Bhang is a traditional cannabis preparation, typically consumed as a paste or a milky drink, which has been used for centuries in South Asia. The simple answer to whether it gets a person high is yes, but the psychoactive experience is distinctly different from smoking or vaping cannabis. The way the body processes the active compounds creates an effect that is often reported as significantly more intense and longer-lasting. This unique experience is rooted in a specific metabolic process that fundamentally alters the primary psychoactive compound before it reaches the brain.
What Exactly is Bhang?
Bhang is an edible product derived from the leaves and sometimes the flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is native to the region. The psychoactive preparation is created by grinding the plant material into a thick paste using a mortar and pestle.
The resultant paste is then mixed with a fatty liquid, such as milk, ghee, or yogurt, to create popular preparations like bhang lassi or thandai. Cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are fat-soluble, meaning they must bind to fat molecules to be effectively absorbed by the digestive system. The traditional inclusion of dairy products facilitates this absorption, making the preparation an effective vehicle for delivering the psychoactive compounds.
The Mechanism of the Edible High
The psychoactive effects of Bhang are governed by how the body metabolizes Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) after ingestion, a process known as first-pass metabolism. Unlike inhaled THC, which enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain rapidly, ingested THC travels through the digestive system to the liver. This hepatic journey is what differentiates the edible high.
In the liver, enzymes from the cytochrome P450 family convert the THC into a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC). This metabolite is highly potent and is considered to be two to five times more psychoactive than the original THC molecule. The presence of this unique and stronger compound is the primary reason the Bhang experience feels different from a smoked high.
The 11-OH-THC is also more efficient at crossing the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to affect the central nervous system with greater intensity. While some unconverted THC also reaches the brain, the high concentration of the more potent metabolite drives the overall experience. This metabolic pathway results in a more profound and often more sedative effect on the consumer.
The Experience: Duration and Intensity
The delayed onset of effects is a defining characteristic of consuming Bhang, similar to other cannabis edibles. Because the product must be digested and processed by the liver, the psychoactive effects typically begin to appear between 30 minutes and two hours after consumption. This slow start is a common reason for accidental overconsumption, as people may consume more thinking the initial dose was ineffective.
Once the effects begin, they build gradually, reaching a peak that can be sustained for several hours. The peak is often described as a stronger “body high” compared to the cerebral rush of inhalation, with increased feelings of relaxation and sedation due to the 11-OH-THC metabolite. The overall duration of the high is significantly extended, typically lasting between four and eight hours, and residual effects can sometimes be felt for up to 12 hours or more.
The intensity of the experience is also highly variable based on the potency of the original plant material and the individual’s unique metabolism. Because the time delay makes accurate self-titration difficult, it is recommended to start with a very small portion and wait a full two hours before considering consuming more. This cautious approach helps prevent the overwhelming effects that can result from misjudging the delayed intensity.
Cultural and Legal Context
Bhang holds a unique place in the cultural and religious traditions of South Asia, particularly in India. Its use dates back thousands of years and is closely associated with the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, who is said to have favored the cannabis plant. This divine connection means the consumption of Bhang is ritually important during major festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri.
Despite general prohibitions on most forms of cannabis, Bhang maintains a specific, regulated legal status in many parts of India. This exception stems from the country’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, which banned the resin (charas) and flowering tops (ganja) of the cannabis plant. However, the leaves and seeds, which are the components used to prepare Bhang, were explicitly excluded from the definition of illegal cannabis.
This legal distinction allows for the production and sale of Bhang to be government-regulated or tolerated, often through licensed shops, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.