Definition

Noun: 1. A preparation made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis (hemp) plant: It is a traditional substance, often consumed by smoking, chewing, or brewing into a beverage, and is historically and culturally significant in parts of South Asia. 2. A form of cannabis: Specifically refers to the crude preparation, distinct from more processed forms like hashish.

Usage

• As a substance: "Bhang" is used to refer to the cannabis preparation itself.
• In cultural/ritual contexts: It is often mentioned in relation to traditional practices, particularly in India.

Examples

• The festival sometimes involves the ritual consumption of bhang.
• Bhang is prepared by grinding cannabis leaves into a paste.
• In some regions, bhang is added to milk-based drinks.

Advanced Usage

• "Bhang lassi": A traditional yogurt-based drink infused with bhang.
• "Bhang shop": A licensed establishment, particularly in parts of India, where bhang products are legally sold.

Variants and Related Words

• Cannabis (n): The plant species from which bhang is derived.
• Marijuana (n): A more general term for the psychoactive parts of the cannabis plant.
• Ganja (n): Another term for the cannabis plant or its preparations, common in the Caribbean and South Asia.

Synonyms

• Hemp preparation
• Cannabis paste

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes a traditional, often unrefined, preparation. It is not typically used as a synonym for modern, processed cannabis products like oils or concentrates.
• Its use is deeply tied to specific cultural and sometimes religious contexts, distinguishing it from purely recreational terminology.

Noun

1. a preparation of the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant; much used in India