The Inquisition on BHANG and Hemp (September 1, 2003)

On March 17 2003 the Dutch narcotic law (opiumwet) changed dramatically (http://www.mpp.org/Dutch).

Hemp is on List 2 of the new opiumwet/narcotic law which does not discriminate between low-THC{=fiber} and high-THC-contaning hemp {=marihuana eg} anymore. Each part of the plant, the import/export, preparation, treating, processing, selling, supplying, providing, transport, manufacturing or even possessing are now illegal. Offenders risk up to 12 year imprisonment.

Not based on any scientific evidence whatsoever marihuana was made into a classified medicine. Only medical professionals are now allowed to handle it, or to publish about it.

In other words: after having been tolerated (Dutch"gedoogd") for 7 years, by September 2003, as the only hemp-based product, Shiva Bhang is forbidden in the Netherlands.

Traditionally Bhang is part of the religious practices. This new narcotic law now turns devotees of Lord Shiva into criminals, and takes away from Hindus their right of religious freedom. Shiva Bhang is a sacramental product with unique, wholesome properties that can be used in many different ways. It has a millennia-old track record to prove its safety and efficiency when applied for physical, mental, emotional, psychological, as well as spiritual purposes.

Even if Bhang is NOT a medicine, it has made the lives of many patients bearable: time and time again, without change of dosage, as well as without risk of addiction. It is these patients with Cancer, Aids/HIV, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and chronic pains who are going to suffer the most now that Bhang has been legislated into oblivion by this new narcotic law (opiumwet) .

To create a frame of reference for the West, and to understand the true and awesome nature of Bhang, a Research Counsel has been established in March 2003 . This ShivaBhangResearchCouncel started a registration procedure with the Bureau of Medicinal Cannabis (BMC) to give Shiva Bhang Moodstabilizer legal status.

The final outcome of these efforts at the present moment is that Bhang is excluded from any application by the BCM because:
"If you do not recognize that Bhang is a medicine, any attempt to get an opium act license will be useless, because we will not grant a license in such a case". Drs W.K. Scholten, chief inquisitor."

Shiva Bhang Amsterdam has been tolerated ("gedoogd") to fill the vacuum for as long as the BMC --using a double standard -- needed it to supply marihuana to the pharmacies. The Opiumwet dogma leads to discrimating against Bhang in regards to all the other hemp products now listed (such as hemp soap, ETC.) which will still be availabe in shops after September 1, 2003

Why does the Shiva Bhang Research Counsel NOT want to recognize that Bhang is a medicine ?

The answer is very simple: Bhang is a 4000 years old product, based on ancient Vedic tradition, verified knowledge and unchangeable truth. Only around the eigth century A.D Bhang was integrated into the medical practice of Ayurveda. Shiva Bhang Amsterdam can and will not make right what is wrong, only to satisfy the director of the BMC.

What are the consequences ?

 This inquisition on Bhang will create suffering to people who for improving their health have no other options but this sacrament. The new law forces people to smoke the detrimental and mythic "medicinal" BMC marihuana instead. In the near future this situation will create disaster for the many patients who have no alternatives to Shiva Bhang. All hedonistic and/or recreational users now forced to stop using Bhang, may revert to health destructing habits.

 If in showing solidarity you want to support us, please mail your objections and/or protests to:

Drs W.K. Scholten
E-Mail: <wk.scholten@minvws.nl>

Or write to:
Drs W.K. Scholten
Director of the BMC,
Ministery of Health,
Postbus 20350,
2500 EJ Den Haag

Please send a copy of it to: shiva@bhang.nl,
or Postbus 3513,1001 AH Amsterdam.

Another way of claiming your rights is to join the Shiva Bhang Supportgroup.
email: Anouk_Laurina@lycos.com
Subject: ShivaBhangSupporter or, free Membership

This support group was established by therapeutic professionals who cannot agree to this madness and who are very concerned about the disaster it will cause to all people in need.

Donations for legal fees are welcome at giro: 9140751 tav. Shiva Bhang Support Group
Thanks you for your goodwill and solidarity.

Feel free to spread the word......more info to follow on our website www.bhang.nl

Shiva Bhang Supportgroup and Shiva Bhang Amsterdam.