Bhang, or marijuana, has been used in India for thousands of years - and the bhang lassi is one of the plant's more delicious preparations. Often, the shake-like drink is part of the celebrations surrounding Holi - also known as the festival of colours - or Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival celebrating the god Shiva, in which it's considered a tool to be harnessed for spiritual uses.

But tasty, milkshake-like bhang lassis are also used as a common relaxant and appetite stimulant, popular with tourists in India. Until you can start planning that trip to subcontinent , here's a recipe to try at home.

Bhang lassi ingredients:

1/2 oz. Cannabis

2 Cups warm whole milk

1/2 Cup sugar

1 tbsp Coconut milk

1 tbsp Almonds, chopped

1/8 tsp Powdered ginger

1 pinch Garam masala

1/2 tsp Grenadine

1 cup Water

How to make it:

Bring water to a boil in a teapot, and add cannabis to it.

Brew for about 7 to 10 minutes, then strain.

Gradually grind the strained cannabis along with 2 tbsp of milk using a mortar and pestle; repeat this process several times.

Strain the milk into another bowl and keep aside.

Add a little more milk to the cannabis and grind it along with the almonds, repeat this several times.

Strain the liquid through your sieve to remove the excess cannabis plant matter, and proceed to pour the milk, coconut milk, grenadine and water into one pan.

Add ginger, sugar, and garam masala, bringing to a boil while stirring continuously.

Take the mixture off the heat. Once it is at a reasonable temperature, place it in the fridge to continue cooling for a few hours.

Your bhang lassi is ready to serve!

Banner Image: Scott Dexter / Flickr