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Bhang, a marijuana derivative in the form of a paste or dry powder, is mostly used for making chilled beverages in North India. Two popular drinks are Bhang Thandai, where the beverage base is almond-flavored milk, the other is Bhang Lassi where the beverage base is yogurt & ice water. Although rarely shown on menus, some restaurants in Rajasthan will serve Bhang Lassi (it may appear on the menu as ‘special’ lassi). [Apparently, a coin or other small copper object is banged on a stone, then dropped into the drink, thus giving drinkers a "bang", hence the name.] Although cultivation of cannabis is illegal in many parts of the country, bhang is widely available, & there is very little 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.
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Asia
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