Understand the Difference Between Bhang and Ganja

Bhang & Ganja are two of the most famous intoxicants in India; the source of both is the cannabis plant. It is a fact that both have severe differences when it comes to preparation and consumption. Bhaang is extremely popular and is heavily consumed during famous festivals like Holi. Ganja is typically a smoking material and is mostly consumed by the younger generation. Let’s try to dive deep and understand what is ganja and bhang.

What is Bhang?

Bhang is specially prepared by grinding and soaking the dried leaves & buds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Generally used in many drinks and food items on various celebrations, this is widely consumed in India. It also has rooted cultural importance as it is associated with Lord Shiva. Even the sale and the consumption are legal on a larger basis under Indian law. A few of the common consumption methods include bhang lassi, which is a blend of curd, water, and milk infused with ground cannabis leaves, or goli, which is a simple preparation of cannabis leaves just mixed with water.

What is Ganja?

Known as ‘Marijuana, weed, or pot’ this is a potent preparation of dried flowers and resin of the hemp plant. It is different from Bhang and is generally smoked. It has higher levels of THC which makes it more intoxicating, even more than bhang. Generally, smoked for its quick impact, this could be felt just within half an hour.

Major Difference between Bhang and Ganja:

There are significant differences between Bhang and Ganja in terms of preparation, consumption methods, potency, legal status, and effective tenure. Here’s a quick overview of the bhang and ganja difference.

Parameters	Bhang	Ganja
Legal Status	Tolerated	Strictly Illegal
Preparation	With leaves of Cannabis Sativa Plant	Flowers, Resins and Leaves
Time it takes to effect	2-3 hours	30 minutes
Consumption Method	Ingested in food and drinks	Smoked

Bhang eventually holds a significant place in Indian culture as it is also used during festivals like Holi. Generally mixed with Thandai, a milk-based drink with nuts and spices. Bhang is often connected to Lord Shiva, which symbolizes its deep-rooted connections with spirituality. However, Ganja has historic connections that are used by Hindu Ascetics such as Sadhus. It was used by them often to attain spiritual salvation and enlightenment. But in the modern era, it is used for recreational purposes without much focus on rituals.

What are the Health Risks of Ganja?

Of course, cannabis impacts your health in a risky way, and so consuming it might brutally deteriorate your health. Here’s a list of health hazards that could cause problems. Have a look to understand that prolonged or excessive use of cannabis could ultimately lead to:

• Issues related to respiratory organs because of smoking
• Increases the chances of mental illness, including Bipolar Disorder
• High chances of linkage to slow-growing seminoma, which is a sub-type of testicular cancer
• Escalating risk of depression and other suicidal thoughts

What are the Health Risks of Bhang?

Cognitive Declination

Bhaang could usually lead to issues in memory and learning. You process slowly and face a lot of issues in concentrating. In case these signs continue for a few weeks, this is surely risky and problematic. There are other negative impacts as well such as insomnia, memory loss, anxiety, and psychosis. You might also face a lack of psychomotor coordination impulsive behaviour, or loss of control.

Irritation & Hypertension + Tachycardia

Bhang could actually make a person feel restless. Bhang consumption could also lead to cardiovascular diseases, leading to various consequences like:

• Altered mood and perceptions
• Low appetite
• Issues related to thinking and problem-solving challenges
• Problems associated with recalling memories

Acidity & Cough

It is a fact that Bhang has neurological system-altering properties, which could ultimately reduce salvation. As exposed for a longer time, this effect might lead to various painful situations, which is also known as xerostomia or dry mouth. Along with that, it could also lead to sores and poor breath. Apart from that, just like tobacco, too much consumption of Bhang could ultimately lead to a heavy cough.

Choose Athena Okas for Bhang & Ganja Addiction Support

The addiction of Bhang and Ganja also has social stigma attached to it, especially when it comes to women. Because of this stigma and prejudice, it gets immensely problematic for them to seek ways of healing. We welcome you at Athena Okas, where we not only provide you with a judgement-free aura but also a nurturing and fearless vibe so that you can heal from the inside.

This is a women-exclusive rehab centre. We have a renowned and prestigious team to offer a safe, secure, and confidential space for women to heal and recover. The main approach of our rehab is to dive deep, understand, nurture, and heal. We also provide personalised and customised approaches to healing and treatment as per the requirements of the individuals. In case you are seeking Bhang and Ganja addiction support.

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