453
course of various diseases; but the whole group of
symptoms is pathognomonic of the charas habit
in its full developments. I have met a large
number—probably as many as 50 persons in 13
years—who have presented these symptoms,
though possibly some of the symptoms may have
been wanting in every case. I did not treat any
of these cases; they did not want treatment. The
majority of the symptoms would be present in
every case, and therefore I consider the symp-
toms I have described to be diagnostic. The
effects of the hemp drugs in man are dealt
with by Garrad and other persons. But
they deal with the physiological effects of the
drug and the therapeutics of it; also with the
abuse of it in the sense of excessive consumption,
but not with the criminal abuse of the drug. The
literature on the criminal abuse of the drug is to
be found in works on medical jurisprudence, and
I instance Norman Chevers and Lyons. I don't
know the latter work. The English work by
Taylor probably deals with the same subject.
These works deal with the medico-legal aspect of
the use of the drug, but not, so far as I know,
with the abuse in the sense of the continued
administration of large doses, except Norman
Chevers, who does refer to it. I do not know that
the condition I have described is detailed catego-
rically in these works, but they both bear me out.
As a matter of fact, the home writers know little
of this particular habit. English works on insa-
nity do not dwell in detail upon the hemp drugs as
a cause of insanity, though they do contain refer-
ences to them. I know of no Indian work on
insanity.
The mental and emotional symptoms I have
described are shown when the man is under the
influence of the drug; the physical symptoms will
be permanent. The dilatation of the pupil is a
temporary symptom, occurring only when the
patient is under the influence of the drug. The
symptoms I have described as a whole are those of
intoxication in an habitual excessive consumer, and
the physical symptoms would show that the intoxi-
cation is habitual. The charas smoker endeavours
to time and measure his doses to keep up this state
of intoxication.
The hemp drugs belong to the same group of
narcotics as alcohol. There is a certain similarity
in the action of both narcotics, but there are
also very well-marked differences. I have read about
the drugs and observed cases as they came before
me; but I have not undertaken any detailed investi-
gation nor made any experiments as to the effect
of the hemp drugs. My remarks regarding insanity
are based on enquiry, as far as I was able to make
it, consisting in reading up the subject and veri-
fying what I gathered from books by observation
of cases. What I mean in saying that charas
is frequently a determining cause of insanity is
that what in a man with a stable brain would not
cause insanity, would do so in the case of a man
with a hereditary predisposition or other weakness.
I have treated one case of insanity. The man was
brought to me by persons who stated that he had
become insane from the combined effects of alcohol
and the hemp drugs.
If it were possible, I should like to see charas
prohibited. That is the only proposition I am able
to make. I should say that in this country alcohol
does more harm than charas. I believe it is pos-
sible to use bhang and majum in moderation and
without bad effects; but from what I have seen I
cannot believe that a moderate use of charas is
possible. I have known men to use bhang quite
moderately,
47. Evidence of JAI SINGH, Ahloowalia Sikh, Assistant Surgeon and Medical
Practitioner, Lahore.
1. In the Sikh community bhang is frequently
one of the ingredients of " sardai," a potion
generally used in the afternoon. Sardai contains
besides bhang, rose petals, poppy seeds, black pepper,
seeds of Cucumus melo, Cucumus sativus, etc.
2. Bhang, charas, and ganja are the names
locally used.
28. (a) For bhang under one pie only.
(b) Under two pies only.
80. As a rule, Sikhs in active life use bhang as
an ingredient of " sardai" usually in company.
It is mainly confined to the male sex. It is not
usual for children to use it.
31. The habit of" consuming bhang, as indicated
above, is easily formed. It is not difficult to break
off. There is a slight tendency for the moderate
habit to develop into the excessive.
32. In religious places of Sikhs the potion of
bhang (bhang ki deg) is generally distributed to
the congregation. It is then considered essential.
It is generally temperate. It is not likely to lead
to the formation of the habit or otherwise injurious.
It is here given as an ingredient of " sardai."
36. Now and then it is seen that persons ad-
dicted to alcohol resort to bhang, charas or ganja,
when they cannot afford to pay for alcohol.
37. The drinking of bhang is rather stimulating
than stupefying, while opposite seems to be the
effect of charas and ganja-smoking.
40. Hakims do use bhang on account of its
medicinal properties.
41. (a) Bhang is said to be digestive.
(b) Bhang is said to give staying-power under
severe exertion and exposure, and to alleviate
fatigue.
(c) Bhang is said to act as a febrifuge and
preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy
tracts.
44. It is rather stimulating. Yes, it is refresh-
ing. In moderate doses it does not produce intoxi-
cation. It does not allay hunger. It does create
appetite. Its effect lasts for five or six hours. It
has almost no after-effects. The want does not
produce any unbearable longing or uneasiness.
45. (a) The habitual moderate use of bhang does
not seem to produce any noxious effect.
(b) and (c) Does not seem to do so.
(d) Does not seem to do so, but rather cures
them.
(e) and (f) Does not seem to do so.
47 and 48. No.