209
seem to be few occasional consumers. In fact no
body could tell me that there are voluntarily occa-
sional consumers of this drug (ganja).
Bhang.—Bhang
is occasionally
taken
in
moderate quantities on festive occasions which
sanction its use by Hindus. The occasional exces-
sive consumers are those who intoxicate themselves
with other drugs, the want of which drug drives
them sometimes to this, and they do not find
enjoyment in taking moderate dose. The habitual
consumers are the up-country men.
27. Ganja.—They are generally taken from the
class of labourers who after their hard and irregu-
lar labour and exposure find some laxity in ad-
ministering this drug (ganja), and gradually it
becomes a part and parcel of their existence.
28. The habitual moderate consumer here
smokes from one to two annas worth of ganja per
diem, and the habitual excessive consumer smokes
from four to eight annas worth of ganja per diem.
29. (a) Tobacco leaves are ordinarily mixed
with ganja, probably to render it less strong.
We have not much of bhang here.
No, I do not know bhang massala.
30. No; children do not appear to consume
these drugs. Ganja is generally consumed by the
male sex at or after their youth, but females also,
though to a less extent (generally prostitutes of a
depraved class and mehtérs) consume this drug.
31. Ganja.—The habit is formed gradually, and,
as in the case of every intoxicating drug, difficult
to break off. There does appear to be that ten-
dency to develop into excessive, though to a slight
extent.
32. On Navami of Durga Puja in this district,
small cakes of bhang are prepared and distributed,
and at Calcutta they drink this drug after mixing
it with water on Dasami of Durga Puja. In this
district gorkha larhus, i.e., small cakes of bhang,
are distributed in case a cow yields issues. The
use appears essential. It is generally temperate.
It is not likely to lead to the formation of habit.
In the mela of Trinath, ganja is consumed.
33. The consumption of ganja is generally
regarded as an evil practice, and is in disrepute
probably because of the same reason owing to
which all narcotics are held in disrepute as cor-
rupting the moral and mental, and sometimes also
physical, character of a man and as causing unne-
cessary expense of money.
34. Certainly it would be a serious privation
to all classes of consumers to forego the use of this
drug (ganja); most of the poorer class may fall
ill, as without it they won't be able to bear fatigue
and exposure which their calling requires, when
once they have become used to it, and they won't
be able for want of money to use alcoholic stimu-
lants which may be used by the richer as a sub-
stitute. The poorer class form an overwhelming
majority over the richer.
35. I do not think it would be feasible to pro-
hibit the use of any of these drugs (bhang and
ganja). In case of the richer class the prohibition
is likely to be followed by recourse to (a) alcoho-
lic stimulants, and in case of the poorer class to
other drugs which are cheaper.
36. The poorer class who under the outstill
system in this district used to consume alcohol
are now having recourse to ganja.
38. Flat ganja is more intense in its effects
than chur ganja (we have no round ganja here).
40. Bhang is sometimes used by native school
of doctors as a digestive article.
41. (a) The moderate uses of bhang and ganja
are food accessory and digestive.
(b) The use of ganja gives a staying-power
under exertion and exposure to the ganja smokers.
The boatmen use ganja for the purpose (b).
(The moderate habitual use of ganja I am refer-
ring to).
In case (a) moderate occasional and habitual
use of bhang I am referring to, and moderate
habitual use of ganja.
42. The moderate use of bhang appears harm-
less, as most of the up-country porters use it and
still keep good health.
43. The moderate consumer of bhang is so, and
there is no reason for thinking otherwise in case
of ganja also.
44. It is refreshing. It produces intoxication;
the effect lasts for two hours; after this there is
again longing for subsequent gratification.
45 and 46. It makes the eyes of the consumer
look yellowish red and makes the temper a little
more irritative than ordinarily.
53. In spite of inquiry I have not come to know
of any such case in the district where the excessive
use of ganja has led to such things. "We have no
charas here nor much of bhang.
56. Ganja is mixed with tobacco to moderate
its effects. Opium is sometimes mixed with ganja
to heighten its effect.
57. When ganja is eaten, the effect is slower in
comparison with smoking.
58. It is working well.
63. The present system of retail vend of ganja
has placed no limit on the amount of ganja which
can be sold by a licensee; hence the drug is some-
times sold very cheap, thus presenting an induce-
ment to indulge in excess. On the other hand,
if the system of issuing ganja according to license
fees be introduced as we have in this district for
two years by way of experiment, the system
would work very well, and will prevent one
vendor from underselling another (thus present-
ing a good opportunity of illicit sale) and also will
prevent its being sold very cheap.
68, No such shop where they may be consumed
on the premises.
73. Evidence of BABU NARAYAN CHANDRA NAIK, Khas Tahsildar and Deputy
Collector, Angul.
Oral evidence.
I am Khas Tahsildar and Deputy Collector in
Angul. I entered the service in
1872, as
Kanungo. I have been Tahsildar since 1882.
Since then my service has been in the Gurjat
States, that is in Angul. I have served in other
parts of the division; but not in any other State
than Angul. It is forty years since Angul was
annexed. I have been in the States which are
neighbouring to Angul. I have to inspect them
and report under the orders of the Superintendent.
2 G