307
if any attempt be made at compulsory prohibition
of their use without substituting some other drug
in their place, these persons will be subjected to
serious hardships, especially in the case of those
who use them as medicine against any malady.
And in the case of persons using bhang as stimulant
to hunger, the prohibition of its use will be keenly
felt. Likewise in the case of labourers given to
the use of ganja and charas, the prohibition of the
use of these drugs will embitter their (labourer's)
whole lives.
35. In case the use of these drugs is compulsori-
ly prohibited, it will interfere with the pleasure of
many people, and may perhaps cause discontent—
not, however, of any political nature. But it may
lead to improper action on the part of those who
enjoy a peaceful life free from all concerns. More-
over, there is one consideration more which forces
itself strongly on us, and it is this, that this prohi-
bition would act like a check on the efforts and
energy of those classes of people who by their
manual labour contribute a good deal to the common
weal. It does not seem desirable to deny to these
labourers the sole comfort they enjoy by using these
drugs after resting from their hard work. Apart
from these considerations, it is not impossible to
think that attempts may be made to substitute
these drugs by some other intoxicating articles, and
the danger lies in the fact that those who use these
drugs now may, on prohibition, be induced to have
recourse to illicit means for satisfying their desires.
It may be that all of them may not betake to wine
drinking.
36. It has not been ascertained whether those who
use these drugs have ever directed their attention
to the use of wine. And, unlike wine, the intoxi-
cation produced by these drugs does not interfere
with the ordinary discharge of functions by a man.
39. The use of bhang has been discovered to be
less injurious than that of ganja and charas.
Charas and ganja are not eaten, nor is bhang
smoked in chillum.
40. (a) Both bhang and ganja, in consideration
of their physical properties, are often prescribed as
medicines. Bhang is one of the most efficacious
remedies for piles.
(b) Bhang is also used by Veterinary Surgeons
in the treatment of cattle.
41. A temperate use of bhang and ganja is
always beneficial. In the old Medical Science of
India bhang is described to be productive of many
good results, and as a sure remedy for certain in-
veterate maladies.
42. If these drugs bo not used in excess, they are
not injurious. On the other hand, their moderate
use proves beneficial to the persons mentioned in
No. 20.
43. No inconvenience is caused to their neigh-
bours by persons who use these drugs. This is,
however, the case with persons given to the use of
wine.
44. Persons who use ganja and bhang in reason-
able quantities are generally found to be in a
pleasing mood of mind, and their morality remains
unsullied. Even those who are habituated to their
use are never overpowered with intoxication; nor
does their hunger suffer in any respect. The effect
of these drugs lasts not more than four or five
hours. No after-pain is felt after the state of in-
toxication is removed. People use bhang generally
at fixed intervals.
45. A habitual temperate use of these drugs pro-
duces no physical, mental or moral disorder. No
injury is caused to the body, and no defect produced
vol. v.
to digestion. But in rare cases complaints have
been heard of excessive use of charas and ganja
giving rise to dysentery, cough, etc. Moral force
is never heard to have suffered by their moderate
use, which, however, produces only a habit of sloth.
But it is a fact that their moderate use never causes
insanity or any diminution in the power of intellect.
Of course it has been heard of that an excessive use
in the beginning has caused disorder in the brain.
46. All the disorders mentioned in No. 45 above
are only produced by an intemperate and excessive.
use.
47. There is no reason to believe that the habit
is a hereditary one.
48. Excess of everything is injurious, and spe-
cially excess of charas and ganja is comparatively
more injurious.
49. The extensive use of the drugs is, however,
confined to the vagrant and the debauchee. I have
had no opportunities to discover their peculiar physi-
cal properties.
50. Contained in No. 46 supra.
51. The use of these drugs has no connection
with perpetration of crime. Nor is it justifiable to
class those who use these drugs among criminal
classes.
52 and 53. Contained in No. 46.
54. Yes, in some cases.
55. Yes, in certain cases the criminal classes ad-
minister bhang and dhatura in order to easily rob
or defraud their would-be victims.
56. Contained in No. 55 supra.
57. I have discovered nothing with regard to
ganja and charas, except that these drugs are
smoked in chillum.
60 and 61. Ganja and charas are not produced in
the ordinarily cultivated areas of our province.
62. Wherever bhang and ganja plants happen
here to be growing, the officers in charge of excise
take necessary actions with regard to them, and
this is desirable.
63 to 67. The officers concerned generally take
steps desirable under the circumstances, and the
improvements are invariably held in view by the
Board of Revenue. I have never heard any com-
plaints made against this procedure.
68. No alterations in the existing arrangements
are needed.
69. When a shop for sale of ganja, bhang and
charas is to be opened at any place there seems to be
no necessity of obtaining permission. The license-
holders keep their interests in mind in selecting the
spot, and there they carry on their business. No
complaints have been heard about this.
Oral evidence.
Question 20.—My answer does not relate to
bhang. Charas is sometimes prescribed in diseases
when warmth and stimulant are required. This
use is more common in the case of ganja than of
charas. I do not know of these drugs being taken
by the higher classes except under the exceptional
circumstances explained in my answer. The drugs
are generally smoked with musk by those classes.
My information is derived from enquiry. I have
no personal knowledge of the medicinal uses de-
scribed above.
Question 25.—The chandu shops were closed 1½
years ago. From that day I am told the consump-
tion of ganja has begun to increase. The fact of
the increase has also been brought to my knowledge
2 U 2