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A bhang shop in India.

Bhang is a derivative of the leaf and flower of a female cannabis indica plant. It is used for making beverages and sometimes is smoked.^[1]

Bhang Ki Thandai (Hindi) is a drink popular in many parts of North India which is made by mixing bhang with thandai, any cold drink prepared with a mixture of almonds, spices, milk and sugar. A coin, ring or other small object made of copper is struck several times on a stone and dropped into the thandai - this is claimed to enhance the "bang" that Bhang drinkers get.

Cultivation of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the country, but bhang is widely available, and there is only a mild social stigma attached to it compared to smoking marijuana outright. While most conservative or more puritan-minded families in North India abstain, it is an accepted tradition for many Hindus to drink bhang on special occasions, such as during the holi festival,^[2] particularly in Bengal, during Kali Puja (Festival for Kali, the Mother Goddess).

Bhang Lassi is another well-known drink made with bhang.^[3] Although it is rarely printed in menus, some restaurants in North India and Thailand, predominantly the tourist attracting areas such as Rajasthan, serve Bhang Lassi; lassi, which is a yogurt and iced-water beverage, laced with bhang. It is commonly dubbed "special lassi". Prices for a bhang lassi range from 30-50 rupees. Many people find them particularly strong and foreigners will often have to prove they can handle the strength before being sold a potent one.

Bhang shops can be found in such North Indian cities as Jaisalmer, Puri and Varanasi. Bhang lassis can also commonly be found in Pushkar. Bhang is usually a paste, but is sometimes a dry powder. Sometimes bhang shops also sell hashish, or charas, marijuana and opium.

An erotic drawing depicting a couple smoking bhang while engaged in coitus

The traditional harvest of cannabis and preparation of bhang coincides with celebrations of Holi in March and Baisakhi in April. It is believed by some that the traditional dance bhangra derives its name from bhang. Certain erotic drawings from the Mughal period of India depict a couple having sexual intercourse while smoking bhang to enhance their enjoyment.

• Kief

• "A Bit about Bhang"
• Recipe: Bhang Lassi
• Hot-Buttered Bhang Recipe
• "A Word from the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission" A 19th century British report on Bhang
• "Recipe for Bhang-Elixir of life"
• Bhang news page - Alcohol and Drugs History Society
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