They may be stigmatised as addicts, but Bhang buffs believe that the intoxicating herbal concoction can solve everything – from enhancing their sexual performance to keeping them away from crime.
It is not a solution medical practitioners or law enforcers are about to endorse, but despite being illegal, the love of Bhang continues to attract people in Sindh.
Glamorised in Bollywood films, Bhang is made from the leaves and flowers of cannabis. They are ground together, put through a strainer and water is poured over it. The intoxicating drink is consumed by those who want a cheap fix and can’t buy bootleg alcohol or locally brewed products. A Rs50 jug will suffice for five men.
Bhang isn’t just served up in glasses. Those who cannot afford to be slave to it, use Bhang after boiling it for a few minutes. It is also chewed, and some consume it with betel leaves. One addict told The Express Tribune that it is also smoked.
Addicts call it Thadal or Pyalo and to mix up the taste, its leaves are ground with almonds, spices, cardamom and black pepper.
They believe that these ingredients improve mental capacity and make the mind and body more powerful. The longer it is ground, the stronger the impact.
There are different kinds of Bhang. The innovatively titled Martial Law bhang comes from Punjab and offers a stronger level of intoxication. Sindhi Bhang is grown at hilly areas within the province. And the third variety, Nagan Bhang is apparently made from the skin of a dead snake.
Addicts propound a number of theories about the benefits and history of Bhang. Yousuf Lakho, who has been addicted to it for 15 years, claims it was a “favourite of Sufis because it purifies the inner soul and keeps its users away from sin”. He also argues that it enhances your ability to concentrate.
In what law enforcers might find an innovative argument, Lakho claims that Bhang addicts tend to stay away from crime unlike other substance abusers. “It restrains one from doing things which are harmful for others or society,” he explained. “Basically it is a cowardly intoxication.”
Other addicts believe that Bhang has healing properties and can serve as a tonic for a ‘healthy mind and body’. Abdul Rehman Jokhio testifies to its properties: “I had a peptic ulcer and one of my friends advised me to use Bhang. It really worked and healed my pain. I am addicted to it now,” he said.
In general, cannabis is believed to deaden libido and performance, but Bhang users argue otherwise, saying the drink could be called the poor man’s Viagra. “It is magic,” Jokhio argues. “There is no alternate medicine and some of my friends use Bhang for this.”
The drink is popular in the countryside when the hot weather hits. “A little bit goes a long way and relaxes you,” said Jokhio, explaining that the almonds help add to the cooling effect.
Bhang is served at upscale Holi parties in Karachi but the well-heeled are generally keen not to be seen with the brew and drink it in secret. “We have a strange society where good things are forbidden and bad things are used openly,” one user quipped. A well-known writer, for example, admitted to using Bhang but said he did not want to be named. Its effect is so strong, he said, that he has a drink when he needed to work with complete concentration.
Unlike alcoholic beverages like wine or drugs like hashish, whose effects last for a limited time, Bhang, its fans say, can last up to 24 hours. Sufficient warning for anyone who decides to try it.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2012.
COMMENTS (25)
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This article is addictive! I can't stop reading it. This article should be illegal. Now, where's my whiskey?;)
Just a correction, Thadal is without Bhang. In other words it is a refreshing almond drink. If you add cannabis leaves to Thadal, then it becomes Bhang.
“We have a strange society where good things are forbidden and bad things are used openly,” nuff said!
well good story about bhang, as per my study it develop concentration and provide relax your mind.
Bhang (Cannabis) is very useful for cancer patients under going chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy produces side effects like nausea, vomiting and Appetite Loss.
Cannabis is recommended to over come these side effects.
Can vouch for the concentration power after having Bhang - The mind stabalizes, the toughts are binded and calmness descends, then focus on what you need to do, all the senses are controlled and directed to the object you want to.
There is no hallucination, btw Holi is in next month so time for the yearly Bhang shots.
One can see plants of bhang everywhere in Islamabad, Marri, Rawalpindi and other areas of Punjab but people there dont use it because it's (impact) is COLD while the temperature in Sindh is moderate and in summer its too hot. So let them enjoy their SUMMER at least.
Bhang is all over the place in our area, though not many people use it.
Bhang should be legalized as a cultural drink. It is not addictive and has no side effects.getting a little high is no offense while every other person who can afford, enjoys Scottish delicacies in drinks!
@MM:
In addition the article goes so far as to say those interested in trying it have been warned. The internet brings out the stupid in people.
so? its so magical..............r u suggesting we all should give it a try?
I find it strange that some readers think that doing a story on something means ET supports it. So if we do a story on a rape, does that mean we are encouraging rape? Supporting rape? Or if we do a story on politicians and corruption, does that mean we're supporting it and telling people to be corrupt? The story is on bhang and how it's made. It is a reality out there. No where in the story does it say, "Hey, this is great. Drink up". In fact, the repeated use of the word "addict" seems to have been totally ignored.
@ ET
Thank you very much for providing a platform to discuss our knowledge about bhang...way to go
It is said CM Sindh, Qaim Ali Shah, is a fan himself!
The article seems to drive and recommend readers to drink Bhang, though in the last line there is a lukewarm warning. The author has looked at it from one perspective only. Had it been better if physicians would have been asked to give their viewpoint on drinking bhang too. Only a few persons' experiences but no information based on scientific data.
No Bhang is not different from marijuana. It is same thing
@Mj: No. Bhang is the aqueous (water) extract of Marijuana plant leaves and flowers. In particular flowering season, the alkaloid contents are higher in the leaves and one can see it almost exude as in pimples.
Water extract contents are different from high temp(volatile) content.
Cannabis, hemp, marijuana are different names and different plant species exists. Cannabis is legally prescribed by physicians for certain illness in US now, (not all states) for it's analgesic property.
Such a refreshing read ;) Thanks ET for making my day. The happiness on the face of the man holding glass of bhang is pricelss!!
I remember reading a pharmacology quote that goes like this:
"No other drug has pleased the almighty to alleviate the sufferings of the people as that of opiates."
Opiates are the best analgesics available. Unlike the refined products of alkaloids, or fermented sugar, ie alcohol, brain tissue co-evolved with plant alkaloids and the "reward center" pattern is totally different.
It is really sad that opiates took a bad name in modern legal framework.
Pink Floyd!!! Heee..
Legalize bhang.
Is ET promoting the use of Bhang?
Demonizing a wonderful herb! Ganja had been used in the sub continent from time immemorial and it was deemed 'bad' only after imperial/ western powers decided so! Sufi Saints and sadhus have been using it explore the alternate thoughts and ideas. Shame that we insult this wonderful medicinal herb blindly. There is a growing movement in western countries to legalize the consumption.
Is bhang different from marijuana?