Cannabis has been around in India for a really long time.

They had been banned due to the growing influence of westerners having a Hippie generation, also known as the American disease. The earliest mention of cannabis can be traced as back as in the Vedas, dated somewhere between 2000 and 1400 BC. In fact, the Atharva Veda also describes cannabis as one of the ‘five sacred plants’. 

Ancient Indians believed that gods had sent down cannabis out of compassion for the human race. It was also said that the people believed in a legend that said that the leaf was produced in the shape of the Amrita nectar when the gods churned the ocean with Mount Mandara and that resulted in a drop of nectar to fall on earth. The place where this drop fell is said to be the place of origin of the first bhang plant.

People of ancient India, owing to the Vedas, believe that bhang is used to attain delight, increase sexual appetite and even control fear. Bhang is the concoction of cannabis flowers and leaves, milk, water, spices and sometimes also yoghurt.

It widely drinks during Holi even today and sold at Government-sanctioned stores. Even in the Middle Ages, soldiers drank bhang often before going into battle. The uses were widespread and culturally normal.

A major use of cannabis is also for its medicinal values. There are references of it is found in texts dating back to the 9-10th century. Their properties are taught in medical colleges even today.

It is written in the texts how doctors used bhang to treat insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders and pain, especially during childbirth. It also treats dysentery, sunstroke and in clearing phlegm. 

Interestingly, cannabis is not just for pleasure or for medicinal values. Their presence in religious texts of ancient times shows how their uses are for religious purposes as well. It was believed that if one had a craving for bhang, they would be soon met with a happy phase of life. Local gods were often offered bhang during festivals.

The sadhus used bhang to attain spiritual freedom. The Hindu god Shiva is associated with cannabis all the time (also why songs featuring his name are so popular for those when consuming cannabis).

There are many recipes that make use of bhang in food items too. 

Hemp, material derived from cannabis, was first brought to Indians by the Chinese. It was used to make clothing, rope and other goods. The Mahabharata tells this story where the Sakas brought the gifts of hemp thread to India. 

Apart from drinking bhang, ancient Indians also smoked cannabis as ganja. It is the flowers and upper leaves of the female plant. As strong as this is, stronger is charas. Both of these were smoked in earthenware pipes, called chillums. It is a preferred method even today.

The Indian culture of smoking cannabis was actually a major point when protesting against the ban on cannabis in America. The ancient Indians could look past its purpose of being just a means of feeling high and use it in various ways.

At present, people have begun to realize how important it can be to treat various medical conditions and many are in support of its being legalized again.