As India celebrates Holi tomorrow, a health advisory from a leading cardiologist has sparked online conversations about the safety of consuming bhang – a traditional festive drink made from cannabis.
Dr. Alok Chopra, a renowned cardiologist and co-founder of Ashlok Hospital in New Delhi, took to Instagram to explain the effects, hidden risks and specific groups that should strictly avoid bhang.
In a detailed carousel post, he wrote: “Bhang is not harmless. It is a cannabis preparation containing THC, a psychoactive compound that affects the brain and nervous system.”
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He highlighted a key problem with edible cannabis, adding: “Edible cannabis (Bhang) works slowly. Many people overdose because they don’t ‘feel’ it right away. This delayed effect increases the risk of serious reactions and emergency room visits.”
Unlike alcohol, whose effects are usually felt quickly, bhang can take longer to kick in. This delay often results in people consuming more than intended, greatly increasing the chances of adverse reactions.
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In the third slide of his post, Dr. Chopra listed potential side effects: “Consumption of Bhang may lead to: rapid heartbeat, severe anxiety or panic attacks, paranoid or hallucinations, impaired judgment, dehydration.” He also noted that individual reactions vary and can be unpredictable.
Importantly, the cardiologist identified high-risk groups that should avoid bhang altogether. The post warned that those with “anxiety, depression or psychiatric medications, pregnant or breastfeeding, or under the age of 25” should strictly avoid it.
Concluding his recommendation, Dr. Chopra wrote, “Festivals are for joy, not medical emergencies. Choose booze-free celebrations. Happy Holi.”
In the caption accompanying his post, he further emphasized: “Bhang may be part of a holiday tradition – but tradition doesn’t mean harmless.”🥛
Understanding its effects, hidden risks, and who should strictly avoid it is essential before normalizing its use.
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Celebration should never come at the expense of your health. Stay informed. Stay responsible.”
The Internet is responding
The doctor said: “Dr. Josef Witdoering is working tirelessly in the US to raise awareness of the ill effects of cannabis on mental health. Especially in the context of some countries like Belgium, Denmark and some states in the US etc. where cannabis is legally sold in retail stores.”
Another user wrote: “Hit time is about the same as digestion time per person..roughly 2 hours.. people overdose because they abuse the limit.. if they have one drink and have something to eat wait 120-180 minutes before having more.. one understands the power of the first drink.. no intoxicant is harmless under alcohol and alcohol used is dependent on alcohol. tribe.”
As Holi approaches and many households prepare festive treats and drinks, his message serves as a timely reminder that informed decisions can help ensure the festival remains safe and joyful for all.
