Bhang, an Indian cannabis drink

By El Planteo

As we all know, cannabis has been around for a long time. People all over the world have consumed it since the beginning of recorded history and probably long before that. And since cannabis exists, there has been a wide variety of ways to prepare it. One of the oldest methods (which has existed since at least 1,000 years before the birth of Christ) is a drink called Bhang.

Bhang is a drink made from cannabis leaves and flowers, ground into a paste with a mortar and pestle, soaked in hot water, and mixed with milk and spices. The spices can vary depending on the recipe, but generally, you can find one or more of the following items: cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, anise, fennel, honey, garam masala, or rose water. It can also be transformed into a dense confection called halva; into a type of chutney; or into small chewable tablets. However, it is typically served as a drink.

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As you might have guessed from the spices (and perhaps the name), Bhang is part of Indian culture and cuisine and is associated with several Hindu festivals: Holi (the spring festival), Maha Shivaratri (a celebration of Shiva, one of the supreme beings who protect the universe), and Janmashtami (a celebration of the birth of Krishna, the God of compassion and love), to name three.

With Bhang, it is almost impossible for the Indian government to make cannabis completely illegal. Cannabis itself has been more or less illegal in India since the 1960s, but the cultivation of cannabis is legal and highly regulated. In fact, for legal purposes, Bhang is not even really considered cannabis (which seems silly, but that's okay). Bhang and Bhang powder are sold throughout India in government-sanctioned dispensaries.

It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient healing system developed over 3,000 years ago in India. Ayurveda promotes balance between body, mind, and spirit, focusing on overall well-being rather than just combating or treating diseases. Treatments include herbal remedies (like Bhang), massage, yoga, dietary guidance, and meditation.

In fact, Bhang has all the health benefits of cannabis use: it helps patients with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, alleviates pain, assists with muscle spasms, seizures, and nausea, and helps regulate mood. And it may even help fight cancer (but let's be clear: if you have cancer, Bhang is not a complete and reliable treatment, so consult a doctor).

What does it taste like and what is the effect? Well, that can vary. One user said it tastes like "the bottom of a trash bag," and at least one Quora user seems to have confused it with alcohol and had a terrible experience. But most people seem to enjoy it, especially when served in the form of lassi (a mix between a milkshake and a smoothie). With or without terpenes, cannabis is not known for its fantastic flavor, and there’s a reason Bhang is loaded with strong flavors like honey and cardamom. If you get the chance to drink it, don’t pass it up just because it might taste bad.

Despite the Quora user, there are many amazing stories about people having fun with Bhang for the first time. There’s a fantastic story about a woman who tried to get high on Bhang, failed miserably, and then tried again with great success.

Things to keep in mind when consuming Bhang

It can hit you hard. Even experienced smokers can be caught off guard. Its cannabis content is usually quite high, and ingesting so much cannabis at once can cause an edible high that may be too intense for many people. If you’ve never tried cannabis, don’t make Bhang your first experience, and even if you’re an advanced user, try sips instead of shots.

Don’t buy from just anyone. If you’re traveling in India, stick to licensed vendors unless you have a trusted friend who gives you Bhang. Street vendors may tamper with the product to make it less potent or more dangerous.

Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat something before trying Bhang. Having some food in your stomach will help avoid nausea. Yes, Bhang is used to treat nausea, but sometimes novice users need to get used to the experience.

Don’t mix with alcohol. Seriously: you’ll probably be consuming Bhang at a festival, where you may also be exposed to a lot of alcohol, so avoid it if you plan to drink Bhang. And remember that Bhang is edible, so it may take a while to take effect. Don’t assume it doesn’t work for you and start drinking. You may find yourself in a lot of trouble.

Remember that it’s not a party drink. For many, Bhang is a sacred drink, so be respectful, especially if you’re trying it among people of the Hindu faith. On the other hand, Bhang is meant to be enjoyed, and part of its sacredness lies in celebration, so don’t be shy about this laughter-inducing experience.