India’s rich culture and diverse cuisine have always attracted people from around the world, with many international tourists embracing the country's traditions and even choosing to settle here. However, adapting to India’s unique experiences isn’t always easy, as recently experienced by famous British social media influencer Sam Pepper. His trip to India took an unexpected turn when what he thought was a simple taste of Indian street food landed him in the hospital. 

Sam has a melt down and starts crying when the Indian nurses leave his drip valve undone pic.twitter.com/wNlaTbVlhJ

— Sam Pepper Clips (@SamPepperClips) September 22, 2024

Sam Pepper, known for his adventurous spirit, shared his unfortunate encounter on social media. During his visit to India, he decided to try what he believed to be “Indian street milk,” but it turned out to be something quite different. The drink, in reality, was *bhang*, a traditional Indian beverage made from cannabis leaves. Unaware of its effects, Sam drank the bhang, leading to serious digestive issues. He began experiencing what was allegedly severe food poisoning, and his condition deteriorated so much that he had to be hospitalized.

Sam shared his ordeal on his Instagram account, @sampepper, through a video. In the clip, he can be seen enjoying the preparation of the bhang by an elderly vendor, unaware of the consequences that would follow. Moments later, he started feeling unwell and had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention. 

Unfortunately, this experience cut Sam Pepper’s India trip short, and he had to cancel the remainder of his travel plans. His story serves as a reminder that, while exploring new cultures and cuisines can be exciting, it’s essential to fully understand the local customs and foods before diving in. 

Bhang, particularly, is a widely consumed beverage in certain parts of India, especially during festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri. However, its potent effects on the body, especially for someone unfamiliar with it, can be overwhelming. Sam Pepper’s case highlights the importance of researching and approaching new cultural experiences with caution.

This incident also reflects the broader lesson for travelers — what may seem like a fun or harmless cultural experience can sometimes have unintended consequences. Sam’s experience in India reminds us to always be cautious, especially when trying unfamiliar foods and beverages.

For those interested, the video Sam Pepper shared on his Instagram shows both his enjoyment of the drink and the unfortunate aftermath of his decision. It stands as a lighthearted yet important lesson for adventurous travelers everywhere.