Difference Between Bhang and Ganja and Charas

Difference Between Bhang and Ganja and Charas

Have you ever searched for “bhang vs ganja vs charas”? Or, wondering why bhang is available during Holi while charas and ganja get people arrested? You are not alone. When it comes to bhang, charas, and ganja, you’ll be surprised to know that all come from the same plant, but they are different in terms of the part of the plant that is used, how strong each of them is, and whether they are legal in India. In this blog, we’ll discuss the difference between ganja and bhang and charas, backed by the NDPS Act 1985, so you know what’s legal and what’s illegal. 

Table of Content

  • What is bhaang?
  • Is bhang a drug?
  • What is bhang made of?
  • Does bhang make u high?
  • What is ganja?
  • What is ganja made of?
  • What is charas?
  • What is charas made of?
  • Difference between bhang and ganja and charas

What is bhaang?

Bhaang (Cannabis) is made from cannabis leaves originating in India. The scientific name of the cannabis plant is Cannabis sativa, whose leaves are used for preparing bhaang. As early as 1000 BCE in ancient India, it was used in drink and food. During the festivals of Shivratri and Holi, the bhaang is distributed. Bhang is used in bhang shops, which sell the cannabis-infused Indian drinks like bhang lassi and bhang thandai. Nowadays, cannabis gummies are in high demand because they are made using cannabis leaf extract while following the law and regulations. If you are interested in buying leaf extracted cannabis gummies India, you can contact The Canna Cabana. 

  • bhaang in English: Hemp or cannabis

  • bhang in Hindi: भांग 

Is bhang a drug?

Bhang is indeed a drug. It contains THC, which is a psychoactive substance, the principal mind-altering constituent of the plant Cannabis sativa. Excessive consumption would have the effect of changing your nervous system and brain and result in effects such as feeling high, relaxed, or altered.

Bhang is intrinsically linked to its culture and religion. However, it falls into a different legal category than other forms of cannabis, such as ganja and charas, as it is not covered by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Sales are State-controlled.

What is bhang made of?

You might be wondering: Bhang is made from which plant? Bhang is made by grinding and soaking the dried leaves and buds of the cannabis sativa plant. It is consumed during Indian festivals like Holi and is linked to Lord Shiva. Bhang is usually consumed, often in the form of drinks like bhang lassi or balls called bhang goli. 

Does bhang make u high?

Yes, bhang can get you high in large amounts.

  • After you've taken the benefits, which include high relaxation, and also that feeling of needing food. 
  • The bhang takes longer to kick in compared to smoking it, as it is drunk as a drink or taken as a paste. A bhang high may kick in anywhere from 30-90 mins.

What is ganja?

Ganja, also known as marijuana, pot, or weed, is derived from the dried parts of the Cannabis plant's leaves, flowers, and resin. Unlike bhang, which is eaten, ganja is more often smoked as it has stronger and quicker effects than bhang. The stronger and quicker effect is because there is more concentrated THC within ganja, which is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. 

What is ganja made of?

Ganja refers to the dried flower, leaf, and resin part of the Cannabis plant, and it indicates the dried flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant. It contains the highest amount of THC in the plant, so ganja is stronger than bhang. 15-30 minutes is needed after smoking ganja to show the effects. 

What is charas?

Charas indicates a concentrated form of cannabis that includes the resin extraction from living cannabis plants. 

What is charas made of?

Different from ganja, which is harvested from dried flowers of the cannabis plant, charas is made through rubbing of fresh buds against one’s hands to get a sticky substance. Charas has high THC content.

Difference between bhang and ganja and charas

Before you buy bhang, ganja, or charas, you need to know the difference between ganja and bhang and charas, what’s legal to buy, and what you can’t buy in India. 

Bhang

Ganja

Charas

Made from

Made from crushed leaves and seeds of the cannabis plant. 

Made from dried flowering tops/buds. 

Made from pure resin extract from the cannabis plant. Usually made by hand by rubbing the flowering parts of the live plant between the palms. 

Potency

Its potency is mild compared to ganja and charas. 

Its potency lies between moderate and high because of higher levels of THC than bhang. 

Because it is pure resin, it is the most potent and contains the highest levels of THC. 

How is consumed

It is ingested in the form of a drink or as an edible. 

Ganja is usually smoked, either using a traditional chillum or rolled into a cigarette. 

It is crumbled and then smoked. People often mix it with tobacco in a cigarette or a pipe. 

Legal or illegal?

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 strictly imposes a ban on cannabis flowers and resin. However, it excludes cannabis seeds and leaves from its category of prohibited ‘cannabis’. 

Ganja is strictly illegal to sell in most parts of India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Charas is a highly penalized substance among the three. 


Difference between ganja and charas

Let’s understand ganja vs charas:

Ganja

Charas

It is made from the flowers of the cannabis plant. 

It is made from resin extract from the cannabis plant. 

Its THC level is moderate.

Its THC level is high. 

It has a dry texture. 

It has a sticky texture. 

Its color is green. 

Its color is dark brown.


Conclusion 

If you have ever wondered, “Is bhaang and weed same?”, you must now have an idea that both are different. While bhang, ganja, and charas are derived from the same plant, their effects, uses, and significance differ significantly. 

Moreover, if you are interested in buying cannabis plant-based wellness products that are made by following strict regulations, you can contact The Canna Cabana.

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