Lassi is a popular traditional dahi (yogurt) based drink that originated in India. It is a blend of yogurt, water, spices and sometimes fruit. There is a specific version of this drink though that we are big fans of. Cannabis Lassi or Bhang Lassi. In this version the drink is infused with cannabis in the form of bhang which is a special process of preparing the cannabis to make it edible. We will take you through the details of making it in a bit but a quick historical reference is needed to get the essence of this recipe.

Bhang through the ages

Bhang is part of the ancient Hindu tradition and custom in the Indian subcontinent. It has been used since 1000 BC in ancient India and it is considered to have various medicinal properties such as a digestion and appetite aid, curing fever, dysentery and sunstroke. Bhang is consumed all over India and more heavily in Mathoura, an ancient town of religious importance to the Hindus, Here the practise is believed to have been introduced by the followers of Krishna and has stayed ever since. It was traditionally used to connect men with Krishna and purify them from their sins.
According to legend, Shiva once had an argument with his family, and wandered off into a field, where he slept under a cannabis plant. Upon waking up, he consumed some of the cannabis and felt instantly rejuvenated and refreshed, prompting him to adopt cannabis as his favourite indulgence.

During the Middle Ages, soldiers often took a drink of bhang before entering battle, just as Westerners took a swig of whiskey. It was said to give them an adrenaline rush, so they felt immortal and invincible, and lessened pain.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the popularity of Bhang Lassi took off with the emergence of recreational cannabis tourism in India. Tourists rediscovered this nutritious cannabis milk shake and made it a favourite across the world. There are numerous variations of cannabis lassi across India all to satisfy the different needs that people have. You have to make sure that you adapt this recipe to your preferences.

Cannabis Lassi / Bhang Lassi recipe

Ingredients:

• 250 g yogurt
• 64 g ice cubes (optional if you want it cold)
• 32 g honey
• 2 drops rose essence
• 128g water
• 1/2 teaspoon bhang seed power

Optionally you can add ground ginger, chopped almonds, coconut milk, sour milk, sugar, fruits or whatever else is to your liking.

Making the bhang

1. If you’re looking to make edibles/tinctures/cannabutter/etc., decarbing your weed is the first step! Decarboxylation is the magic behind making cannabis a potent additive to food and can be used for both THC and CBD cannabinoids. The easiest way to decarb your flowers is to boil them for 10 minutes.
2. Next you will need to drain them and using a mortar and pestle or a mixer ground them into a paste which can be added to foods. You can add 2 tablespoons of hot milk to help with the grounding.
3. Mix all the ingredients into a bowl until you get a homogeneous mix, pour it in a glass and enjoy!

As with all edibles, both CBD and THC, it is important that you gradually increase the dose to understand the tolerance levels that you have or the people that you are going to share them with. To quote John Steinbeck on “Travels with Charley: In Search of America”

A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policies and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.

John Steinbeck