutic and intoxicating substance under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and State Excise Laws. Secondly, the prevailing taboo around bhang has been that it is perceived as a poor man's intoxicant, as compared to alcohol and the likes which are perceived to be for an upwardly mobile, aspirational socio-economic class."

Is bhang addictive?

"Cannabis or hemp, colloquially known as bhang in India, has been a part of our culture for centuries. Ayurvedic science is replete with uses of this plant for a variety of purposes, but the limited knowledge and understanding of Cannabis along with the classification of the Cannabis flower and bud as a narcotic has contributed to the false notion that hemp-based medicine may be addictive. Hemp is known to have less than or equal to 0.3% THC, which is the intoxicating cannabinoid, responsible for the euphoric effect) as compared marijuana, and therefore is non-addictive and non-toxic. Lack of awareness and misconception surrounding it, however, makes people hesitant to try it. Apart from its cultural significance, several studies illustrate that if taken in regulated doses, it can prove to be beneficial for pain alleviation and mental wellbeing." - Jahan Peston Jamas, Co-founder, BOHECO.

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What are the potential benefits of bhang?

"While some consume it as a holy offering in the form of 'prasad', some consider it as a taboo bringing a narcotic effect. Both aspects have their limited understanding and a large populace misses the bigger ambit of consuming bhang on the day of the Holi festival. Bhang or Cannabis is considered one of the five sacred plants in Ayurveda and the single reason for consuming bhang on Holi is to digest the different kinds of delicacies, and sweets made on Holi. The carminative effects of bhang were not hidden from our sages and vaidyas."

Further clarifying the form of consumption, Vashisht shares, "However, the above method of consumption in the form of fries, and thandai is different from the use of bhang in medicinal ways. The above method of consuming bhang brings sedation, confusion, delirium and inebriation which is the reason the plant gets so much flak from the commoners. Medicinal cannabis on the other hand contains regularised and prescriptive dosages and quantities of Cannabidiol and THC (a chemical compound that brings ecstasy). This makes medicinal cannabis effective in dealing with myriads of medical conditions such as diabetes, sleeplessness, cancer, hypertension and painful disorders to name a few. There is virtually no medical condition that cannot be cured or managed with medicinal cannabis."

He champions regulated usage as he insists, "It is in public interest to overcome the taboo around bhang which promotes its only usage as a narcotic, whereas casting a total shadow as a potent elixir the world is looking for over the use of synthetic drugs."

How long does the effect last?

As per Vashisht, the effects of bhang can last for two hours up to six to eight hours, depending upon how much has been consumed.

What are the risks associated with over-consumption?

When mixed with thandai, bhang is known to be a relaxant, something to soothe the mind and body after a day of crazy colour-splashing. But, consuming bhang in excess has its own perils, and can cause nausea, headache and dehydration according to Khushboo Hiten Nandu, counselling psychologist for Mpower.

She explains the risks associated, "The chances of over consumption are high and untoward incidents after consuming it are common. Bhang spreads at a quick rate in the body, and can cause dehydration, nausea and headache. Several studies have observed that bhang can cause increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including psychosis (schizophrenia), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, but whether and to what extent it actually causes these conditions is not always easy to determine. It is mostly known for causing feelings of euphoria, but bhang can also cause panic, fear, or depression in some people. Plus, due to its psychoactive effects, it may reduce short-term memory, coordination, and judgement, as well as promote paranoia or psychosis when consumed in high doses."

The mental health expert also suggests consuming fresh fruits, salads, and juices post consumption. "Fibre will help clean out the stomach. Laxatives like Isabgol and Triphala also help. A cup of black tea or coffee helps by suppressing bhang's effects in the brain," concludes Nandu.

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