Bhang, obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant or true hemp, is popularly consumed on the occasion of Holi across India. Even beyond Holi, it is utilised for a range of purposes – for its medicinal properties, as a pesticide, and for helping in the germination of paddy seeds. Here’s all you need to know. First, how exactly is Bhang extracted? The cannabis plant can be 4 to 10 feet tall at maturity. It is found mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains – in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal – along with the Deccan region. Cannabis is termed Ganzai in Telugu, Ganja in Tamil, and Bangi in Kannada. Its plant also grows on wastelands and can easily be spotted on roadsides. Three products can be obtained from the plant – fibre, oil, and narcotics. Bhang is obtained from the seeds and leaves of the plant, which are reduced to powder. Then, the powder is filtered and prepared for drinking, mixed often with cold, flavoured milk or thandai on Holi. What are some …