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Bhang, an edible intoxicant made from cannabis leaves, is popular in North and Central India, especially around Holi. The festival of colour seems incomplete without grinding the leaves, adding the paste to thandai, a milk-based beverage, and consuming it. With an effect much stronger than alcohol, bhang-thandai is also offered to Gods in many temples and distributed among devotees as prasad.
When consumed in a small amount, it can help you experience bliss, which people often refer to as a happy high moment–and on Holi, this consumption is considered to be a blessed, religious affair especially in North India. However, if the consumption quantity is more than the safe amount, it can have detrimental effects on the body. Before the celebration of Holi on March 25, 2024, Slurrp brings you a guide for licensed bhang shops in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. This article also talks about safe consumption, hangover cure, and symptoms of bhang intoxication.
Government Bhang Shops Across In Uttar Pradesh And Rajasthan
Govt Bhaang Shop, Noida
Located in Sector 15, Govt Bhaang Shop is where you can get good quality bhang without the addition of weed. It is believed to be 30 years old and experiences a large footfall of people queuing up on Holi to purchase bhang.
Address: C-149, Naya Bans, C Block, Sector 15, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Contact: 9718669971
Also Read: Holi 2024: 8 Dahi Dishes To Enjoy This Holi
Doctor Bhang, Jaisalmer
If you are celebrating Holi in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, you can purchase government-authorised bhang from Doctor Bhang. It’s a small shop that has been in existence since the 1970s. You can find bhang-infused chocolates, juices, and sweets.
Location: NA
Address: Dhibba Para, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Contact: 9571825008
Blue Lassi Shop, Varanasi
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is yet another city famous for Holi celebrations. Bhang is offered to Lord Shiva in Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Mahashivratri every year. If you want to buy quality bhang in the city, head to Blue Lassi Shop which serves bhang-infused lassi with a handful of dry fruits.
Address: CK 12/1 Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu, Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Contact: 0542-2401127
Theka Bhaang Sarkari, Mathura
Mathura’s Holi celebration is famous around the world. Devotees of Krishna travel to the Krishna Janmabhoomi to participate in the fervour celebrations and consume bhang. Theka Bhaang Sarkari is an authorised shop in the city where you can get bhang goli, add it to thandai at home, and drink it.
Address: FMRF+XFV, Manoharpura, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Contact: NA
What Are The Benefits And Side-Effects Of Bhang
Slurrp connected with Dehradun-based Ayurveda consultant, Dr Ankit Agarwal. He said that though categorised under narcotics, bhang can help to reduce pain if consumed in moderate amounts. “New studies are being conducted in which the CBD oil extract from bhang can be used to treat sleep disorders, insomnia, painful conditions, mood swings, and other psychosomatic disorders. The dosage has to be right.”
If you are consuming bhang seeds, they are considered beneficial for your digestive system. “You can consume them as they are,” added Dr Agarwal. He advised me not to consume leaves directly. Instead, one must consume the oil extracted from them. He added that bhang contains TFC compounds, the amount of which should be below 0.002, which is considered non-addictive.
If the amount of bhang you are consuming has high TFC levels, you are likely to experience side effects like tunnel vision (the person cannot walk in a straight line), excessive increase in appetite, cramps, dehydration, hallucinations, and tremors in the legs. When you consume bhang, it locks the emotional trigger by weakening the nervous system. It means the person is laughing or crying, they will continue to do so until the intoxication levels go down.
The safest amount of bhang that a person can consume is between 3 gm to 7 gm. If you mix this quantity in thandai or milk, bhang will get diluted. “It will give a sense of happiness,” added Dr Agarwal. Smoking, alcohol, and sweets can worsen the effects of bhang, therefore, you must avoid pairing them at any cost.
Dr Agarwal also shared a list of food items that can help to reduce the intoxication in the body. You can have more sambar, tamarind water, buttermilk, potatoes, rice, and water. These food items will help the person feel better and avoid nausea and headaches later.
