Title : The pattern of traditional edible cannabis “bhang” consumption among the Indian population: A quantitative survey
Abstract:
Introduction
India has a historic tradition of cannabis use legal edible “bhang” made from cannabis leaves.It sold by government licensed shops across many parts of the country. However, consumers of this market have not been adequately studied. Pattern of drug use and attitudes towards cannabis and other drug use among bhang consumers could be a valuable data to refine and reform cannabis policies globally.
Methodology
We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey among bhang users (n=200), visiting the licensed bhang shops, in the religious pilgrimage city of Mahakal Ujjain, India. After obtaining informed consent, we interviewed the respondents (age more than 18, current consumers of bhang from the shop) using a specially designed semi-structure questionnaire and WHO ASSIST screening questionnaire. Institute Ethics Committee clearance was obtained.
Results
Respondents were almost exclusively males (99%) males, and half were aged >50 years (mean 50.50 ± 10.09 years). About 63% had formal education more than 10 years and 87% were current employed. Apart from Bhang other substances used currently were tobacco (81%), alcohol (18%) opium and pharmaceutical sedatives (1%). WHO ASSIST scores revealed that 19% had cannabis use pattern in the high risk (score >26) while 75% were in the moderate risk (score 4-26). Major reasons cited behind initiating bhang use were ‘pleasurable effect’ (82%); ‘curiosity’ (77%); and ‘peer pressure’ (48%). Almost everyone procured bhang through licensed shops and majority (63%) spent less than US cent 25 per day on procuring bhang. Only 10% had to take some medical help for health problems related to bhang use. Majority (77%) did not consider bhang to be a drug and considered it to be a holistic medicine (84%). While 67% regarded it healthy, 83% agreed to its addictive potential. In general respondents tended to believe bhang to be safer than tobacco or alcohol (86%), but 45% also revealed that it can cause mental disturbance. Interestingly a distinction was made between bhang and other illegal cannabis products. Only 30% believed that bhang increases the risk of use of other drugs.
Conclusion
A small-scale pilot study featuring the ethnic use of cannabis as legal edible concoction. It highlights the historic trends in consumption and beliefs among bhang consumers in India. Cannabis use as holistic medicine as well as its corelation to other substance is a significant finding. The data can be utilized to further refine our understand the potential of the legal cannabis market in India and its global impact.
