215
hand, renders a man cool and calculating and not
easily roused to action. I have also observed it to
produce a retiring disposition and heighten reli-
gious tendencies when they already exist.
The ultimate effect of prolonged, though moder-
ate, use of bhang is injurious, and causes impair-
ment of the constitution. It weakens the nerv-
ous system, and occasionally gives rise to palpita-
tions of the heart. Ganja, under the same con-
ditions, have been known to cause dysentery and
bronchitis. As regards its effects in causing
insanity, I am not in a position to pronounce a
decided opinion. This much is certain, that a
considerable portion of the lunatics in this country
are ganja smokers ; but whether ganja smoking
acts as a predisposing or an exciting cause I can-
not say. I may further add that I have found
mania to be more prevalent amongst ganja smo-
kers than the other varieties of insanity ; while,
in case of bhang, monomania, especially of a reli-
gious character, is more frequently met with. As
regards the effects of ganja smoking in inducing
laziness or habits of immorality or debauchery,
I believe they are generally over-estimated, and
are certainly not so immediate or formidable as
may be traced to over-indulgence in other power-
ful stimulants or narcotics, such as alcohol and
opium.
46. The above-mentioned remarks apply to
the excessive use of the drugs, the results being
produced sooner and in a more intensified form
than in the case of the moderate consumer.
47. No, the children are more affected by early
associations than from hereditary taint.
49. Yes; but the effects are not more injurious
than when used as an ordinary narcotic.
149. Evidence of RAMJI MUL, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Muttra.
1. I have bad many occasions in my experience
as medical practitioner.
2. Besides the names given, bhang is also called
bijia and buty.
3. In village Baheri, district Bareilly, bhang
is not planted, but grows in itself, as also at Budri
Narain, Jagadhri and Himalaya mountain.
6. It rises thick.
11. It is possible that the hemp be planted,
but this is not done owing to prohibition.
16. It is not made up, but dry leaves are used.
18. Bhang spoils in damp.
19. Ganja and charas is smoked by chillum and
not used otherwise.
20. It is used by menials and devotees.
21. Baluchar is preferred. There is another
kind of ganja which is somewhat long in size also
used.
22. It is imported from Yarkund, Afghanistan
and Persia.
23. Bhang is never smoked by chillum.
24 It is drunk by nearly all classes of men in
small as large quantity in every town. It is also
eaten in the shape of confection, and dry leaves
are also eaten in case of need,
25. Bhang and ganja are used in abundance,
but charas on a lower scale as it is dear and not
so good as the former ones.
28. Bhang costs between three pice and one
anna, charas from one to eight annas, and ganja
cost between bhang and charas.
29. In preparing bhang, black pepper, carda-
mom, mace and fennel fruits are also mixed up,
and milk and sugar are also put in to make it
tasteful. If it is desired that it may be more
intoxicating, it is boiled in copper pan and dhatura
seeds mixed in, but this is very seldom done.
30. All the three drugs are used in all stages of
life and in society ; even the boys of tender age
use them.
31. If some one is addicted to them, they
increase by habit. It is difficult to leave them by
a habitual user, specially charas and ganja.
33. The use of the hemp is considered bad in
general, as the operator becomes idle and indolent.
34. Of course they will feel inconvenienced,
but the average number is 5 per cent.
85. Their use can be prohibited only by law.
The persons using them will be annoyed, but not
to such an extent as to pick up strife. In case
these drugs be not obtainable, they will use wine.
36. The wine is of course on increase as it can
be had without difficulty, while it is troublesome
to prepare bhang.
37. Ganja does not affect suddenly, and its
heat is somewhat steady, while charas is reverse to
that ; the latter results in dry coughing and the
former produces expectoration.
38. The pathar produces a dry heat and balu-
char is still more intoxicating. They agree with
each other otherwise.
40. Bhang is also given to animals after mix-
ing salt. It is also used by a man in ague and
fever, and made up in shape of poultice for boils ;
it is also given as confection for constipation.
41. It is digestive if used moderately. It also
prevents the effect of bad climate.
42. It is harmless to drink bhang moderately.
43. The smoking of charas produces a bad odour
and is obtrusive to neighbours.
44. The habitual smokers of charas also feel its
effects suddenly and think it intoxicating and
productive of hunger. The effects of both the
articles last from quarter to one hour and after-
wards they produce a dryness.
45. The habitual moderate use of these drugs
even is harmful for body, mind and morality.
They produce asthma, bronchitis and a sort of
madness which is perpetual and cannot be remedi-
ed even when their use is given up.
49. If moderately used, they are aphrodisiac,
and when in large quantity, they are unaphro-
disiac.
51. The bad mashes use these drugs more or less
in many towns.
53. I do not think any of these drugs produces
an intention for committing serious cases.
55. None of these drugs produces a complete
unconsciousness without mixing anything else
69. None of the residents of the locality where
these shops are opened is inquired into before the
shop is opened ; it depends upon the choice of the
license holders to pick up the place where they
please.
70. It is a rare case that the drugs be secretly
brought from other places.