What is Bhang and How is it Made?

cannabis bhang mango lassi

Bhang, also known as bhang ki thandai, is defined by Wikipedia as an “edible preparation of cannabis.” In other words, it’s a pot edible. But unlike a brownie or cookie, one doesn’t eat bhang. Rather, they drink it. Bhang is old school cannabis-infused milk that has a history dating back thousands of years.

how to make bhang
Bhang is regularly available throughout India as a medical drink. Image courtesy of Vice.

For at least four thousand years, bhang has been an important part of the traditions and religions of various cultures in the Indian subcontinent. This milky euphoric concoction may be the oldest form of edible cannabis known to humans. Those traveling in India who wish to sample authentic bhang should avoid confusing it with bhang goli, which is simply freshly ground cannabis mixed with water.

Making Bhang

Unlike many infused cannabis products, bhang is easy to prepare at home. The hardest part—especially for those in prohibitionist areas—is obtaining the necessary cannabis. Gather the following ingredients prior to preparation:

  • 14 ounces of water.
  • 15-25 grams of fresh, decarboxylated cannabis flowers.
  • 28 ounces of milk.
  • One-quarter teaspoon each of fennel, garam, ginger, and masala.
  • 7 ounces of sugar.
  • 4 ounces of dried mangoes.

First, separate the dried mango and cannabis from the other ingredients. Mix and grind them, together, to powder using a mortar and pestle. After ground, spread the mix on a baking sheet and place in a conventional oven for eight to 10 minutes at 240 degrees F (115 degrees C). 

Don’t Forget Decarboxylation

Why the oven time? This is to perform something called decarboxylation, the process by which the acidic precursor to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), THC-A, changes its chemical composition under heat to become THC. This is necessary because THC-A lacks the euphoric and psychoactive effects of its cannabinoidal cousin THC.

decarboxylate cannabis to make bhang

Many people, during their first few times decarboxylating cannabis, are unsure when to remove the cannabis from the oven. Too early and the potency of the herb will be decreased due to the presence of too much THC-A that was not converted to THC. Too late and the buds can become burned and delicate terpenes and cannabinoids can be lost to heat exposure.

Basically, one should remove the ground buds from the oven when an overwhelming cannabis aroma permeates the kitchen. This signals that decarboxylation is complete. Then perform the following steps:

  1. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and mango to a large bowl and mix in the water and sugar.
  2. Add the dry ingredients and set aside for two to three hours.
  3. Strain the mix using cheesecloth or a fine muslin.
  4. Add milk to the extracted liquid.
  5. Chill and serve!

You’re now a bhang cannabis expert and can consume your own homebrew infused cannabis milk, just like it has been done in India for thousands of years.

Why Mango?

The fact that mangoes are used to make traditional bhang is significant due to the special properties of this fruit. Because mango contains a relatively large amount of myrcene, the most common terpene in cannabis, it has been found to enhance the infamous euphoric effect of THC.

how to make bhang -- cut up mango

Bhang is the base for other euphoric and celebratory drinks in the Hindi culture. For example, if mixed with ghee and (even more) sugar, bhang becomes a drink called purple halva. It can also be used to create small chewy balls called golee.

About Gooey Rabinski 17 Articles
Gooey Rabinski is a technical writer, instructional designer, and photographer who has been covering the cannabis culture since 2004. His work has appeared in High Times, Cannabis Culture, WoahStork, SKUNK, The Emerald Magazine, MERRY JANE, Weed World, Grow Magazine, Whaxy, Green Flower Media, and Cannabis Health Journal. Rabinski crafts compelling educational media that focuses on the science of the cannabis herb, patient advocacy, and eliminating the social stigma that has existed for more than a century in the United States. His photography is available on Instagram at gooey_rabinski and he Tweets from @GooeyRabinski.

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