Bhang

Bhang is a derivative of the leaf and flower of a female cannabis plant. It is used for making beverages and sometimes is smoked. Certain erotic drawings from the Mughal period of India depict a couple copulating while smoking bhang to enhance their enjoyment.

Bhang Thandai is a drink popular in many parts of India which is made by mixing bhang with a paste of almonds, certain spices, milk and sugar. 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 drinking of Bhang Thandai.

Bhang Lassi is another well-known drink made with bhang. Although it is rarely printed in menus, some restaurants in India and Thailand, predominantly the tourist attracting areas such as Rajasthan, serve Bhang Lassi, which is a yogurt and iced-water beverage laced with bhang. It is commonly dubbed "special lassi".

The traditional harvest of cannabis and preparation of bhang coincides with celebrations of Holi in March and Baisakhi in April. It is believed that the traditional term bhangra derives its name from bhang.

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