298
having used the drugs for the purpose described
and of the mental shock. I never treated the man
at all. I never myself heard him talk of the drug.
When brought into Adirampatnam he had been
insane for a year and living at Tuticorin away
from his brother. During that time I had not
seen him, nor had his brother, the Inspector, seen
him. I do not remember from whom I heard of
his death, for I did not keep up any knowledge
of him.
102. Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.
1. By inquiry, and knowledge of a few hemp
eaters and smokers.
2. Locally known as ganja.
3. Not abundant here. A few plants are
reared in back-yards of madams and in some
private compounds for medicinal use. Grows wild
over hilly tracts about Salem.
6. It is reported to grow wild and dense.
7. A few plants in back-yards are cultivated for
smoking ganja, but the bulk of the drug for
public use is imported.
10. The few people who cultivate it here to a
very small extent are ascetics living retired lives
in madams.
11. Yes.
14. Yes; for private use, for smoking, and to a
very small extent.
16. It can be prepared, though it is not gener
- a l l y d o n e , a s i t i s t r o u b l e s o m e t o p r e p a r e a n d
costly. Charas is not well-known here.
17. Native doctors for medicine, and ascetics
for smoking.
18. Deteriorates by keeping. If properly pre
-pared, it is said, will keep for a year good.
19. Ganja is used in this town for smoking.
It is also taken internally, prepared as a confec
- t i o n w i t h a r o m a t i c s .
20. The lower classes, and apparently Muham
-madans, smoke ganja.
21. Flat.
24. Of the general public, a very small propor
- t i o n d r i n k i t . P a n d a r a m s , b a i r a g i s , e t c . , f o r t h e
most part use ganja freely, as bhang is costly.
25. I believe it is on the increase.
26. ( a ) More than 70 per cent. Under ( b ),
10 or 15 per cent.; and a very small proportion
under (c ) and (d).
27. Working classes, wandering classes, and
those in low condition. Other well-to-do classes
resort to it for its aphrodisiac properties.
28, (a) Quarter to half an anna.
(b) Half to one anna.
29. Carminative and honey or jaggery gener
-ally.
30. Male sex smoke in company, but eat it in
p r i v a t e . Ne i t h e r f e ma l e s n o r c h i l d r e n r e s o r t t o
it.
31. Yes; difficult to break off. Not much
tendency to develop into excessive, as it at once
disagrees.
33. There does not appear to prevail any social
or religious custom necessitating the use of the
drug here. It is taken for its slightly intoxicating
effects.
34. Yes; it would. It acts as a mild stimu
- l a n t a n d i n t o x i c a n t , w h i c h e n a b l e s p e o p l e a d d i c t e d
to it to get on with their work. There is a
general indisposition and disinclination for work
in case the drug is withheld.
35. Though it may be feasible to prohibit the
use of the drug, it is sure to be consumed illicitly,
and resort would be had to other intoxicants.
36. The more well-to-do classes resort to
alcohol.
37. Ganja only is smoked here, and, in excess,
is injurious to health.
39. Smoking is more injurious than the use of
purified ganja or opium.
40. Yes; it is used medicinally for human
beings as also for cattle.
41. It is reported, and appears, to be beneficial
in small doses. Moderate habitual use is referred
to. Ganja is locally used. It is reported as
digestive and possessing staying-power. The
labouring classes and moderate habitual use are
referred to.
42. Moderate use beneficial to certain classes.
43. Inoffensive.
44. Slightly intoxicant, with pleasurable feel
- i n g s ; r a t h e r t e n d s t o q u i e t t h e i n d i v i d u a l t h a n
excite him. It is said to create appetite. Its
effects last two or three hours. Depression follows,
and desire for more ganja.
45. ( b) Slightly.
( c) and (d) No.
( e) I think it impairs the moral sense and
induces laziness in some.
( f ) Some cases of insanity are reported as due
to the drug.
46. They are very injurious in excess, and
produce general breaking-down of the constitu
- t i o n .
47. Hereditary in some cases; acquired by living
or mingling with consumers in most cases.
49. It is; by men, not by females. Used thus
it is injurious, as it tends to cause dyspepsia.
51. Consumers are generally peaceful men.
53. No.
55. Possible and reported. Stupefaction suffi
- c i e n t f o r p u r p o s e s o f o r d i n a r y t h e f t .
57. Ganja-eaters for the past twenty years and
more, in moderation, tell me that they are better
taking it, and would fall ill without it.
68. There is one shop licensed to sell ganja in
the main street of this town.
69. The wishes of the people are not consulted,
and there seems to be no necessity for it, as the
drug is sold to purchasers, who take it away with
them or swallow it, and at once leave the bazaar.