After all, Holi is all about colors and celebration—with a little nasha in the mix! With the festival just hours away, people have already started stocking up on colors and bhang golis to make the most of the festivities. But have you ever wondered if consuming bhang in large quantities could lead to serious health risks? Here’s what you need to know! Reports suggest that consuming bhang beyond a certain limit can significantly increase heart rate.
What Is A Bhang?
Bhang, it is a preparation made from the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa), which is commonly consumed in edible or drinkable forms, such as bhang lassi or thandai, especially during festivals like Holi in India. While it has cultural and medicinal significance, research and medical observations suggest it can pose risks to cardiovascular health, particularly in certain individuals.
According to an Indian Express report, consuming cannabis—including bhang—could put extra stress on the heart, especially in young adults. It raises heart rate and blood pressure, making the heart and arteries work harder. This strain can lead to plaque rupture or cause blood to thicken and form clots, increasing the risk of serious complications.
Studies suggest that regular cannabis users face a 25% higher risk of heart attacks and a 42% higher risk of strokes compared to non-users. So, while bhang may be a Holi tradition, it’s worth knowing the risks before indulging too much!
Why You Need To Be Careful With Your Holi Drinks
Holi celebrations often come with a little too much indulgence—especially when it comes to alcohol and bhang. Derived from the cannabis sativa plant, bhang contains compounds that create a sense of relaxation and euphoria.
While an occasional sip may not be a concern for healthy individuals, it can be risky for those with underlying heart conditions. So, before you go overboard, it’s worth knowing how bhang could impact your health this festive season!
Excess Bhang Can Trigger Irregular Heartbeats & High Heart Rate
When you consume bhang or even alcohol, your body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in, causing your heart rate to spike by 20-50 beats per minute. For most people, this may just feel like a rush, but for those with heart conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) or a history of heart attacks, it can be dangerous.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the risk of a heart attack jumps nearly five times within an hour of cannabis consumption. This means that indulging in bhang, especially in large amounts, could be a hidden heart hazard during Holi celebrations.
Excessive consumption of cannabis-based drinks can increase the risk of blood clot formation, potentially leading to heart attacks by blocking the arteries that supply the heart.
