ghanja

drug

Also known as: ganja

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Ganja is a potent preparation of marijuana, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is primarily known for its psychoactive effects, largely due to the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While "ganja" can broadly refer to marijuana, it specifically denotes a more concentrated form, often prepared from the flowering tops, stems, and leaves, which contain significant resin.123

The effects of ganja can vary based on its potency, the user's experience, and the presence of other cannabinoids like CBD. Psychological effects may include euphoria, altered perceptions of time and space, and in some cases, anxiety or paranoia. Physical effects can include dry mouth, increased heart rate, and drowsiness. Historically, ganja has been used for medicinal purposes, such as alleviating nausea and eye pressure.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

drug use
Types of cannabis preparations
…made from the pure resin, ghanja is prepared from the flowering tops, stems, leaves, and twigs, which have less resin and thus less potency. Ghanja is nevertheless one of the more potent forms of cannabis. It is prepared from specially cultivated plants in India and the flowering tops have a…
Read More
…made from the pure resin, ghanja is prepared from the flowering tops, stems, leaves, and twigs, which have less resin and thus less potency. Ghanja is nevertheless one of the more potent forms of cannabis. It is prepared from specially cultivated plants in India and the flowering tops have a…
Read More

reggae
Reggae and the Rastafari movement
…endorses the sacramental use of ganja (marijuana). Rastafari (Rastafarianism) advocates equal rights and justice and draws on the mystical consciousness of kumina, an earlier Jamaican religious tradition that ritualized communication with ancestors. Besides Marley and the Wailers, groups who popularized the fusion of Rastafari and reggae were Big Youth, Black…
Read More
…endorses the sacramental use of ganja (marijuana). Rastafari (Rastafarianism) advocates equal rights and justice and draws on the mystical consciousness of kumina, an earlier Jamaican religious tradition that ritualized communication with ancestors. Besides Marley and the Wailers, groups who popularized the fusion of Rastafari and reggae were Big Youth, Black…
Read More