Clinical survey of cannabis users in varanasi
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Clinical survey of cannabis users in varanasi
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Late G.N. Chaturvedi, N.P. Rai, U.S. Pandey, K.P. Singh, S.K. Tiwari
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Clinical survey of cannabis users in varanasi
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The survey conducted in Varanasi aimed to investigate the effects of long-term cannabis use, particularly bhanga (Cannabis indica), which has a significant cultural and religious place in the city. With modern research often linking cannabis to harmful effects, this study sought to explore the experiences of 100 regular users over an extended period, focusing on their social and health-related outcomes. The findings challenge the prevailing negative perception of cannabis, suggesting that its regulated use, particularly within the Ayurvedic framework, may not be as detrimental as commonly believed.
Benefits of Bhanga for Gastrointestinal Disorders
An important finding of the survey indicates that many users employed bhanga to alleviate gastrointestinal issues. Evidence showed that approximately 25% of the surveyed individuals began using bhanga for relief from such disorders, while a notable 56% developed an addiction for pleasure-seeking, psychological relief, and improved sleep quality. Regular users reported enhanced appetite, normalized bowel habits, and general relief from symptoms associated with indigestion. Despite consuming amounts that could potentially lead to addiction, users did not exhibit toxic effects, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of bhanga when used appropriately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of bhanga users in Varanasi suggests that long-term cannabis use may offer various mental and physical health benefits, particularly in addressing gastrointestinal disorders and providing mood elevation. The overwhelming majority of participants felt no negative side effects, indicating a need for further research into cannabis鈥檚 medicinal properties. The social acceptance of bhanga in Varanasi further supports the notion that its regulated use can be beneficial, particularly for the socio-economically disadvantaged who may seek relief from stress and discomfort in their lives. These findings call for a reevaluation of cannabis within the broader context of health and wellness, particularly concerning traditional usage practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the cannabis user survey conducted in Varanasi?
The survey aimed to study the social and psychological effects of long-term Cannabis users, specifically Bhanga users, in Varanasi, focusing on personal health, mood, libido, and other lifestyle factors.
How many Bhanga users participated in the study and their demographics?
A total of 100 Bhanga users participated, all of whom were male. They belonged to various age groups, with the majority falling between 11 to 40 years old, primarily from the Hindu religion.
What were the reported benefits of using Bhanga according to the study?
Users reported Bhanga as effective for relieving gastrointestinal disorders, improving appetite, and providing relief from mood disorders. They indicated it enhances enjoyment and has calming effects on anxiety.
Did the study find any harmful effects from Bhanga use among participants?
The study concluded that long-term use of Bhanga did not produce harmful effects among the surveyed users, as no significant toxic symptoms were reported despite regular use.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淐linical survey of cannabis users in varanasi鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bhanga (Bha峁単膩, Bha峁単a, Bhamga):
Bhanga refers to the traditional preparation of Cannabis indica, recognized in Varanasi as a culturally significant substance consumed during religious occasions. Its usage spans social and medicinal contexts, showcasing its historical roots and contemporary relevance in Indian culture, particularly among practitioners of Ayurveda for gastrointestinal and psychological ailments.
2) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' signifies Cannabis indica, which users have employed for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The term highlights the debate surrounding its classification: while modern science considers it potentially harmful due to psychoactive properties, the survey presents a contrasting view on its therapeutic benefits among long-term users.
3) Mud:
Mood pertains to the emotional state of individuals, particularly relating to the effects of Bhanga. Users reported enhancements in pleasure and mood elevation, suggesting its psychoactive properties may provide relief from negative emotional states, such as anxiety or depression, thereby playing a role in users' psychological well-being.
4) Science (Scientific):
Scientific underscores the rigorous approach taken in assessing the use of Bhanga through surveys and objective metrics. This characterization reinforces the study's intent to validate or challenge prevailing notions regarding Cannabis indica's safety and therapeutic potential, moving beyond anecdotal evidence into systematic exploration of user experiences.
5) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a psychological condition characterized by excessive worry and nervousness, prevalent in certain age groups of Bhanga users surveyed. The study noted that many consume Bhanga particularly to alleviate anxiety symptoms, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect of the drug in promoting relaxation and mental peace in social contexts.
6) Shiva (艢iv膩, Siv膩, 艢iva, Siva, S墨va):
Shiva, a major Hindu deity, symbolizes the connection between spirituality and the consumption of Bhanga in Varanasi. The cultural significance attributed to Shiva influences local practices, wherein Bhanga is considered a sacred substance, illustrating how religious beliefs shape medicinal and recreational drug use within traditional Indian society.
7) Depression:
Depression represents another emotional state identified among Bhanga users. The survey finds that some users reported feelings of tiredness or dissatisfaction upon waking, linking it to potential depressive symptoms. Consequently, Bhanga may serve as a coping mechanism, despite raising concerns over its long-term mental health implications.
8) Psychosis:
Psychosis refers to severe mental disorders that may arise from substance use, including Cannabis. While the study acknowledges this potential risk as claimed by modern psychiatry, it reports that long-term Bhanga users in Varanasi generally do not display psychotic symptoms, signaling a divergence from typical Western assessments of Cannabis dangers.
9) Banga (B膩峁単a, Ba峁単a, Bamga, B膩峁単膩):
Banga appears to be a typographical error or variant spelling of 'Bhanga', yet it reinforces the notion of consuming Cannabis in its traditional form. This term reflects broader cultural perceptions surrounding its use, albeit primarily in the context of this survey which looks at user demographics and motivations.
10) Diet:
Diet references the eating habits and lifestyle choices of Bhanga users as a crucial aspect of their health profile. The study monitors how Bhanga consumption interacts with users' dietary practices, emphasizing its role not just as a drug but as part of a holistic approach to lifestyle and wellness.
11) Hand:
Hand in this context is interpreted metaphorically, possibly referring to the human interaction with Bhanga, whether through preparation, consumption, or social sharing. It represents the physical and social aspects of drug use with emphasis on the human element in the experience of Bhanga consumption within community settings.
12) Post:
Post denotes the state or conditions following the use of Bhanga. This term directly connects to how users feel and function after its consumption, emphasizing the subjective experiences and psychological states reported, which provides insight into the immediate and longer-term effects of regular Bhanga use on daily life.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Clinical survey of cannabis users in varanasi鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, Educational background, Marital Status, Psychological symptoms, Low income group, Gastro intestinal disorder.