Odisha Govt Declares ‘Bhang’ an Intoxicant

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has officially classified ‘Bhang’ as an intoxicant, as per a notification issued by the Excise Department on August 12, 2024.

The notification identifies Bhang—a substance derived from the leaves or small stalks of the Indian hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa)—as an intoxicant when smoked, chewed, eaten, or infused and consumed.

This decision follows concerns that Bhang can induce symptoms such as grandiosity, excitement, hostility, disorientation, hallucinations, and thought disorders.