Fatal 'Bhang' poisoning

A young adult male of about 25 years of age consumed a glass (about 300ml) of Bhang on the holy occasion of ShivRatri. The deceased died within 24 hou rs of consuming the Bhang. The deceased had suffered from rheumatic heart d isease with multiple valvular involvements. He had also undergone open-hear t surgery in the past. Fatality due to Bhang is extremely rare and therefor e the case is presented. An attempt is made to review the literature. Bhang is one of the Indian preparations of Indian hemp (Cannabis sativa). I t is prepared by the wet grinding of the leaves of the plant. The bolus is then consumed in various ways. Water is used as a vehicle. In the present c ase a bolus of about 1 to 2 gin was mixed in a glass of water. ShivRatri is a Hindu festival. On this day prayers are offered to Lord Shiv a, who is the god of all evils and poisons. Bhang is a special article, whi ch is offered to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day. Then, the devotees cons ume it as the God. Gujrat is a dry state (possession, consumption, sale, etc. of alcohol, Bhan g, opium and other psychotropic substance, etc. is governed by particular l aws), but on the holy occasion of ShivRati, for a day, the law is relaxed f or the use of Bhang. In most other parts of the country, particularly, in n orthern India, it is a common practice to consume various preparations of I ndian hemp like Bhang, Charas, Ganja, sweetmeat, etc. The bolus mentioned a bove is probably the minimum single dose.