Intoxicants like the difference between Bhang and Ganja are common throughout the Indian subcontinent. First things first: both come from the same plant—the cannabis plant. Their preparation and consumption methods differ.
Both are well-liked by Indians. But during the Holi festival, Bhang is mostly utilized as a component to create a very intoxicating drink. The majority of the country's rural residents regularly use marijuana. Nonetheless, young people in urban areas become dependent on ganja. This blog explores the distinctions between these two widely used drugs as well as the physical and psychological effects of frequent use.
Indian culture has long included cannabis use. Its origins can be found in the ancient Vedic writings, and it has been used in religious rituals, healing procedures, and leisure pursuits. The plant is well-known, but its various products have drawn the most interest, such as the difference between ganja and Bhang. Every form has a different potency and mode of ingestion, providing users with various experiences.
What is Bhang?
Dried, crushed, and soaked Cannabis Sativa plant buds and leaves are combined to create Bhang. Throughout festivals and regularly, it is added to food and beverages in different parts of India.
According to a Statista study, at least 2% of Indians consume Bhang, a significant percentage considering India has one of the highest populations worldwide.
Although cannabis is banned in the majority of India, it is generally accepted for sale and consumption in the form of Bhang lassi varanasi.
Food and beverages made with bang are sold nationwide in government-run and private stores. It is important to remember that dried leaves can only be lawfully used to flavor food and beverages that contain Bang. The Indian National Policy on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances permits the use of cannabis plant leaves.
Lashing is another popular beverage in the Indian subcontinent. It is typically consumed with Bhang cannabis. To make lassi, curd, yogurt, water, milk, salt, sugar, spices, or herbs are blended. Intoxicating bhang lassi is made by infusing cannabis leaves into the drink.
In addition, many drink bhang goli, ganje ka phool, a concoction of water and freshly crushed cannabis leaves.
Bhang: The Liquid Refreshment
In India, Bhang is possibly the most well-known cannabis mixture. It is created from the cannabis plant's leaves and blossoms and is frequently drank as a liquid refreshment during holidays like Holi and Maha Shivaratri. The reason for Bhang's widespread appeal is its connection to Lord Shiva, who is thought to have utilized it to achieve altered levels of awareness.
Using a cannon and pestle, the leaves and petals are ground into a fine paste to prepare Bhang. This paste is combined with milk, water, yogurt, and other spices, including cardamom, fennel seeds, and rose petals, to make a tasty drink. Usually sweetened with sugar or honey, the combination is occasionally topped with pistachios or almonds.
Even while Bhang isn't as strong as other cannabis strains, it still has a slight psychoactive effect. Enhanced sensory sensitivity, relaxation, and euphoria are some of its benefits. Bhang has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like fever, diarrhea, and digestive problems in addition to being used recreationally.
What is Ganja?
Ganja is a very strong cannabis plant that has been smoked. In the West Indies, the ganja preparation is commonly referred to as marijuana. Many colloquialisms refer to ganja, including weed, herb, pot, grass, and bud. The dried hemp plant's leaves, flowers, and resin are used to make ganja.
Ganja: The Potent Floral Powerhouse
The main psychoactive component in cannabis, (THC) tetrahydrocannabinol, is found in greater concentrations in ganja, which is made from the dried flowers of the cannabis plant, than in Bhang. The flowers are hand-picked, washed, and sun-dried to produce a product that can be smoked.
In India, ganja is typically smoked through a chillum, a clay pipe, or rolled into a joint with tobacco. Its effects are more potent than Bhang, giving users greater exhilaration, creativity, and contemplation. Both recreational and medical uses of ganja have been documented; some traditional healers have prescribed it as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
In India, despite its cultural significance, ganja is still illegal to possess or sell, creating a booming black market. The possibility of pesticides, heavy metals, and other hazardous materials contaminating the product from uncontrolled manufacture has raised questions over the product's safety and purity.
Major Differences Between Bhang & Ganja | Bhang VS Weed High
When it comes to preparation, the primary ingredient in Bhang is the leaves of the hemp plant, whereas ganja also includes flowers or resin. Because of this, ganja has a much higher level of intoxication and becomes more addictive.
Additionally, the effects of ganja peak in 30 minutes, whereas those of Bhang take up to 3 hours. Since both are common ways to consume cannabis in India, the Narcotics laws prohibit their usage in a variety of ways.
First off, there is no law against consuming Bhang in India. Thus, those possessing larger amounts of the drug are not prosecuted. On the other hand, there are several penalties for anyone found in possession of ganja more than the amount allowed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act or whose quantity exceeds it.
The Medical Benefits of Cannabis and Marijuana
Numerous studies have shown that moderate cannabis use, such as Bhang or ganja, provides major health advantages. They are on our shortlist for you -
According to a paper published in the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering, cannabis has a strong therapeutic benefit when treating chronic pain. Treating mental health conditions, including depression and social anxiety, is another medical use for the cannabis plant. Cannabis used orally helps reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, a medical treatment for cancer patients. The condition known as epilepsy is treated with cannabis.
The Health Risks of Cannabis and Marijuana
Cannabis leads to other devastating health effects among different individuals. The common ones include the following:
When using cannabis, people with bipolar disorder experience an amplification of their mental illness. According to a study, despair and suicidal thoughts are common among regular cannabis users. The slow-growing seminoma subtype of testicular cancer is exacerbated by cannabis smoking, according to the National Academies of Sciences. The health of the lungs is impacted by cannabis smoking, and frequent users run a serious risk of developing respiratory conditions.
The Sanskrit Word for Cannabis or Marijuana is Ganja | Marijuana Plant in Hindi
Ganja, CBD, the Sanskrit term for the dried cannabis plant buds, is a pleasant and calming sensation that enhances the sound of music. It's marijuana. Known by many different names, such as cannabis, pot, sticky icky, mean green, and so on, ganja is the same substance that has been a part of our culture and traditions for millennia.
Conclusion
The wide variety of cannabis products that have been ingrained in Indian society for generations are symbolized by Bhang, ganja, and charas. All forms are connected to spiritual practices, conventional medical, and leisure activities, even though each gives a different experience.
It will be intriguing to watch how India handles the difficult interplay between its long-standing customs and contemporary legislation as the world's view of cannabis continues to move toward acceptability and legalization. Meanwhile, people who value the rich cultural importance and history of cannabis in India will always have a particular spot in their hearts for the trio of Bhang, Ganja, and Charas.