Bhang

Bhang (IAST: Bhāṅg) is an edible preparation made from the leaves of the cannabis plant originating from the Indian subcontinent.

[10] In 1596, a Dutchman, Jan Huyghen van Linschoten, wrote three pages on "Bangue" in a work documenting his journeys in the East.

[11][12][13] Despite the other accounts, the contemporary historian Richard Davenport-Hines lists the late-17th-century[14][15] and early-18th-century British adventurer Thomas Bowrey[16][17][18] as the first Westerner to document the use of bhang.

Bhang is also mixed with ghee and sugar to make a purple halva, and into peppery, chewy little balls called goli (which means "tablet" or "pill") in Hindi.

[20][failed verification] Bhang lassi is a preparation of powdered green inflorescence with curd and whey put in a village blender (a hand-blending operation is carried out until the butter rises).

[citation needed] Apart from this, sweetened bhang golis are also widely available; these are not considered a drug, but a traditional sleeping aid and appetizer.

Bhang goli has metabolizing effects after approximately two hours, sending a user into a dreamlike meditational state.

[27] However, the Single Convention's definition of 'cannabis' does not include the leaves of the cannabis plant, thereby preserving the legality of bhang culture in India.

[28] Regardless, as bhang has served such an important role in India's culture and spiritual practices, it would be impossible to criminalize cannabis completely in the country.