126
31. According to my experience, the habit is
easily acquired but difficult to break off. Yes,
there is such a tendency.
32. It is decidedly part of the religious orgies
of the Hindu classes mentioned, and less so with
Gonds. It is not regarded as essential; but is
always excessive in such cases, and is likely to
lead to a formation of the habit. It is injurious
in such cases.
33. As far as I know, with indifference. There
is no public opinion on the matter. I don't think
it is in disrepute; nor are people who use it
shunned more than users of tobacco are, except by
the extreme temperate people, i.e., people who
object to the , use of tobacco, spirits and narcotics
in any form.
34. Not to my knowledge. I have come across
instances of people giving it up because of my
advice, and no evil effects have resulted.
35. Since the people have been accustomed to
use the drug (ganja) from time immemorial,
prohibition would be very difficult, and it would
be consumed illicitly. I think prohibition would
lead to political trouble, and would be followed by
recourse to alcoholic stimulants and other drugs.
36. In my opinion the two habits keep pace
together. I do not think alcohol is being sub
- s t i t u t e d f o r t h e d r u g , n o r t h e d r u g f o r a l c o h o l w h e n
both are obtainable; but when one cannot be
obtained, the other must and will be indulged in.
37. Not knowing anything of the effects of
bhang or charas, I can only confine myself to
giving an opinion about ganja.
38. I cannot say.
39. As far as I know, smoking is more injurious
than any other form of indulgence in this drug,
for in all the cases of attempted suicide and
delirium I have come across from indulging in
the drug, smoking has been the cause.
40. I don't remember. I never heard of such
use.
41. I do not think it is beneficial, except in
moderation, as an aid to digestion. In cases of
fatigue, and so on, the effect can only be tem
- p o r a r y . I t m a y b e s o o t h i n g a n d a c t a s a n
inducement to sleep. I do not think it is useful
in any other way, as smokers are attacked by
fevers, etc.
42. If a person indulges in this drug, the
moderate use may be beneficial to the health; but
as the system becomes accustomed to it, the dose
must be increased, and therefore the habit is liable
to become a baneful one.
43. Yes.
44. It is first exciting, then soothing, followed
by slight intoxication when used moderately; in
a less moderate degree of indulgence it causes
merely temporary excitement. It is said to create
appetite. It lasts only about an hour, and there
are no after-effects, except an inclination to sleep.
A longing for more is produced.
45. (a ) Yes, to some degree in all three senses.
( b) Yes, if continued.
(a) Not in moderate, quantities.
(d) Not to my knowledge.
(e)Yes, it induces laziness and immorality.
(f) It deadens the intellect, but does not induce
insanity if used moderately. If used immoderate
- l y , i t i n d u c e s t e m p o r a r y i n s a n i t y . Y e s ; t h e
pupils are dilated, sensibility is diminished, there
is delirium of a boisterous nature, followed by
sleep. I never met with such a case.
(g) I do not think so.
Never having kept histories of such cases, I am
unable to answer this question satisfactorily.
46. I have answered this question in the above.
47. I have not ascertained this fact; but I
think in a great many cases it is hereditary. I
do not think the children are in any bad way
affected. I have seen very intelligent children of
habitual ganja-smokers.
48. I should answer this question as above.
49 and 50. I know it is an aphrodisiac; but I
do not know if it is used for that purpose, having
had no experience in this matter.
51 and 52. I have no experience in these
matters.
53. In my experience, the immoderate use of
ganja leads to suicide, but not to any other crime.
54. I do not know.
55. I have had no such experience.
56. I never came across any such admixture.
As far as my experience goes, the pure ganja is
always used.
57. I have never come across any such cases.
Ganja is always smoked about here.
58 and 59. I am not acquainted with these
matters.
60. Ganja is not produced here now.
61. I do not know anything about charas.
62. See above.
63. See question 58. I do not know anything
about its wholesale vend; but think the retail
sale should be restricted rather more than it is,
as now it is accessible to all classes of persons,
even children.
64 to 66. See question 58. I know nothing
about this.
67. See question 58. I know nothing about
this matter.
68. Not as far as I know. I do not think such
houses or shops should be allowed.
69. I do not know anything about this, as no
such wishes have been expressed to me, nor have
I been asked. I don't know. I think in most
cases this would be desirable.
70. I know nothing about these matters. I
regret I can give no further information on these
matters as, owing to failing health within the last
few years, I have not paid much attention to
t h e m. I t h i n k , h o we v e r , t h e s a l e s h o u l d b e s t i l l
further restricted, as the vice is increasing.