160
all three induce habits of laziness and indolence,
and immorality and debauchery.
But a long
course of indulgence in them eventually impairs
the virile powers.
In my opinion the excessive use deadens the
intellect, but not in all cases. In certain cases
it produces insanity (as is shown in the reports
and returns of the several lunatic asylums of
these provinces, as also in a few cases which
have come under my own observation) of mainly
an acute type of mania and dementia, generally
temporary. The symptoms may be reinduced
by the use of the drug after liberation from
restraint. I do not know of any typical symp-
toms.
I have no records of any cases from which I
could answer the other points of the question.
49. Yes, all these drugs are often used as
aphrodisiacs. On enquiry, I learn that prosti-
tutes also use them as such. Moderate use of
these drugs does not produce impotence.
50. Excessive use of these drugs does some-
times produce impotency, but only after very
prolonged indulgence in debauchery and immo-
rality. See also answer to question 46.
56. The effects of hemp are greatly increased
in intensity and duration by the admixture of
dhatura; but moderate consumers never mix
dhatura, It is only excessive consumers, who
want to produce special intoxication, that mix
dhatura. Criminals, badmashes, and others also,
sometimes mix dhatura to produce insensibility in
order to rob, maltreat, or otherwise ill-use their
victims. Bhang massala is mixed with bhang
for the purpose, as already stated above, of coun-
teracting any baneful effects it might otherwise
produce. The intoxication produced by thandai
is very slight, and rarely renders any person in-
sensible.
57. Ganja and charas have never been
known
by me to be eaten or drunk.
Oral evidence.
Question 1.—I have served about 23 years.
I was educated at the Calcutta Medical College,
and hold the diploma L. M. S. I have had no
special experience regarding insanity.
Question 32.—Custom observed for a long period
becomes as binding as religion. In Bengal the
mass of the people regard the drinking of bhang
at certain festivals as essential, and my enquiries
in the North-Western Provinces give the same
evidence. A person who neglected the custom
would not suffer thereby in reputation or pocket.
He would be regarded as an advanced man by the
orthodox and one who ignores the old customs. J.
did observe the custom this year at the invitation
of the Sub-Judge. I took a glass of bhang only.
I did take the refreshments last year, but cannot
say I have always observed the custom. If it is
offered me, I hesitate to refuse it.
Question 37.—Charas is physiologically stronger
than ganja, being the resinous extract of the
plant. But the charas sold here is much adul-
terated, and is therefore milder than charas.
People say the effects of smoking charas are mild-
er. I don't know with what it is adulterated.
Question 39.—I have seen cases of bad dysen-
tery in fakirs. At a mela I saw many ganja-
smoking mendicants very pale and emaciated, and
from these symptoms I suspect disorder of. the
liver. I cannot say if they were excessive
smokers. I have not diagnosed a case of liver
disease caused by indulgence in hemp.
Question 46.—I do not know of any case of
permanent insanity caused by the hemp drugs, I
cannot recall any case of recurrent insanity. I
consider that while bhang does not blunt the
moral sense absolutely and directly, it may indue
habits which will in time have that effect.
109. Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON PANDIT HARI DUTT PANT, Brahmin,
Gonda, Oudh.
1. 1st.—As a resident of the place (Kumaun
Hills) where hemp is largely grown.
2nd —As a medical man.
2. These definitions may be accepted for these
provinces.
3. In Kumaun and Garhwal districts. Much
more abundant in Garhwal than in Kumaun.
4. Bhang (bhangó in the hill dialect) is the
name generally given to this plant.
6. Ordinarily dense. I have seen strips of land
very densely covered with wild hemp plants.
7. Yes. There is a cultivation of the hemp
plant for the production of (b) charas, and (d)
for its fibres and seeds in the hilly districts of
Kumaun and Garhwal.
To a large extent.
10. I do not think the persons who cultivate
hemp for its narcotic properties form any special
class. Those I have seen are from the same
classes as other agricultural cultivators.
14. Yes; (b) charas is prepared in Kumaun,
more especially in a village called Chaugarkha.
Extent not known.
15. I have seen men preparing crude hemp
(charas) for smoking from wild plants. A hand-
ful of twigs and flowering tops is taken and
rubbed between the palms of both hands till all
resinous extract has been extracted and accumu-
lated in the palms. Fresh twigs and tops are
taken, and the process is repeated till a sufficiently
thick coating has lined the palms, which is then
scraped and made into balls or lumps for smoking
as charas.
16. Charas can be prepared from wild plants
wherever grown, but thick juicy plants are pre-
ferred.
18. Charas and bhang do deteriorate by keep-
ing like all other vegetable extracts and leaves.
19. Charas is solely used for smoking.
20. Charas is generally smoked by jogis and
idlers. Few respectable men smoke charas.
22. Generally the native charas, called Chau-
garkha charas, is smoked by people in Kumaun,
but those who require a stronger narcotic smoke
foreign "Yarkandi" charas from Yarkand in
Turkistan.
27. Charas consumption—
(a) Idlers and low class artisans.
(b) Jogis or religious mendicants.