Where does cannabis come from before it ends up in Godowns? Sharma of itshemp, the online cannabis market, said there are generally three sources: seizures and seizures from the drug department, farmers who grow it legally, and forests where cannabis grows wild. VICE could not independently confirm that shipments of illegal cannabis are actually sold in government bragging. According to the government`s own estimates, 31 million people in India – about 2.8% of the population – reported using some form of cannabis in 2018. A study by Seedo, an Israel-based company that sells equipment to grow weed at home, found that Delhi consumed 32.38 tons of cannabis in 2018 alone. “It is estimated that about €725 billion was spent in Delhi. rupees could be increased if cannabis is taxed,” according to a report published on August 20 by the legal think tank Vidhi Legal on the decriminalisation of cannabis. Bhang does not meet the definition of cannabis (hemp) within the meaning of Section 2(iii) of the NDPS Act of 1985. This issue has been debated at length in various court judgments. [2,3,4] Therefore, the provisions relating to various narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances of the NDPS Act, 1985 do not apply to cannabis in the form of bhang.
The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances recognizes this fact, further stating that “the manufacture and sale of Bhang is authorized by many state governments.” [5] Bhang looks like a clover leaf shake or a green smoothie, but tastes (as I`ve been told) of spices and herbs like saffron, fennel, garam masala and more. Strictly speaking, the term bhang refers to a paste made by dipping finely ground cannabis leaves (not buds) in hot milk. This paste can then be consumed alone or used to make drinks or snacks such as pakoras. However, by far the most popular preparation is to add more milk, rose water, sugar, nuts and other ingredients to the dough to create a refreshing and fresh drink. This drink is often called Bhang, but is more correctly named after the ingredients used, such as Bhang Thandai, Bhang Lassi or other. “You might assume that Bhang isn`t important because it`s not as exhilarating (the high isn`t as strong, but it can still have intense side effects),” he told VICE. “But the focus on the quality of Bhang remains important. Farmers sell their raw material to the government in the form of coarsely crushed leaves and stems, which must have a certain amount of moisture, color and richness. Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), the sale and use of cannabis resin and flowers is prohibited, but the use of its seeds, stems and leaves is permitted. Thus, Bhang is legal in India.
In the publication, titled “Medical Marijuana: A Panacea or a Scourge,” the authors tackled an important and much-discussed topic. [1] The authors stated that “in India, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, cannabis and its various forms – hashish, ganja, charas, bhang – are prohibited and their possession is considered illegal.” The authors are correct in pointing out that cannabis, as well as other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, falls within the scope of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 (NDPS Act). Interestingly, however, bhang is the only cannabis preparation that is not covered by this law and is therefore outside the scope of this law. In Holi – the Hindu festival that heralds spring – shops in Bhang receive maximum demand for various products, from Bhang Golis (digestive pills) to the famous Thandai. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 was the first international treaty to include cannabis (or marijuana) with other drugs and imposed a general prohibition on their manufacture and supply, except for medical and research purposes. [26] However, the definition of “cannabis” in the Single Agreement does not include the leaves of the cannabis plant, thus preserving the legality of the Bhang culture in India. [27] The exclusion of bhang from the scope of the NDPS Act of 1985 remains a topic of discussion among medical and legal experts. Bhang remains one of the least studied cannabis preparations. Most Western literature has focused on smoked forms of cannabis (ganja and charas).
An earlier report on Pakistan`s Bhang described psychosis with symptoms of grandiosity, excitement, hostility, disorientation, hallucinations, and impaired thinking in 15 patients who had taken Bhang. Interestingly, the authors described Bhang as “a strong drink made from an infusion of cannabis leaves and flowering tops.” [6] Technically and legally, bhang should not include any part of the plant other than the leaves. The addition of flower tips or resin produced from cannabis plants cannot be applied in accordance with the National Directive on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. [5] Another study reported bhang-induced immunotoxicity, which may be due to a decrease in fatty acid amide hydrolase protein (FAAH). [7] The first mention of cannabis is found in the fourth book of the Vedas, the Atharvaveda, which describes it as one of the “five kingdoms of herbs that free us from fear.” Its use is also mentioned in the Sushruta Samhita and the Bhava Prakasha. A mention in Panini`s Ashtadhyayi confirms the view that cannabis was known to Indians as early as 2,300 years ago. During the 10th century AD, it was called the “food of the gods”. About 500 years later, its virtues were listed as astringency, heat, inspiration and the ability to remove wind and mud. In the 16th century, the Sanskrit play Dhurtasamagama featured two vagabonds fighting before a corrupt judge. Before rendering his verdict, the judge demands payment of his decree and is voluntarily offered bhang.
The Rajvallabh, a 17th century text, equated it with amrit, the nectar of life.
