303
30. Not known. The use of these drugs is
not confined to the male sex alone. Females and
even children are known to consume some prepar
- a t i o n s , s u c h a s h a l w a , e t c . A s a r u l e , a d u l t s a f t e r
middle age become habitually used to these drugs.
31. The habit of consuming any of these drugs
is easily formed. It is difficult to break off.
There is every tendency for the moderate user to
develop into an excessive user.
32. Among the Rajputs and certain other
classes, there appears to be either a social or reli
- g i o u s c u s t o m o f u s i n g a l i q u i d p r e p a r a t i o n w i t h
milk and sugar or the halwa during the Holi festi
- v a l . I t i s s u p p o s e d t o b e e s s e n t i a l t o u s e t h i s d r u g
on such occasions. Some use it temperately and
others excessively. The use of this drug on these
occasions often leads to the formation of a habit.
33 and 34. Have no knowledge.
35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use
of any or all of these drugs. The drug will surely
be consumed illicitly. There is no doubt that the
prohibition would cause serious discontent among
the consumers, but it is doubtful if such discontent
would amount to a political danger. It is certain
that the prohibition will lead to recourse to the use
of other narcotic drugs, and even to alcoholic sti
- m u l a n t s .
36. Have no knowledge.
37. The effects of charas-smoking is stated to be
more powerful than the effects of ganja-smoking.
38 and 39. Have no knowledge.
40. A preparation of the hemp plant, called
halwa, is used in the treatment of dysentery, chronic
cough, colic, etc., by native doctors. These drugs
are also used in the treatment of cattle disease.
41. It allays hunger, gives staying-power under
severe exertion and in alleviating fatigue. Sup
-posed to be preventive of disease in malarious and
unhealthy tracts. It is generally used in these in
-stances by the lower classes and by moderate habi
- t u a l u s e r s .
42. Cannot definitely give an opinion.
43. Yes.
44. Exhilarating. Refreshing. Produces in-
toxication, allays hunger, often creates appetite,
effect lasts for some hours, after-effects are not
marked. Yes, produces longing.
45. (a) Yes.
(b) Not definitely known.
(c) Cannot definitely state.
(d) No; but relieves any of these diseases.
( e ) Y e s .
(f) Yes, it deadens the intellect and pro-
duces insanity. The insanity is generally of a
temporary nature and would be re-induced by use
of the drug after liberation from restraint. There
are no typical symptoms. Not as a rule.
(g) I do not think that this question has
been sufficiently considered in explaining this
connection. Insanity may often tend to indu
l - g e n c e i n t h e u s e o f h e m p d r u g s i n a p e r s o n w h o i s
deficient in self-control through weakened intellect.
46. The habitual excessive use of any of these
drugs would tend to insanity.
47. It appears to be hereditary. It is reported
that the children of the moderate consumer suffer
from weak intellect.
48. The same can be said of the habitual excess-
ive use.
49. (a) The moderate use of this drug is prac-
tised as an aphrodisiac.
(c) Not known.
(d) Not known.
50. The same can be said of the habitual
excessive use of this drug.
51. Yes. Have no knowledge.
52. Same as reply to query 51.
53 and 54. Have no knowledge.
55. I believe so. Yes.
56 and 57. Have no knowledge.
58. No, I am not acquainted
59 to 63. Have no knowledge.
65. Have no knowledge.
68. Yes. If these houses or shops are closed,
private clubs would be formed and the drug
would even be used in private houses.
69 and 70. Have no knowledge.
Oral evidence.
1. My diploma is that of Civil Apothecary.
I entered the service in 1884, and have always
been in the Civil Department. I have never had
any special training or experience in lunacy. I
was born in North Arcot, and. am serving in Chi
-cacole.
45. My statement that insanity is produced
refers to the excessive use of the drugs.
46. When the drug is used in excess it pro-
duces insanity in a very short time. The insani
- t y i s o f a t e m p o r a r y c h a r a c t e r a n d g e n e r a l l y l a s t s
some months. This opinion is based on cases
which I have had to observe in my capacity as
Civil Medical Officer. I have also had to treat
three or four patients suffering from temporary,
insanity. In the jail also I have found prisoners
who have been addicted to ganja to show symptoms
of insanity of a mild type in consequence of their
having been suddenly deprived of the drug. These
symptoms do not amount to insanity.
With the cases sent to me for observation, a
report is always furnished which, if the insane is
a ganja smoker, generally mentions the fact. Re
-latives sometimes give me the information; and
sometimes the insanes pray for ganja, refusing to
eat until they get it. Sometimes the lunatic tells
me of the ganja habit on being questioned. The
relatives often come with the insane. I have had
four or five cases of insanity of this kind sent to
me for observation during my service. I cannot
say in how many cases I have derived my in
-formation from sources outside the reports. These
cases do not remain under observation for more
than ten days. I do question the insane while
still insane as to the cause of his insanity. I try
to get into his confidence, and work round to his
liking for alcohol or drugs. To relatives I put
questions direct as to the insane's habits. I am
not satisfied with the relatives' statement that the
insane takes ganja. I seek for corroboration in
various ways, both by questioning the man him
-self and enquiring of my subordinates if the in
-sane asks for ganja. I also enquire about heredi
-ty. I enter the cause in Form C, if I am satis
-fied that I have discovered it. I make the entry
and send the form to the Magistrate. If I had
proof of the ganja habit and learnt that there was
heredity, I should enter "exact cause unknown.
"I made that entry in one case, in which the in
-sane's father died insane and in which there was a
ganja, history. That was about six years ago. I