282
(d) It is largely used, I believe, as an aphrodisiac
by hakims.
42. From the known medicinal action of the
drug I consider that the moderate use of it is
beneficial. It calms the nervous system, assuages
hunger, is good for spasmodic respiratory diseases,
and in all respects acts like tobacco.
44. It satisfies a want felt by him, like taking a
good cigar. It calms his nerves and makes him at
peace with the world. It stays his hunger, so that
he can placidly see his food being cooked for him
without wishing to partake of it half raw.
45. (b) Yes ; it makes him thin.
(c) It lessens his appetite.
(d) I believe it cures them.
( e ) Y e s .
(f) I do not think a moderate use will pro-
duce insanity. In the cases I have met, although
the persons were said to be habitual ganja smokers
and knew how to prepare the drug, it could
not be clearly ascertained whether the habit
was the cause of the insanity, or was resorted
to to check the brain disturbance that precedes
insanity. The insanity is of the maniacal type.
One of the early symptoms noted in the case of
men suspected and afterwards detected was a pecu-
liar bloated appearance of face and general anæmia,
with a general dull appearance. The insanity
produced is of a temporary character, and the
symptoms appear when the drug is used after a
period of intermission. A case that came under
my notice is that of a convict in the District
Jail, Tanjore, who owns to having indulged
in the use of ganja for the past nine years. He
says he was employed as a shipping lascar, and
from seeing others indulge in the practice, began
to smoke ganja. He found that it inured him to
fatigue and promoted digestion. I cannot ascer-
tain if there is any family history of mental aber-
ration. He craves for the drug now, but its with-
holding does not seem to affect him, except that
he is very restless and suffers from insomnia.
Another case of a convict warder, who, for no
apparent reason, was seized with furious maniacal
delirium. He was concerned in a ganja case, and it
was supposed he had taken some of it. By care,
rest, withdrawal of drug, etc., lie recovered, and did
not afterwards exhibit the same symptoms.
Some men who have no recorded ganja history do
confess to the use of the drug.
46. Already included in 45.
47 and 45. I don't know.
49. I have no information.
50. I do not know.
56. I do not know.
57. I have no knowledge of this.
90. Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR JOHN LANCASTER, District Surgeon, North
Arcot.
1. I have been in medical practice in South
India for twenty years.
19. Ganja is used in other ways besides smok-
ing ; it is eaten by some, and drunk in the forms
of subzi and bojah, and enters into the preparation
of an intoxicating confection called majum. It is
used in some of the large towns of Southern
India.
23. Yes. In some of the large towns of this
presidency, chiefly by Muhammadans, fakirs, and
sanyasis and wandering mendicants. It is also
used in some malarious tracts, as it is popularly
supposed to have anti-malarious properties. It is
not used to any large extent.
29. Opium, nut vomica, and betel-nut and leaf
are occasionally so used ; to flavour the mixture
and to add to its intoxicating properties. I know
of no preparation such as bhang massala, but
I believe ginger, pepper, poppy seeds, cinnamon,
fennel, milk, and sugar are sometimes added.
30. In company chiefly. It is chiefly confined
to the male sex. Prostitutes sometimes use it.
No ; it is extremely rare, indeed, for children
to use any of these drugs.
31. ( a) No.
( b) It is difficult to shake off the habit when once
formed.
(c) Yes, there is a tendency to do so.
32.
( a ) It is customary for fakirs and sanyasis
in their annual gatherings and anniversary cele-
brations at tombs and festivals in temples to have
ganja and tobacco supplied to them by the guar-
dians of the tombs and temples.
( b ) Though the use of these articles is not
essential on such occasions, yet it is a custom of
long standing.
(c) The use is sometimes excessive on these
occasions.
(d) Yes.
There is no religious sanction for the practice,
which is condemned by many Muhammadans and
Hindus.
36. I consider that the use of alcohol is rapidly
spreading, but I have no definite proof that it is
taking the place of these drugs.
39. It is said that smoking the drug more
readily affects the lungs and brain. Rapid delirium
often follows excessive smoking. I have seen two
cases of mania (homicidal) following smoking.
They came under my immediate observation.
40. Yes. By Muhammadan doctors. Exter-
nally it is used as a poultice and ointment for
ulcers, in piles, in prolapses ani, and for the ear.
Internally in infantile convulsions, in dysmenorrhoea,
and in tetanus, in malarious dysentery. As an
aphrodisiac it is largely used, but its after-effects
are bad, leading to impotence.
41. Yes.
(a) As a digestive. Yes.
( b ) Yes.
(c) Yes.
(d) As a tonic and sedative.
44. ( a) It is a stimulant, and then a sedative.
(b ) , (e) and (d) Yes.
(e) It does not as a rule create an appetite.
( f ) About an hour or two.
(g) Yes, headache frequently and constipation.
(h ) Yes.
45. Vide 46.