What Is Bhang? Traditional Cannabis Preparation, Benefits, and Safety

Bhang is a traditional edible preparation made from the leaves, buds, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. For thousands of years, it has been an integral part of cultural and religious practices in India, particularly during Hindu festivals and ceremonies. Today, bhang continues to attract attention for its potential therapeutic properties and unique consumption method.

Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, bhang is consumed as a food or beverage, which significantly affects how the body processes its active compounds. This traditional preparation method has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and is being studied for various health applications, from pain management to nausea relief.

This comprehensive guide explores what bhang is, how it’s made and consumed, its potential health benefits, safety considerations, and important precautions you should know.

What Exactly Is Bhang?

Bhang is a paste-like mixture created by drying, grinding, and processing the buds and leaves of the female Cannabis sativa plant. The preparation involves soaking these plant parts to create a paste that can be incorporated into various foods and beverages.

The tradition of consuming bhang dates back centuries in Indian culture, where it holds significant religious and cultural importance. It plays a prominent role in Hindu festivals, most notably during Holi, the vibrant spring festival of colors. In certain regions of India, bhang is legally sold through government-sanctioned shops and street vendors, particularly in religious areas, though cannabis regulations vary throughout the country.

According to the Indian National Policy on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, only the leaves of the cannabis plant are permitted for use in bhang preparations, excluding other parts of the plant.

How Is Bhang Prepared and Consumed?

Bhang can be consumed in several traditional forms:

Bhang Lassi: This is perhaps the most popular method of consumption. The bhang paste is blended with yogurt (curd) and whey to create a smooth, drinkable beverage. This refreshing drink is often flavored with spices, sugar, and sometimes fruits.

Bhang Goli: A simpler preparation consisting of freshly ground cannabis leaves mixed directly with water to create a drink.

Bhang-Based Sweets: The paste can be combined with sugar and ghee (clarified butter) to make various traditional Indian sweets and confections.

The preparation process typically involves grinding the plant material with water or milk, straining the mixture, and then incorporating it into the desired food or beverage.

Understanding How Bhang Affects the Body

Bhang produces psychoactive effects, meaning it influences how your brain and nervous system function. These effects are primarily caused by cannabinoids, the main active chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.

The two most important cannabinoids in bhang are:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is the primary psychoactive component responsible for the “high” or altered state of consciousness that people experience after consuming bhang. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the body, affecting mood, perception, and various physiological processes.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that doesn’t produce intoxicating effects. Research suggests that CBD may be responsible for many of the therapeutic benefits associated with bhang and other cannabis preparations.

Both THC and CBD have molecular structures similar to endocannabinoids, compounds that your body naturally produces. Endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors throughout your body and play roles in numerous functions including learning, memory, decision-making, immune response, and motor control.

Because of their structural similarity, THC and CBD can also bind to these cannabinoid receptors, influencing how your brain communicates and processes information.

Timing of Effects

An important distinction between consuming bhang and smoking or vaping cannabis is the timing of effects. When cannabis is smoked or vaped, cannabinoid levels in the bloodstream peak within 15-30 minutes. However, when consumed in food or drink form like bhang, cannabinoids are released much more slowly through the digestive system, with blood levels typically peaking around 2-3 hours after consumption.

This delayed onset makes it more challenging to gauge appropriate dosing and can lead to accidental overconsumption if users take additional amounts before the initial effects appear.

Potential Benefits for Nausea and Vomiting

One of the most well-researched applications of cannabis compounds found in bhang is their ability to reduce nausea and vomiting. THC has received approval in some U.S. jurisdictions for treating severe nausea, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

A comprehensive review of 23 randomized controlled trials examined the effectiveness of cannabis-based products in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The results showed that individuals given cannabis-containing products were approximately three times less likely to experience nausea and vomiting compared to those given a placebo. Furthermore, these products demonstrated effectiveness comparable to conventional anti-nausea medications.

Additional research reviews have confirmed strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing nausea and vomiting, especially in adults undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

However, it’s important to note that heavy, chronic use of cannabinoids has been linked to a condition causing abdominal pain, chronic nausea, and severe vomiting in some individuals. This condition, particularly observed in middle-aged men, often doesn’t respond well to standard anti-nausea treatments.

