515
dhatura with ganja. The leaf of tobacco increases
the flavour of ganja.
30. In most cases ganja is consumed in com-
pany. Bhang is generally consumed in solitude.
No experience about charas.
31. The habit of consuming ganja is not easily
formed. It is difficult to break off the habit
when once formed. There is no tendency for the
moderate habit to develop into the excessive.
32. There is a custom of consuming ganja on
the occasions of Trinath's Puja. Three chillums
of ganja are essentially necessary on such occa-
sions. The use of ganja on such occasions is
essential, and is generally excessive. The use on
such occasions is likely to lead to the formation of
habit.
Bhang is not required for any such purpose.
33. The consumption of ganja is generally held
in contempt. The reason for such a feeling is
that the indulgence in the drug tells upon the
constitution.
There is no custom of worshipping the ganja or
bhang plant.
34. It would be a serious privation to all classes
of consumers to forego the use of ganja. This
will produce all sorts of bowel complaints in the
consumers. Bhang is generally consumed for
medicinal purposes. If the consumption of the
drug be prohibited, this will also be the cause of
great hardship.
35. It would be feasible to prohibit the use of
ganja and bhang. If all supply be stopped, there
would be no illicit consumption. There will be
great discontent amongst the consumers, but such
discontent would not amount to political danger.
The prohibition would be followed by indulgence
in opium.
36. No.
37. No experience.
38. Flat ganja produces more intoxication than
the other varieties.
39. No experience.
40. Ganja and bhang are both prescribed by
native kavirajes. Bhang is required for the treat-
ment of cattle diseases.
41. Ganja—
(a) is digestive;
(b) gives staying-power;
(c) has no beneficial effects as a febrifuge;
(d) nil.
Bhang—-
(a) is digestive;
(b) nil;
(c) nil;
(d) cures bowel complaints.
42. Vide answer to question 41.
43. Inoffensive.
44. Ganja.—A slight intoxication is produced
immediately. Ganja is refreshing. I cannot say
if it allays hunger. It creates appetite. The
effect lasts for about an hour. There are no after-
effects.
Bhang.—Takes a little time to produce in-
toxication. It creates appetite. The effect lasts
for about 12 hours.
45. Ganja does not impair the constitution in
any way. It does not injure the digestion. It
produces cough. In some it produces laziness; but
it does not induce habits of debauchery, nor does it
deaden the intellect or produce insanity.
Bhang has no injurious effects.
46. Excessive consumers of ganja get a dried-
up appearance. They also get dysentery in the
end. Excessive consumption does not deaden the
intellect or produce insanity. I am not aware of
the effects of excessive consumption of bhang.
47 and 48. Not hereditary,
49 and 50. No experience.
51. Only a small proportion of bad characters
are habitual moderate consumers. There is no
connection of the moderate use with crime.
52. Similar answers as to question 51.
53 and 54. No.
55. No. Complete stupefaction can be induced
by bhang.
56. The admixture of tobacco with ganja im-
proves its flavour. I have no information about
dhatura being mixed with ganja or bhang.
57. No experience.
58. Is on the whole working well.
59. I cannot suggest any improvement.
60 and 61. No experience.
62. I think the cultivation of the bhang plant
should not be controlled.
63. No objection.
64. The system of levying duty on the deficit
that occurs in transit is not equitable. Such duty
is levied, although the seals of the bags are intact
and there is no suspicion of tampering in the way.
In the same manner any excess in weight due to
absorption of moisture is also brought into account.
This also is a cause of hardship.
Duty is also levied on all deficiency in excess of
21/2 per cent. found at the time of annual stock-
taking. In most cases this is due to natural
causes, and the goladars should not be made re-
sponsible for it.
65. The taxation of ganja is heavier in com-
parison with bhang and country liquor.
66. There should be different rates, as they
contain different proportions of branches in them.
67. No objection.
68. Ganja is consumed in the shop very rarely.
Such shops do not cause any disturbance to people
living in the neighbourhood.
69. Yes; such enquiries are made by excise
sub-inspectors. Local public opinion ought to be
consulted.
70. No information.
244. Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh.
1. I have been selling excisable articles for a
period of about 40 years.
2. The definitions may be accepted. Ganja and
bhang are also known by the name siddhi. The
stem is so used by sanyasis. Charas has got no
other
name.
3 Y 2