339
57. I have never heard of ganja or bhang being
eaten or drunk.
58. I consider that it is working well, and I can
suggest no improvements.
62. There is no necessity for any further con-
trol.
63. I have no objection to the present system.
64. None.
68. There are none such here.
69. Their wishes are ascertained.
70. Considerable smuggling goes on from
Rampur. The drug shops are there disposed of
in separate interests, and competition reduces the
price of the drugs.
249. Evidence of KUNDAN LALL, Agarwala, Drug Contractor, Nawabganj,
Bara Banki.
1. As I go abroad, that is, in Nimar, Amritsar,
Hoshiarpur, Lahore, Gwalior, and Nipalganj, in
order to purchase drugs, and I have heard from
some other people.
2. So far as I know, in this district as well as
in other districts, they are known by these very
names.
3. In the district of Bahraich, Nipalganj, and
Hoshiarpur, bhang is produced in great proportion,
and in other districts in small quantity. It grows
spontaneously.
4. It is known by this very name, as set forth
in this paragraph, that is, bhang bijia.
5. Bhang grows in Terai, and wild ganja
grows in Terai along with bhang ; but this sort
of ganja is less used. The ganja which is con-
sumed is grown in places of which the climate is
agreeable to its growth. If its seed is brought
here it cannot grow, such as baluchar ganja.
6. Bhang plants, where they grow, are scattered
and somewhat dense. It grows spontaneously.
7. In this district ganja, bhang, etc., are not
cultivated. In the Terai of Ghaghra only bhang
grows spontaneously. Some people secretly plant
ganja in their gardens.
10. There are no special class of tenants. Every
class of tenants plant these where they grow.
11. The seed of wild ganja cannot produce this
ganja which is used. The cultivators sow plant
separately for the production of seed, or take it
from the plants cultivated.
12. In Gwalior State and Nimar district pathar
ganja is cultivated, and its tree is cut when it is
full grown. I do not know of baluchar ganja,
which grows in Bengal Presidency.
13. In this district ganja used to be grown in
Mahadeva through cultivators ; but its cultivation
has now been stopped. The ganja which grows in
one place cannot grow of the same sort in other
place.
14. Nothing is produced.
15. Smoking tobacco is mixed with ganja and
charas ; but some people mix tobacco, which is eaten
and having filled it in a chillum they smoke.
Bhang is taken after being reduced to powder and
mixed with water.
16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people
in their homes.
17. Every class of people can make.
18. Ganja, bhang and charas can deteriorate
by keeping. Ganja, if carefully kept for seven
years, and charas, if so kept for five years, as well
as bhang, if so kept for seven years, cannnot lose
its effect and can be used. There is no measure to
prevent deterioration.
19. Ganja and charas are smoked in chillum.
20. Kahars, sweepers, dhobis, passis and chamars
invariably smoke, as well as many thakurs and
fakirs.
21. All sorts of ganja are smoked in chillum.
22. Charas bhuri is generally used, and is im-
ported from Irak.
32. So far as I know, there is no religions
sanction for the use of these drugs ; but custom
has given them a place in the religious festivals
of the Hindus, such as Holi and Shivratri.
33. Consumption of charas is regarded as an
immoral habit. The hemp plant is not worship-
ped.
34. It might cause serious inconvenience to the
people addicted to the use of charas and bhang.
35. I am of opinion that the consumption of
charas may be put a stop to by raising its price
and restricting the sale. I completely disagree
with those who apprehend any political danger
arising from the prohibition of this drug. There
is no doubt that some substitute for charas will be
required by those who are in the habit of using
it.
36. On the contrary, the poorer classes have
substituted charas for liquor.
40. Bhang is often prescribed as medicine for
piles, and is generally used for cattle-diseases.
42. Moderate use of bhang is harmless, but the
use of charas, however moderate it may be, is
decidedly injurious.
43. I believe they are.
44. I have never used it, so I don't know.
46. Charas is decidedly injurious to health, and
its smokers are always subject to asthma and
bronchial troubles. They are consequently short-
lived.
47. Might be.
49. I suppose some use these drugs for that
purpose, but I am not aware of any special
qualities which these drugs possess.
51. I believe so.
65. In my opinion, the taxation of charas
should be increased, if it is not entirely put a stop
to ; but the taxation of bhang should be nominal.
69. Local opinion is never consulted as it should
be.
vol. v.
3 A 2