198
Question 53.—I can remember no ease of homi-
cidal frenzy except the young man that I have
already referred to, who was acquitted by the
Magistrate. There are many cases of attempts
to murder. I cannot recall any special case. I
have no notes and did not expect to be asked.
Question 59.—I would have hemp drugs further
restricted except bhang. I do not think that
Government taking the drugs into its hands
would lead the people to think that Government
had any interest in encouraging their use. It
would reduce consumption to some extent.
Question 65.—Increase of price would reduce
consumption, and would not lead to more gamb-
ling and crime (cf. answer 51), for the habit
would not be formed so easily.
131. Evidence of MAZHAR SUBHAN, Medical Practitioner. Gorakhpur.
1. Being a medical practitioner, I had on I
several occasions many opportunities to examine
practically the hemp drugs, and these are the
bases on which my answers are framed.
2. The definitions stated by Dr. Prain in his
report of the 21st June 1893, may appropriately be
accepted for this circle ; the products are locally
known by the names ganja, bhang, and charas.
3. The hemp plants grow spontaneously in the
districts of Basti and Gorakhpur.
It grows
abundantly in Tahsil Mahrayganj in the latter
district.
4. They are known by the different names of
ganja, bhang and charas. Yes; they do refer
exactly to the same plant.
5. The special condition necessary to the growth
of wild hemp being a submontane part of the
district or any such soil.
6. The growth of the wild hemp is ordinarily
dense,
14. They are not prepared in these provinces.
They are rather brought to these parts by imports.
18. Yes; it deteriorates after keeping one year,
if these are kept carelessly open.
19. The ganja and charas are used for smoking
only.
20. They are smoked especially by the persons
of low communities, such as chamars, Kahars, ahirs,
etc. They are also used much for smoking by
hilly tribes of the fakirs, known as jogis, etc. It
is consumed partly in all the localities.
21. In these provinces the chur ganja is pre-
ferred for smoking.
22. As far as I know, the native charas is
chiefly used here.
23. Bhang is never used for smoking.
24. The Brahmans generally drink much of the
bhang, and it is eaten partly by all the classes of
Hindus, forming it into a sweetmeat called majun.
25. The use of ganja, charas and bhang is in a
moderate state; it is neither increasing nor de-
creasing.
26. Bhang is generally used among Hindus
habitually at 25 per cent., and occasionally at 10
per cent. Charas is rare in Gorakhpur and
Basti; ganja is used habitually at 10 per cent.
and occasionally at 5 per cent.
27. Ganja is mainly used by sadhus and jogis,
and occasionally by those who frequent their com-
pany. The circumstances which lead to the prac-
tice are not known to me.
28. The average cost of ganja smokers is one
pice a day, and that of bhang consumers is ½ of
a pice per diem in the case of moderate consumers,
while in the case of excessive consumers, it is in
my estimation four times the said cost.
29. The dhatura is generally mixed with bhang
to make it stronger. There is no such preparation
as bhang massala.
30. At shops the consumption is practised
generally in company, but otherwise in solitude.
Its use is not confined to females or children at
any part.
31. Yes ; the habit of consuming is easily form-
ed. The moderate habit often develops into exces-
sive consumption. It is not difficult to break off
this habit.
32. The Hindus while using these drugs take
generally the name of their deity Shiva, which
indicates their religious views unknown to me.
35. Yes ; the use of the drugs should be pro-
hibited. The prohibition will occasion discontent
among the consumers, but not such as to amount
to political danger. The prohibition would cer-
tainly be followed by recourse to alcoholic sti-
mulants.
37. The effect of charas-smoking does not differ
from that of ganja.
38. They are generally of the same effect.
39. Smoking generally injures the brain and
lungs, while the drinking process affects the whole
system of the body.
40. Ganja is generally used for certain nervous
diseases such as tetanus. Bhang is generally
used in the treatment of cattle disease.
41. Yes; the moderate use of bhang increases
appetite and is digestive. Yes; it is preventive
of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts.
43. Yes; the moderate consumers are inoffen-
sive to their neighbours.
44. The primary actions of these drugs are
stimulant and intoxicating. The intoxication
lasts in the case of ganja for two hours, and in
the case of bhang for more than six hours.
45. Yes; the habitual use of the drugs, whether
moderate or not, produces noxious physical, men-
tal and moral effects. Yes; it impairs the consti-
tution. Yes; its constant use gradually loses
appetite. Yes; it causes dysentery and asthma.
Yes ; it produces insanity.
47. The moderate use of the drugs affects the
children in making them dull-headed.
49. It is not aphrodisiac. It is injurious, and
it tends to produce impotence.
53 and 54. No.
55. Yes; possible.