There is no custom of worshipping the plant
here.
34. I do not think that it would be a serious
privation to any class of consumers, excepting
perhaps the bairagis, to give up the habit.
35. I do not think it necessary or expedient to
prohibit the use of these drugs in these parts, as
the use thereof obtains only to a very small
extent, and as public opinion acts as a sufficient
deterrent. Practical difficulties also arise in
enforcing the rule of prohibition, and such a
stringent measure is likely to lead to illicit con-
sumption, and may be followed also by recourse
to alcoholic stimulants and the like. I do not
believe, however, that it would lead to any serious
discontent amounting to political danger; but, if
such measures are to be adopted, I would strongly
suggest that the Agency tracts may be entirely
excluded from their operation.
36. No.
39. It seems to me that smoking ganja must
be less injurious than drinking or eating its admix-
ture, especially the admixture of dhatura, inas-
much as the substitutes forming the mixture have
the tendency to intensify the intoxicating effects
of the drug.
40.
Yes; it is prescribed as a medicine in cases of dysentery. I am not aware of its being used
in the treatment of cattle disease.
41. The moderate use of ganja is believed in
some quarters as tending to increase the powers of
digestion and prevent disease in malarious and
unhealthy tracts. All classes of people treated by
native doctors occasionally use the medicines pre-
pared from these drugs.
43. Yes.
44. It produces intoxication and creates appetite.
The want of subsequent gratification produces
uneasiness.
45. It impairs the constitution, lessens sexual
desire, deadens the intellect, and produces also
insanity in some cases, though they are few and
far between.
46. I have heard of a ease where the excessive
use of the drug for a period of five or six years
has brought about insanity.
47. No.
49. No. The use of the drug has a tendency to
produce impotence.
51. No; it has nothing to do with crime.
53, 54 and 55. No.
56. Effects will be increased. Dhatura is also
mixed in a few instances, and its effects are very
strong.
166. Evidence of VISWANADHAM GURAVAIAH SASTRI, Brahmin, Pleader and
District and Taluk Board Member, Chicacole.
1. I meet those that are accustomed to the use
of ganja and bhang.
14. Ganja and Bhang are prepared in this
district, specially in Uriya parts.
16. Yes. Bhang is prepared in houses.
19.
Ganja and charas are used for smoking.
20.
Ganja is smoked by Uriya bairagis and
other constant travellers. Charas is used in
smoking by Muhammadans in all places.
24. Bhang is drunk by all classes in all places,
to a great extent. Eating less prevalent.
25. The use is increasing. The recognition of
the Government of the sale of those drugs in open
markets is, in my opinion, the sole cause of the
increase.
33. The use of ganja and bhang is regarded as
a habit. In societies, men of these habits are not
generally allowed. In the view of religion it is
objectionable, for it affects the nervous and mus-
cular system of the body.
39. Smoking seems less injurious.
40. Native doctors use ganja in preparing
certain medicines, called halwas, for curing indi-
gestion, sleeplessness, and impotency.
42. It is not harmless.
43. Yes.
44. (a) Drowsiness.
(b) No.
(c) Yes.
(d) No.
(e) Yes.
(f)
For a few hours.
(g) Yes; sleeplessness, debility, and loss of
memory are the results.
(h) Yes.
45. (a) Yes.
51. (a) Yes.
(b) When the consumers exhaust their purse,
they would have recourse to stealing.
53. Yes. No; I do not know
.
55. (a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
167. Evidence of B. CHATTERJEA, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Ganjam,
and Chairman, Berhampore Municipality.
1. I have been over various parts of India, and
have been in this district off and on for 13 years.
1 have known personally many persons who smoke
ganja and charas and drink and eat bhang.
3. In the Ganjam district the hemp plant grows
spontaneously on the hills in abundance and in a
limited quantity in the plains.
14. Ganja and charas are prepared to a great
extent in the Segoli district on the frontiers of
Nepal and Behar. Ganja is also prepared largely
in Sultanpur.
16. (a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
(c) Yes.