Bhang: Bhang treated as Intoxicant by State Government | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: State govt on Tuesday decided to treat bhang, prepared from hemp plant, as an intoxicant like ganja and alcohol.
“The state govt do hereby declare bhang, which means a preparation from the leaves or small stalks of Indian hemp plant (cannabis saliva), which is smoked, chewed, infused and drunk and which has the potential of producing symptoms of grandiosity, excitement, hostility, disorientation, hallucinations and thought disorder, as an intoxicant,” the govt notification read.
Excise officials said the move is likely to give power of prosecution to excise officials against those possessing, transporting and consuming bhang beyond permissible limit. In the case of alcohol and ganja, excise department has power to prosecute the accused. “Now, the sale, production and consumption of bhang can be regulated and restricted. The notification will act as a deterrent as well as prevent excessive use of bhang,” said state excise commissioner Narasingh Bhol.
Prosecution can also be initiated under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 1985 for illegal possession and transportation of raw materials to make bhang paste, liquid or powder. TNN
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