Bhang sure is a substance that can make you high, but since it is so common in India, people often wonder whether it is legal or illegal. But the thing is, Bhang is perfectly legal in India and it has been like this for quite a long time since it holds significance in the culture of this land. It could be thought that you heard that Hash and Weed are illegal in India but not Bhang, right? Let’s clear up some doubts about that, shall we?
What Exactly is Bhang?
It is super important for you to note that Bhang is a traditional drink that is made from the leaves and stems of the marijuana plant. Get it? And yes, it has been part of Indian culture for centuries and is particularly famous during religious festivals. In India, this preparation besides being smoked, is usually consumed in the form of a refreshing and tasty drink called “Bhang Thandai”, which is prepared by mixing Bhang paste with milk, some spices, and sometimes almonds or saffron.
Are There Any Laws In Place For Bhang In India?
The legal limitations of Bhang’s consumption in India are formed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. The act speaks to the use of certain substances. As per the act, using or holding products like ganja and hash, derived from the flowers and resin of the cannabis plant, can result in serious punishments, including imprisonment. Regardless, the act clearly says that the leaves and seeds of the plant are not within its field of application, making Bhang legal in India, which is made from these parts as we already talked about in the first section of this post.
Judicial Insights on Bhang
As a matter of fact, the legal standing of Bhang in India has been underscored by quite a few dramatic court rulings that have sparked the public’s imagination to reflect on its legal status. To put it simply, the Karnataka High Court declared in 2022 that there is no ban on Bhang as per the NDPS Act. This ruling reinforces the earlier verdicts that made it clear that Bhang is legally different from other cannabis varieties, such as ganja and hash, and that is precisely why it is made legal in India. So yes, if you are found using Bhang in India, there will be no legal action taken against you.
