50
32. So far as is known, there is no social or re-
ligious custom in regard to charas or ganja, al-
though charas is considered to be sacred to Hindu
god Siva, and his votaries consume it in large
quantities on that account. Bhang is, however,
regarded as the favourite beverage of the god, and
on the festival of Sivaratri, an offering of it is
made. About the time of this festival the wor-
shippers of Siva drink bhang more than ordinarily,
and sometimes form the habit.
33. Charas and ganja are in disrepute, but not
bhang to such an extent. The principal reason
why charas and ganja are in disrepute is that the
lower orders use them, and they are considered as
fit for lower orders only. Any one using them
is naturally regarded as likely to associate with
low men.
So far as is known, hemp plant is not worship-
ped.
34. Yes ; particularly to the class of religious
mendicants who consume these drugs immoder-
ately. Their number is, however, not very large,
being about 2 or 3 per mille of population.
35. It does not seem quite feasible to prohibit
the use of these drugs, but it can be diminished
by raising Government duty. The population
will surely feel discontent, and it may become
serious, since the consumers are generally ignor-
ant and uneducated people, and may lead to the
greater consumption of alcoholic stimulants. The
discontent will not, however, amount to political
danger.
36. No. On the contrary, these drugs are being
substituted for alcohol.
37. The effects of ganja and charas smoking
are similar in main. Ganja, however, is said to
produce thirst.
40. Bhang is generally prescribed to help di-
gestion, and is regarded as a remedy for piles.
It is also given to cattle to alleviate fatigue, as
well as in diseases.
41. The moderate occasional use of bhang may
be beneficial as digestive, and that of charas to
alleviate fatigue. The moderate use is to be pre-
ferred to excessive use, and the use of the drugs
in moderate quantities as digestive or alleviating
fatigue is not restricted to any class of people.
42. The use of these drugs may be harmless in
the beginning, but it is injurious to health in the
long run. This opinion is based on observations.
43. Yes.
44. The immediate effect of the moderate use
of these drugs on the habitual consumer is re-
freshing. It produces intoxication, but does not
allay hunger or create appetite. The effect is
sometimes different in individual cases. Charas
and ganja produce intoxication immediately, and
bhang about an hour after, and the effect lasts for
about two hours. The after-effects are languor
and sometimes headache. The want of subsequent
gratification produces both longing and uneasi-
ness.
45. The habitual moderate use of these drugs
injures digestion in the long run, and produces
asthma except in strong constitutions. It induces
laziness and deadens intellect. The moderate use
does not ordinarily produce insanity.
46. The habitual excessive use causes loss of
appetite, produces asthma, and sometimes dysen-
tery. It impairs the moral sense and induces
habits of immorality. The effects of charas and
ganja are much worse than those of bhang, which
does not impair appetite. Insanity is not unfre-
quently produced, which is often permanent.
Mental anxiety or brain disease may in several
eases have been the primary cause of insanity,
but the habit of immoderate use of charas has
certainly fed the flame and accelerated and inten-
sified the disease.
47. It is not a hereditary habit, and does not
seem to affect the children of the moderate con-
sumer.
48. The excessive use also is not a hereditary
habit, but it affects the children of the consumer
by producing a naturally weak constitution.
50. Cannot be ascertained.
51. Charas and ganja are consumed by bad
characters. The moderate use of these drugs is
not a material factor in promoting crime.
52. The excessive use of these drugs is the
habit of the depraved and immoral. It promotes
crime.
53. Yes. No such case has, however, come
under personal observation.
54. Yes, sometimes.
55. Yes, but more powerful drugs, such as
dhatura, etc., are generally used. Complete stupe-
faction is caused for a time to people not used to
them.
58 and 59. The system is working well ; only
to prevent excessive use, the duty should be raised.
60. Whenever ganja is produced in a wild state
or under cultivation, it should not be left to the
owner or cultivator to sell it on his own account.
The whole should be purchased by Government, as
in the case of poppy, and then sold to persons
authorised to purchase it. This will prevent the
sale of the drug by the owner or cultivator to
others, and serve as a check on excessive consump-
tion.
61. As above.
62. Not necessary, as bhang is not so injurious
as either charas or ganja ; but, if similarity of
system is desired, it may be treated like ganja—
vide answer to question 60.
63. The present system of wholesale partially
induces excessive use of drugs. It should be
abolished except for purchase by licensed vendors
from one another.
64. No.
65. The taxation of these drugs is rather low
with reference to alcoholic intoxicants. The tax
may be raised with advantage.
66. Not necessary.
67. No ; only that the tax should be raised,
68. None that are known. These should not
be allowed if the excessive consumption is to be
checked.
69. People, as a rule, do not object to the opening
of a shop ; on the contrary, they sometimes cla-
mour when one is closed. Shops should be as few
as possible, and the local authorities should be
directed to consider well, and consult experienced
men before opening a new shop, whether it will
increase the consumption.
Oral evidence.
Question 1.—My experience is gained as
Revenue Officer of the Rampur State. I was a
Deputy Collector in Government service, and
have been lent to Rampur. I have been six years
in Rampur. I have made enquiries, and on some
points I speak from personal observation.