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Cannabis in India has been used since as early as 2000 BCE. All forms of cannabis are currently illegal in India, with some limited allowances made for some traditional preparations. In Indian society, common terms for cannabis preparations include charas (resin), ganja (flower), and bhang (seeds and leaves), with a milkshake made from bhang being one of the most common licit usages in India. As of 2000, per the UNODC the "prevalence of abuse" of cannabis in India was 3.2%. == Antiquity == ''Bhanga'' is mentioned in several Indian texts dated before 1000 CE. However, there is philological debate among Sanskrit scholars as to whether this ''bhanga'' can be identified with modern ''bhang'' or cannabis. Cannabis sativa is one of the candidates for the identity of the plant that was used to prepare soma in Vedic period. Soma was an intoxicating ritual drink that has been highly praised in the ''Rigveda'' (c. 1700–1100 BCE). ''Atharvaveda'' (c. 1500-1000 BCE) mentions ''bhanga'' as one of the five sacred plants that relieve anxiety. Sayana interpreted ''bhanga'' as a type of wild grass, but many scholars identify ''bhanga'' with cannabis. The relevant verse: ''Sushruta Samhita'' (c. 600 BCE) again mentions ''bhanga'', as a medicinal plant, and recommends it for treating catarrh, phlegm and diarrhea.〔 According to Gerrit Jan Meulenbeld and Dominik Wujastyk, ''Chikitsa-sara-sangraha'' (c. late 11th century) by Vangasena is the earliest extant Indian text that features an uncontested mention of cannabis. Vangasena mentions ''bhanga'' as an appetiser and a digestive, and suggests it in two recipes for a long and happy life. Narayan Sarma's ''Dhanvantariya Nighantu'', a contemporary text, mentions a narcotic effect of the plant.〔 Nagarjuna's ''Yogaratnamala'' (c. 12th-13th century) suggests that cannabis (''mdtuldni'') smoke can be used to make one's enemies feel possessed by spirits. ''Sharngadhara Samhita'' (13th century) also gives medicinal uses of cannabis, and along with ''ahiphena'' (opium poppy), mentions it one of the drugs which act very quickly in the body.〔 Cannabis also finds its mention in other historic scriptures like ''Dhanvantari Nighantu'', ''Sarngandhara Samhita'' and ''Kayyadeva Nighantu''. It is also referred in Ayurveda as an ingredient in various recipes of pain relievers and aphrodisiacs, but in small quantities. It is noted that large quantity or long time consumption can be addictive and that it is more dangerous than tobacco for lungs and liver. Ayurveda however does not use cannabis for smoking recipes. The Hindu god Shiva is said to have chosen cannabis as his favorite food, after having spent one night sleeping under the plants leaves and when eating of it in the morning refreshed him. Another legend suggests that when the poison Halahala came out from the Samudra manthan, Shiva drank it to protect everyone from it. later, ''bhang'' was used to cool him down. Shiva Purana suggests offering ''bhang'' to Shiva during the summer months. But not all devotees offer ''bhang'' to Shiva. Many Ayurvedic texts mention cannabis as ''vijaya'', while tantric texts mention it as ''samvid''.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Cannabis in India」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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