Cannabis has been used for therapy, healing, and countless other benefits for thousands of years; some traditions even date as far back as 2000 B.C. Fast forward to today, society is becoming more aware of the healing and spiritual properties that cannabis can offer.

One practice, in particular, is colloquially referred to as Bhang, an edible cannabis drink used to help celebrate festivals like Holi, Janmashtami, and Shivratri. The Indian culture has a long and thorough history with Bhang, and we’re excited to share some informative knowledge on the drink to help enlighten our readers.

Bhang has grown to be a necessity in Indian culture; some rural parts of the country firmly believe that the drink can cure fever, dysentery, sunstroke, indigestion, and help with clearing phlegm. Interestingly, it’s also said to cure speech impediments.

Through rituals in Ayurvedic and Tibbi, those with diseases like malaria and rheumatism were often treated with cannabis and Bhang in particular. It’s also said that warriors would consume Bhang to ease their nerves, and newlyweds would drink it to boost their libido.

In the holy Hindu text of Atharvaveda, cannabis is considered one of the five most sacred plants on earth, and even the Hindu god of transformation, Shiva, uses cannabis and Bhang to boost meditative practices and focus on his spiritual endeavors. Vedas deem cannabis as a source of happiness, a joy giver, and a liberator. Their Vedic rituals include burning the stems of cannabis plants in their “yagna” fires to help defeat evil forces and enemies.

We’ve stated that Bhang is a cannabis beverage, and it’s pretty easy to make and consume yourself. Bhang is a mixture created by drying, grinding, and soaking the herb and leaves of the cannabis Sativa plant, which results in a paste that’s usually added to food and drinks.

To consume bang, you can blend it with curd and whey to make the traditional beverage called Bhang Lassi. You can also go for a more natural option with Bhang Goli, simply freshly ground cannabis mixed with water. Finally, Bhang can be combined with sugar and ghee to make different sweets and treats.

There are several different cannabinoids in Bhang, but the most notable ones are the familiar THC and CBD. In addition, Bhang helps users with its psychoactive effects to stimulate the mind and nervous system.

Our bodies produce natural endocannabinoid compounds, which are structurally similar to both CBD and THC. Our endocannabinoids bind to our body’s cannabinoid receptors, responsible for learning, memory, decision making, immunity, and motor function. Since CBD and THC are both structurally similar to our endocannabinoids, they can also bind to our cannabinoid receptors, resulting in a high.

In other words, Bhang works the same as any other way to consume cannabis. However, instead of producing almost instantaneous effects like smoking and vaping cannabis, drinking and eating it provide a slower process that can leave you waiting up to 2-3 hours to feel its full effect.

Why might you indulge in this traditional Indian beverage? The numerous health benefits, of course. We mentioned above how it can help cure fevers, boost libido, and relieve stress/anxiety, but the list goes on. Here are a few more ways Bhang can benefit you:

• Prevents nausea and vomiting
• Prevents epileptic seizures
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Reduces pain, mostly from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis