Bhang in India: Legal & Its Use in Traditional Sweets

India’s relationship with bhang is as old as its civilization. This cannabis-based concoction has been intertwined with culture, religion, and even cuisine for centuries. While the global debate on cannabis legalization rages on, India presents a unique case where bhang occupies a gray area—legal yet culturally embedded. From Holi celebrations to traditional sweets, bhang’s presence is both celebrated and contested.

The Legal Status of Bhang in India

Unlike other cannabis derivatives, bhang enjoys a peculiar legal standing in India. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 criminalizes the production and sale of cannabis resin (charas) and flowers (ganja), but leaves an exception for bhang—made from the leaves and seeds of the plant.

Why Is Bhang Legal?

The legality of bhang is deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices. It has been used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties and is associated with Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities. During festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri, bhang consumption is not just accepted but encouraged in many regions.

However, the legal landscape isn’t entirely clear-cut. Some states, like Gujarat and Maharashtra, have stricter regulations, while others, such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, openly sell government-regulated bhang at licensed shops.

Bhang in Traditional Indian Sweets

One of the most fascinating aspects of bhang is its culinary use. Unlike Western edibles, which often mask the taste of cannabis, Indian sweets embrace bhang’s earthy flavor, blending it with spices and sweeteners to create unique delicacies.

Popular Bhang-Infused Sweets

1. Bhang Lassi – A yogurt-based drink mixed with bhang paste, rose water, and spices like cardamom. It’s a Holi staple, especially in North India.
2. Bhang Thandai – A cooling milk-based beverage infused with almonds, saffron, and bhang, traditionally served during summer festivals.
3. Bhang Goli – Small, potent balls made of bhang paste, sugar, and ghee, often consumed as a quick energy booster.
4. Bhang Pakoras – A savory twist where bhang is mixed into chickpea flour batter and deep-fried.

The Science Behind Bhang’s Effects

When consumed in sweets, bhang’s psychoactive compound, THC, is metabolized differently than when smoked. The liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form that results in a longer, more body-centric high. This is why bhang sweets are known for their intense, prolonged effects.

The Global Cannabis Debate & India’s Position

As countries like Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the U.S. legalize recreational cannabis, India’s stance remains conservative yet inconsistent. While bhang is tolerated, other forms of cannabis face harsh penalties. Activists argue that India’s laws are outdated, especially given the plant’s historical significance.

Medical Cannabis: A Growing Movement

Recent years have seen a push for medical cannabis legalization in India. Startups like BOHECO (Bombay Hemp Company) are advocating for hemp-based products, citing benefits for chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. However, regulatory hurdles remain.

The Future of Bhang in India

Will India follow the global trend toward broader cannabis acceptance? Or will bhang remain a cultural relic, confined to festivals and traditional sweets? The answer likely lies in a middle ground—expanding medical and industrial hemp use while preserving bhang’s sacred and culinary heritage.

For now, bhang continues to thrive in the back alleys of Varanasi, the bustling Holi crowds of Mathura, and the sweet shops of Rajasthan—a testament to India’s complex, enduring relationship with cannabis.