Odisha Govt Declares Bhang As Intoxicant

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Tuesday notified ‘bhang’ (the leaves and flower tops of cannabis) as an intoxicant. The Excise department made the declaration under clause (t) of Section 2 of Odisha Excise Act, 2008 (Odisha Act 10 of 2013).

Bhang is a preparation from leaves or small stalks of Indian hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa) which is smoked, chewed and eaten or infused and drunk in different parts of the state.

Bhang has the potential of producing symptoms of grandiosity, excitement, hostility, disorientation, hallucinations and thought disorder, the notification further stated.

Bhang is a popular Holi beverage. However, it is popularly consumed even during Mahashivratri as a prasad. Bhang holds a religious significance on Mahashivratri. It is believed that Thandai is Lord Shiva’s favourite beverage and thus is consumed as prasad on Mahashivratri.

In May 2023, the Odisha government directed district collectors to prohibit the use of ganja at all Shiva shrines across the state.