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Holi and cannabis. There is an amazing relationship between the two. There are a large number of people in the country who prepare for cannabis throughout the year. Consumption of cannabis on the occasion of Holi has been an old tradition in India. Those who take it consider it as Prasad of Lord Shiva. Come, let us know when and how the trend of consuming cannabis in Holi started? How is hemp made? Is it legally valid in India?

The history of cannabis goes back thousands of years. It is also mentioned in ancient Indian texts. In the Vedas, cannabis has been called 'Vijay'. It is considered one of the five most sacred plants on earth.

How did it originate?

According to mythology, cannabis is related to Lord Shiva. Poison came out during the churning of the ocean. Lord Shiva drank that poison to save the world. To cool down the heat of the poison, he consumed cannabis. Since then, cannabis started being considered favorite of Shiva.

Another belief is that cannabis originated from drops of nectar. When the gods were carrying nectar, some drops of it fell on the earth. The hemp plant grew from those drops.

cannabis sativa. Photo: Unsplash

When did the tradition of drinking bhang on Holi start?

The tradition of drinking bhang during Holi became more popular in the medieval period. Holi is a festival of spring season. The weather changes at this time. This is the time of autumn. This is also the time of departure of cold and beginning of summer. Cannabis is considered a medicine in Ayurveda. It cools the body and helps in digestion. Gradually it became a part of fun and frolic.

Is cannabis legal in India?

The legal status of cannabis in India is a bit complicated. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985 is responsible for this.Ganja and charas are banned under the NDPS Act. Ganja is made from the flowers and fruits of the hemp plant. Meaning, ganja is a by-product of hemp. One of its by-products is charas. It is made from plant resin. But hemp leaves have been kept out of this ban.

Cannabis is considered a medicine in Ayurveda. Photo: AI Picture

According to law, the leaves and seeds of the hemp plant can be used. This is the reason why there are government cannabis shops in many states of India. The sale of cannabis is legal in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

However, every state has its own rules. In some states, cannabis is completely banned. Consumption of cannabis is considered legal only in the form of leaves. To produce it commercially, it is mandatory to obtain a license from the government. Cultivating cannabis without a license is a crime.

How is hemp made?

Making bhang is a traditional art. The leaves of the hemp plant are used to make it. First of all, fresh or dry leaves of hemp are taken. These are cleaned. The stalk and seeds are separated from these. Then it is soaked in water.

Then these leaves are ground on a cob. It is ground until it becomes a fine paste. While grinding, little water is added. This paste is called hemp ball. The prepared paste is kept in a cotton cloth. Then it is mixed with water or milk and filtered. By filtering the fibers are separated and pure extract is obtained.

This extract is mixed with milk, sugar and dry fruits. Like hemp, some people also soak almonds, pistachios, cardamom etc. and grind them separately. Black pepper is also used to enhance taste.

Consuming cannabis on Holi is not just an intoxicant, it is a cultural tradition. Photo: Unsplash

Cannabis is used in many ways

Bhang is consumed in many ways on Holi. Thandai is its most popular method. In this, hemp is mixed with milk, dry fruits and spices. Pakodas are also fried by mixing hemp paste in gram flour batter. Barfi is made by mixing hemp with mawa and sugar. In hilly areas like Uttarakhand, chutney is also made from hemp seeds.

Keep these precautions in mind

Cannabis should be consumed only in limited quantities. Drinking cannabis in large quantities can have adverse effects on health. This may cause dizziness, nervousness and temporary loss of memory.

According to Ayurveda, cannabis is a medicine. It works as a pain reliever. It is helpful in reducing insomnia and stress but its excessive use is harmful. Children and pregnant women are suggested to stay away from it.

Consuming cannabis on Holi is not just an intoxicant. This is a cultural tradition. It is a combination of devotion towards Lord Shiva and the fun of the festival. Holi is a festival of colors as well as restraint. Enjoy Bhang this Holi, but also take care of your health and safety. Best wishes for Holi.