If you’re considering using bhang or other cannabis products for nausea, consult with your healthcare provider first to determine if it’s appropriate for your situation.

Pain Relief Properties

Pain management is one of the most common medicinal uses of cannabis products like bhang, and substantial research supports its effectiveness for various types of pain.

A recent comprehensive review of 28 randomized controlled trials reported that cannabinoids were effective in treating both chronic pain and neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction).

Another review examining 18 randomized controlled trials found that cannabinoids may be particularly effective for chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions that can be challenging to manage with conventional pain medications.

In a study involving 614 people with chronic pain, approximately 65% of those using medically prescribed cannabinoids reported significant improvements in their pain levels.

The pain-relieving effects of bhang likely result from cannabinoids interacting with pain-processing pathways in the brain and nervous system. However, the effectiveness can vary significantly between individuals, and finding the right approach requires careful consideration and medical guidance.

Effects on Muscle Spasms and Seizures

Research indicates that bhang and similar cannabis preparations may help reduce muscle spasms and seizure activity in certain conditions.

Muscle Spasm Relief

Evidence suggests that cannabis products may reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord that frequently causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness.

A recent review of studies found that cannabinoids were effective in managing MS-related spasticity (muscle stiffness and spasms). Some cannabinoid-based medications have been specifically developed to treat MS-related spasticity in various countries.

Seizure Reduction

Cannabis-based products like bhang may be effective at reducing seizure frequency, particularly in individuals who haven’t responded well to other treatments. A recent review of four randomized controlled trials found that CBD-containing products helped reduce seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Another review found that CBD at specific dosages was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing seizure frequency by at least half in people with epilepsy.

These findings are promising, but more research is needed to fully understand optimal dosing, long-term effects, and which patients are most likely to benefit. Anyone considering bhang for seizures or muscle spasms should work closely with their healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Beyond the well-researched benefits mentioned above, bhang may offer additional health advantages:

Possible Anti-Cancer Properties

A large meta-analysis found that cannabinoids may help destroy or inhibit the spread of certain types of cancer cells in laboratory settings. While these findings are preliminary and much more research is needed, they suggest potential future applications in cancer treatment.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Research indicates that compounds in bhang may help reduce inflammation, a underlying factor in many chronic diseases including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids work through multiple mechanisms in the body’s immune system.

Appetite Stimulation

Increased appetite is one of the most common effects of bhang and other cannabis products. This effect could benefit individuals struggling to maintain adequate nutrition due to illness, medical treatments, or eating disorders. However, for those trying to manage their weight, this effect might be considered a disadvantage.

Other Promoted Uses

Bhang is sometimes promoted as a remedy for various other conditions including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Tourette’s syndrome, dementia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.

However, scientific evidence supporting these applications remains insufficient, and more rigorous research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made. Some of these conditions may actually be worsened by cannabis use in certain individuals.

Important Safety Considerations and Risks

While bhang may offer certain benefits, it also carries significant health risks that must be carefully considered.

Short-Term Effects and Risks

Due to its psychoactive properties, bhang can impair short-term memory, coordination, judgment, and reaction time. High doses may trigger paranoia, anxiety, or temporary psychosis in some users. These effects make it dangerous to drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring full mental and physical capabilities after consuming bhang.

Risks for Young People

Children, teenagers, and young adults should avoid bhang and other cannabis products unless specifically prescribed as medical treatment under close medical supervision. The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to cannabis effects.

Heavy or long-term use of bhang, especially when started at a young age, may negatively affect brain development, leading to problems with memory, learning, and decision-making. Studies have also linked early cannabis use to increased school dropout rates and lower overall life satisfaction.

