89
is most common in Bhopal, Indore, etc., and
among those who have come from there.
25. The use of the drug has become less fre-
quent among the better members of the commu-
nity. The others use it about as much as before,
especially in the jagirs. The reason of the de-
crease among the former is the opinion that it is
not a proper thing to do.
26. (a) Gond, Ahir labourers generally.
(b) Fakirs, gosains and bairagis.
(c) and (d) Can't say.
27. See above.
28. Can't say.
29. Dhatura is so used to increase the intoxi-
cating effect. I know of no other ingredient. I
know of no such substance being sold.
30. The drugs are sometimes consumed in soli-
tude, but the consumers prefer to congregate
together. It is confined to men. Boys do not
smoke till after 15 or 16, when they continue all
their lives. If a man begins he never leaves off.
Children are never given the drug.
31. It is easily formed and hard to break off.
There is a craving for the drug, but no illness
results from suddenly breaking off the habit as in
the case of opium. A man goes on always taking
only a little of the drug, but if he once increases
his dose, he is nearly sure to go to excess.
32. There is no religious custom requiring the
use of the drug except perhaps that of the baira-
gis, who do so as they say Mahadeo did. At Holi
people generally use it, but only to make them
lively.
33. (a) Among low castes with tolerance; among
high castes it is thought somewhat of a disgrace
from its intoxicating effects.
(c) No worship of this sort occurs here.
34. It would be a similar privation to most
consumers as would occur from the prohibition of
any other luxury. It would not be such a priva-
tion as the prohibition of opium. No one could
say that it was an interference with his religion.
35. There would not, I think, be any serious
discontent or disturbance, as none followed the
prohibition of the growing of the plant. The
consumers are too weak and devoid of influence
to cause any political danger. They would pro-
bably take to other drugs.
3 6 . N o .
37. The effect of charas is intoxication, much
as opium, while that of ganja is more detrimental,
ending sometimes in madness. The temporary
effect is much the same and does not make the con-
sumers disorderly at the time, as they sleep under
the influence of the drug.
38. Have not seen these three kinds.
39. Smoking is the most injurious, as it affects
the intellect, dries up the body, and causes bad
coughs.
Eating and drinking bhang is not so bad; it
makes a man light-headed and makes him chatter,
but his body is " mazbut," " taiyar."
40. See answer 19. It is often given for cattle
disease. It is given to horses when tired to
remove fatigue. It is not often given as a medi-
cine to human beings.
41. (a) No, it increases appetite but not diges-
tion.
(b) Perhaps to those accustomed to it.
(c) No.
(d) No.
42. I am of opinion that in moderation the drug
is harmless, except as leading to greater excess.
43. No.
44. Perhaps it is refreshing. Ganja smoking
produces immediate intoxication, which only lasts
about half hour. Bhang drinking does not cause
intoxication for some time and lasts longer.
Bhang creates appetite, ganja does not. The
habitual consumer will feel no after-effects, but a
casual consumer gets " hot coppers." There is a
craving for the drug if not obtainable.
45. (b) No.
(c) No.
(d) Not dysentery but bronchitis, and asthma
almost certainly.
(e) It causes laziness and reduces the power for
sexual intercourse, and so of sensual feelings.
This is one reason why bairagis take it.
(f) The excessive use of the drug, but not the
moderate use, impairs the intellect and produces
insanity. I have seen many lunatics who have
become so thus.
46. The constitution is impaired. Digestion
is not injured. Bronchitis and asthma are caused.
47, 48 and 49. No.
50. It produces impotence, partial at any rate.
51. There is no connection between ganja,
smoking and bad character except in so far as the
bad characters belong to the castes and classes
who habitually use the drug.
53. It is possible. I know of no case of
homicide or attempt caused under the influence
of the drug.
54 and 55. I have not heard so.
59. I am of opinion that it is capable of im-
provement in the direction of checking the use of
the drug and ultimately prohibiting it.
67. I should like the taxation to be enhanced
to increase the price.
68. Persons do not here smoke at the shops.
69. No. No, because local public opinion, be-
ing uneducated, would be in favour of greater
extension.
70. No
46. Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur.
1. I have been able to collect information from
bairagis and others who stop in the temple of
Jageswar in Budhwari. The temple is under my
management as a member of the Bherisla Temple
Fund Committee. The names of persons who
have given me this information are Ganputgeer,
Wushruthgeer, Mahadeogeer, Ganga Prasad, and
Vol. vi.
others. I got some information from Ghullu
Patel, a well-known Malguzar in the Katol tahsil,
and Kulmaj Sakharam, and other tenants whom
he specially brought to me as being persons who
grew ganja on their fields in the Katol tahsil
before its cultivation was forbidden by Govern-
ment. I have been able to get some information