Bhang, a legal form of the cannabis plant, has been used in India for centuries. Harvested at the onset of spring, drinks and sweets made with bhang are consumed during the festival of Holi. The latest buzzword everywhere is ‘Bhang: The Original Cannabis Chocolate’. But no, it’s not something from India as one might imagine. In fact, it’s an American chocolate in the making. Scott J. Van Rixel, an entrepreneur and chocolateur based in New Mexico (US), is in the process of acquiring trademarks for this intoxicating goody.

If the trademark is granted, plans are for at least two variations of the chocolate to be first introduced in the US and later on in India, if permitted. As part of pre-launch promotions of Bhang Chocolate Company Inc., the company is selling T-shirts and caps with the name and logo printed on it. What’s worrying is that the trademark would prohibit any other chocolate or candy in the future from using the word bhang in its name.

There have been many rows between India and the West relating to trademarks of historic Indian products such as neem, turmeric and most famously, basmati rice. Due to this, the Indian government has compiled a database of traditional Indian herbs and plants, especially relating to medical practices. Given that this 250,000-strong database already lists bhang, it could be difficult for Van Rixel to get his trademark.

Bhang sweets are freely available in certain parts of India year-round. Maybe it isn’t too late for India to allow its export to the US!

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CHILLIBREEZE
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