Mental Health Considerations

Cannabis products may increase the risk of developing or worsening certain mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Individuals with a personal or family history of these conditions face higher risk and should exercise particular caution or avoid cannabis products entirely.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Consuming bhang during pregnancy or while breastfeeding poses serious risks to infant health. Research has linked cannabis use during these periods to increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired brain development in babies. Healthcare experts strongly advise against any cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Dosing Challenges

Because bhang is consumed as food or drink, its absorption is slower and more variable than smoking or vaping. This makes it difficult to judge appropriate dosing, especially for inexperienced users. The delayed onset of effects (2-3 hours) can lead people to consume more before the initial dose takes effect, resulting in unintentionally high doses.

Consuming too much bhang can cause seriously adverse effects including irregular heartbeat, dangerously low blood pressure, severe confusion, intense anxiety, and other medical emergencies requiring treatment.

Drug Interactions

Cannabinoids in bhang can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing adverse reactions. If you take any medications regularly, consult your healthcare provider before using bhang or other cannabis products.

Legal Status and Considerations

The legal status of cannabis and cannabis-derived products like bhang varies significantly between countries, and within the United States, between different states. Some jurisdictions permit medical or recreational cannabis use, while others maintain strict prohibitions.

In India, where bhang has traditional cultural significance, its legal status is complex. While cannabis is generally illegal throughout most of the country, the use of leaves in bhang preparations is tolerated in certain contexts, particularly for religious purposes.

In the United States, federal law still classifies cannabis as a controlled substance, though many states have enacted laws permitting medical or recreational use. Before considering bhang or any cannabis product, familiarize yourself thoroughly with applicable laws in your specific location.

Traveling across state or international borders with cannabis products, even where legal at your starting location, can result in serious legal consequences.

Guidelines for Safer Use

If you’re in a location where bhang is legal and you decide to try it after consulting with your healthcare provider, follow these safety guidelines:

• Start with a very small amount: Begin with the lowest possible dose and wait at least 3-4 hours before considering more, as effects take time to appear.
• Use in a safe environment: Consume bhang only when you’re in a comfortable, secure setting with trusted people present.
• Avoid mixing with alcohol: Combining bhang with alcohol or other substances increases risks of adverse effects.
• Don’t drive or operate machinery: Never drive or engage in potentially dangerous activities after consuming bhang.
• Know the source: Only obtain bhang from reputable, legal sources where quality and cannabinoid content can be verified.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as cannabis can cause dry mouth and mild dehydration.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult with a healthcare provider before using bhang if you:

• Have any chronic health conditions, especially heart, liver, or kidney disease
• Have a history of mental health conditions
• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Take any regular medications or supplements
• Have a personal or family history of substance abuse
• Are under 25 years old (when brain development is still occurring)

Seek immediate medical attention if after consuming bhang you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe anxiety or panic, extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or any other concerning symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Bhang is a traditional preparation made from Cannabis sativa plant leaves and buds that has been used for centuries, particularly in Indian cultural and religious contexts. Like other cannabis products, it contains cannabinoids that may offer certain health benefits including relief from pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, and seizures.

However, bhang also carries significant risks, particularly for young people, pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with certain health conditions, and those with personal or family history of mental health issues. The psychoactive effects can impair judgment, coordination, and memory, and the delayed onset of effects when consumed as food or drink makes appropriate dosing challenging.

The legal status of bhang and cannabis products varies widely by location, making it essential to understand and follow applicable laws in your area. Anyone considering bhang for medicinal purposes should first consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss whether it’s appropriate for their specific situation, potential risks and benefits, and safer alternatives that might be available.

As research into cannabis and its compounds continues to evolve, our understanding of both the potential benefits and risks of preparations like bhang will continue to develop. For now, a cautious, informed approach with professional medical guidance remains the wisest path for anyone considering its use.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Cannabis and Cannabinoids
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Health Effects of Cannabis
• CDC – About Cannabidiol (CBD)
• PubMed Central – Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis
• NCBI Bookshelf – Cannabinoids for Nausea and Vomiting
• PubMed Central – Cannabis for Pain Management
• Frontiers in Oncology – Cannabinoids and Cancer
• PubMed Central – Anti-inflammatory Effects of Cannabinoids
• NCBI – Cannabis Toxicity
• National Conference of State Legislatures – State Medical Cannabis Laws