"Bhang"

Bhang is a traditional edible preparation made from the leaves of the cannabis plant, with roots tracing back to the Indian subcontinent. This potent mixture has been used in food and beverages as early as 1000 BC in ancient India, remaining an integral part of religious and cultural festivities to this day.

Bhang is commonly consumed during celebrations like Maha Shivaratri and Holi, where it is often served in the form of bhang lassi or bhang thandai – popular cannabis-infused drinks sold in designated bhang shops.

Historical Mentions in the West

Bhang made its way into Western documentation as early as the 16th century. Portuguese physician Garcia de Orta, based in Goa, wrote extensively about “bangue” in 1563, noting its recreational use among the local population as well as the Portuguese.

By the late 16th century, the Dutch traveler Jan Huyghen van Linschoten described its consumption alongside other cannabis products such as Egyptian hashish and Turkish boza. Additionally, the British adventurer Thomas Bowrey is often credited with being the first to document bhang in the late 17th century.

Traditional Preparation of Bhang

The preparation of bhang involves grinding the leaves of the cannabis plant into a paste using a mortar and pestle. This paste is then mixed with various ingredients depending on the form it takes. For beverages like bhang lassi, the cannabis paste is combined with milk, sugar, and spices. In other forms, bhang is mixed with ghee (clarified butter) and sugar to create chewy sweets known as bhang goli or incorporated into dishes like bhang thandai, halva, and chutney.

Cultural and Medicinal Significance

Bhang holds a revered place in the ancient Hindu traditions of India. In many rural areas, bhang is believed to offer various medicinal benefits, such as aiding digestion, increasing appetite, and alleviating conditions like fever and sunstroke. Despite its intoxicating effects, bhang is widely considered a natural remedy when consumed in moderation, with some Ayurvedic practices still incorporating it into medicinal treatments.

During Holi, a major spring festival in India, the consumption of bhang-infused snacks and drinks becomes widespread, especially in northern regions like Mathura and Varanasi. In these cities, bhang is deeply associated with Shiva worship, and its preparation and consumption are steeped in religious rituals.

Legal Status

The legal status of bhang in India has been preserved despite international restrictions on cannabis production. The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs imposed a global ban on cannabis, but India’s legal framework makes an exception for the leaves of the cannabis plant, thus allowing bhang to remain legal for consumption during cultural and religious festivals.

However, the sale of bhang is subject to regulation, and its legality varies across Indian states. In some regions, such as Uttar Pradesh, licensed bhang shops operate freely, while other states like Rajasthan permit the procurement and sale of bhang but not its production.

Bhang’s unique position as both a cultural and medicinal substance has allowed it to persist through centuries of religious traditions, historical documentation, and evolving legal frameworks. While its association with cannabis sometimes places it under scrutiny, bhang remains an enduring part of India’s cultural fabric, celebrated during festivals and regarded for its purported health benefits when consumed responsibly.

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Bhang (Wikipedia)

Bhang (IAST: Bhāṅg) is an edible preparation made from the leaves of the cannabis plant originating in India. Cannabis sativa is the scientific name of the plant whose leaves are used for bhang preparation. Bhang is believed to be the least harmful form of cannabis preparation and also shows medicinal use in ancient India. This is because it does not contain the top flowering plant or the resin produced by the cannabis plant. It was used in food and drink as early as 1000 BCE in ancient India. Bhang is traditionally distributed during the spring festival of Maha Shivaratri and Holi. Bhang is mainly used in bhang shops, which sell the cannabis-infused Indian drinks bhang lassi and bhang thandai.