301
malaria and obesity, for those that give up the
habit get ascites a
nd other dropsies. 400 Muham-madans. 200 Hindus.
35. (a) to (c) It would be feasible to prohibit
its use in Southern India by preventing its culti
-vation and importation. It will be consumed
illicitly.
(d) Yes.
(e) No.
(f)
No. As other habits are comparatively very
expensive and cannot be cheaply taken to.
36. No.
37. Charas is much more intense in its effects.
38. Very nearly the same.
39. Smoking is decidedly more deleterious to
health, causing, as it does, great emaciation and
desiccation of the system. Drinking and eating
are to a certain extent conducive to health and
strength if moderation be observed. These latter
methods are on the whole said to be tonic in their
effects, In drinking and eating the admixtures are
very nutritive and luxurious.
40. It is used in these parts as a confection for
its aphrodisiac properties by Mussalman native
doctors. It is used as a stomachic and gastric
sedative in almost all disorders of cattle.
41. (a) to (c) Yes.
(d) Not known.
No definite proportion can be given. Mussal
-mans and Hindus are the chief classes. The
majority are habitual moderate users.
42. It is injurious, if habitual, and although in
moderation.
43. No.
44. (a) The immediate effect is refreshing and
recreative.
(c) Yes.
(d) Yes.
(e) Creates inordinate appetite subsequently.
(f) Two hours.
(g)
Gets up refreshed; after-effects are recrea
-tive and invigorating.
(h)
The want of subsequent gratification produc
-es listlessness and disgust for everything and a
sense of lethargy and apathy.
45. (a) As far as physique is concerned, it is a
decided anti-fat; and with regard to mind it is
in the long run permanently perturbed, and
permanent mental aberration to a greater or less
extent invariably results. It certainly under
-mines morality.
(b)
It causes emaciation if not combated by
good nutritive diet.
(c) No.
(d)
Causes bronchitis owing to enervation of
the lungs, the air cells being constantly over
inflated by the smoke of the drug. It causes
excessive or increased secretion of the bronchial
sputa.
(e)
It induces laziness, and by no means
debauchery.
(f)
It does so in course of time. Temporary.
Yes the symptoms may be reinduced. The
typical symptoms are singing, soliloquy, vocifera
-tion, laughing, no idea of dress. Occasionally
they do confess to the use of the drugs.
( g) No.
Cannot give any account.
46. Cannot.
47. Yes.
49. (a) Yes.
(b) No.
(c) No; it is less injurious in this way.
(d)
Excessive indulgence does result in im
-pairing sexual power.
50. Cannot.
51. Only theft on a small scale.
52. Cannot.
53. It produces cowardice on the contrary, and
makes one chicken-breasted and hare-hearted.
No.
54. No.
55. Yes. But not so much as alcohol.
56. Not known. Not known in these parts.
57. Not known.
58. No improvement can be effected in the
shape of excise, as those addicted to this drug are
invariably from the lowest rung of the ladder and
constitute the scum of society or the dregs of
earth.
59. Not expedient, because it may probably
lead to other deleterious habits, as opium and
dhatura smoking as a dernier ressort.
60. I do not know anything about this.
61. No charas is produced in this province, as
far as I know.
62. Not known.
Good manure is said to be serviceable for this.
63. The retail vend is expedient, as the users
of the drug are usually poor or poverty-stricken.
64. None.
65. Reduction is advisable for reasons already
assigned.
66. May be taxed alike, being indiscriminately
used.
68. Yes, there are, but the drug is not consum--
ed on the premises. The present system works
well, otherwise it would not only be a hardship
on its consumers, but would in a manner, though
indirectly, encourage the use of the drug.
No; usually muttams and other public
places of endowment are utilized like this. May
advantageously be taken into account.
70. As far as my knowledge goes, there are
none.
Oral evidence.
1. I studied medicine in the Madras Medical
College, and got the certificate of Civil Apothecary.
I have practised for five years. I was never
attached to a Lunatic Asylum, or received any
special training in lunacy.
25. The use of the drugs appears to be on the
increase among the Muhammadans. The statement
is the result of general observation, and not based
on statistics. I must admit that the statement
is based on limited experience.
34. My experience is gained at Guntur and
Ellore. After getting the Commission's questions,
I sent for ganja consumers at those places, and
questioned them. My statement regarding the
beneficial and preventive effects of the drugs is
based on their answers, corroborated by experience
gained in my practice at the dispensaries. I have
also learnt something from books. As regards
malaria, I have never known an habitual ganja