bhang

thumb|Photo of bhang drinkers, from the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission report, 1893 thumb|Bhang thumb|right|Process of making bhang in a village in Punjab, India

Bhang (IAST: Bhāṅg) is an edible preparation made from the leaves of the cannabis plant originating in India. Cannabis sativa is the scientific name of the plant whose leaves are used for bhang preparation. Bhang is believed to be the least harmful form of cannabis preparation and also shows medicinal use in ancient India. This is because it does not contain the flowering tops of the plant or the resin produced by the cannabis plant.'' It was used in food and drink as early as 1000 BCE in ancient India. Bhang is traditionally distributed during the spring festival of Maha Shivaratri and Holi. Bhang is mainly used in bhang shops, which sell the cannabis-infused Indian drinks bhang lassi and bhang thandai.