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consumption of the drug. I am not aware of any
custom of worshipping the drug.
34. It would be a serious privation to those
classes who live by manual labour. They would not
be able to work as hard as they are now able if
they be not allowed to indulge in the drug. I can
give no idea as to the probable numbers of each
class.
35. It would not be feasible to prohibit the use
of ganja and bhang. Many of the ganja consu-
mers would be attacked with various sorts of dis-
eases. Bhang is in many cases used for its medi-
cinal properties, so the use of the drugs cannot be
prohibited. If the use of the drug is prohibited
there would be illicit consumption. It would be
impossible to enforce the prohibition. The prohi-
bition would occasion serious discontent among the
consumers, but such discontent will not amount to
a political danger. The prohibition would not be
followed by recourse to any other drugs.
36. No.
37. I have no experience about charas.
38. Flat ganja produces a greater amount of
intoxication than either round or chur.
39. Eating ganja is less injurious than smoking.
The heat of the smoke gives the body a more dried
and parched appearance.
40. Ganja and bhang are both so prescribed.
41. Ganja is beneficial—
(a) As food accessory.
(b) To give staying-power under severe
exertion.
(c) and (d) Nil.
Bhang is beneficial—
(a) As a digestive.
(b) To give staying-power under severe
exertion and to alleviate fatigue.
(c) Nil.
(d) As nourishing the body.
42. The moderate use of ganja produces cough
and dysentery.
The moderate use of bhang is harmless. Bhang
must be drunk in order to be beneficial.
43. Inoffensive,
44. The immediate effect of smoking ganja is
refreshing. It produces intoxication to a very
slight extent.
It creates appetite. The effect
lasts for about an hour. There are no after-effects.
The want of subsequent gratification does not
produce any uneasiness.
The immediate effect of smoking bhang is of the
same nature as of smoking ganja.
There is no immediate effect by drinking bhang.
The effect is produced about half an hour after-
wards. It is refreshing and produces a slight
intoxication, and creates appetite. The effect lasts
for about three to four hours. The want of subse-
quent gratification does not create any uneasiness.
45 and 46. The habitual moderate use of ganja
impairs the constitution and gives the body a
dried-up appearance. It produces cough and dysen-
tery. I am not aware if it injures the digestion or
causes loss of appetite. It makes a man irritable
and hot-tempered and induces habits of immorality
but does not produce laziness. It deadens the
intellect, but does not produce insanity.
47 and 48. Not generally hereditary; but there
are cases in which both the father and the son use
the drug.
49 and 50. I am not aware if ganja or bhang is
used as an aphrodisiac.
51 and 52. Only a small proportion of bad charac-
ters are habitual moderate consumers. There is no
connection of use of ganja and bhang with crime.
53. No, none.
54. No.
55. I am not aware of any such cases. Com-
plete stupefaction can be induced by both ganja
and bhang.
56. Dhatura is occasionally mixed with ganja
for personal consumption in order to increase its
intoxicating properties. I am not aware of the
effects of the admixture of any other substance with
bhang.
57. I am not aware of the effects of eating or
drinking bhang.
60. The cultivation of ganja-bearing plant is
sufficiently controlled; no modification is necessary.
61. I have no experience about charas.
62. The present restrictions on the cultivation
of the bhang plant are sufficient.
63. No objection.
64. It seems to me unjust to levy any duty on
the deficiency in transit when the seals of the bags
are intact and the deficit is due to natural causes.
Nor should the excess in weight, due to natural
causes, be brought into account. Nor should any
duty be levied on the deficiency in excess of 2½ per
cent., as found at the time of annual stock-taking.
Ganja should be exported in wooden boxes with
tin covering to avoid tampering in transit.
65. The taxation of bhang is reasonable with
reference to ganja, and the taxation of ganja and
bhang is also reasonable with reference to country
liquor.
66. There should be different rates of taxation, as
they contain different proportions of branches in
them. The branches have to be rejected at the
time of sale.
67. No objection.
68. Ganja is smoked in the licensed shops. A
great deal of noise is made by the consumers. In
my opinion consumption should not be allowed in
the licensed shops.
69. I am not aware if the wishes of the people
are consulted. I think public opinion should be
consulted.
70. I am not aware of any such smuggling.
Much of the bhang consumed is not duty-paid.
98. Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.
1. My information is chiefly derived from
books, pamphlets and periodicals, and from occa-
sional observation of facts and circumstances which
presented themselves to me during my official
tours through several districts of Bengal proper as
well as during my private journeys. I never
sought information, and therefore I have no per-
sonal experience in the matter as to the use, abuse,
cultivation, or manufacture of the drug.
2. These definitions may be accepted for Bengal.
2 N