415
I am far from thinking that the growth of
bhang plant should be in any way controlled, nor
I think it would be feasible.
68. Intoxication can be controlled, and ought to
be controlled, but it cannot be checked or prohi-
bited. It is desirable, therefore, that licensed vendors
of such drugs should be as limited as possible. To
my knowledge there are no licensed shops or
houses in this district which afford shelter to men
addicted to the habit of smoking ganja, charas,
etc., or drinking, or which allow persons of such
habits to gather and enjoy. In Bengal, at least,
licensed abkari shops are hardly seen to be con-
verted into brothels, where all sorts of gatherings
and amusements are allowed.
186. Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District
Bhagalpur.
1. No other opportunities than coming in social
contact with the persons of our neighbourhood
who smoke the hemp drug.
2. These definitions may be accepted for our
province. These names are given to the articles
here.
3. Our knowledge is mostly confined to this
district only. Ganja is not grown here, but we
hear it is largely cultivated in Rajshahi District.
We further know that bhang is spontaneously and
abundantly grown in the North Gangetic part of
the district.
4. Bhang is produced here and is known as
bhang only. The names ganja, siddhi, and charas
are also known to the public.
5. We cannot fully answer. Bhang needs damp
climate and sandy soil.
6. Bhang is densely grown in the North Gange-
tic part of this district.
7. In the North Gangetic part of this district.
Bhang only grows spontaneously and is not cul-
tivated for any purpose.
12. Ganja is not produced here.
14. Ganja and charas are not prepared here.
Bhang leaves are plucked from the plants, ground
in water and drunk. No other preparation is in
use here. Bhang-drinkers are limited in numbers
in this part of the district.
16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people
in their houses. Cannot answer the rest of the
questions.
19. Ganja and charas are only smoked as far
as we know.
20. All classes in the proportion of 15 per cent.
smoke ganja. Charas is not smoked here as it is
not procurable.
21. All kinds of ganja—flat, round, and chur—
are smoked here.
22. Charas is not used here.
23. No.
24. All classes in the proportion of 5 per cent.
or even less drink bhang in all parts of the
district.
25. The use of ganja is daily increasing; we
see the increase among our neighbours.
26. (a) 5 per cent.
(b) 5 per cent.
(c) 3 per cent.
(d) 2 per cent.
27. All classes of people, generally the labour-
ing class and the fakirs.
28. (a) One pice in weight.
(b) From half chatak to one chatak.
29. Ganja is smoked with dried tobacco leaves
and pepper is mixed with bhang.
Almond, dhania, aniseed, kasni, carrot seed, car-
damom are only known to us to be ingredients of
bhang massalas. Bhang massala is only used to
make the drug more delicious.
30. We cannot answer the extent to which
ganja and bhang are used in solitude or in com-
pany; naturally the use in company is greater.
It is confined to male sex only. Generally the
majors use; their children never use.
31. In company the habit is easily formed.
It is difficult to break off. Company generally
affords tendency for the moderate habit to develop
into the excessive.
32. The Holi or Doljatra day and Bejai Dasami
day are generally the days when bhang is gene-
rally used. Ganja use is excessive whenever its
smokers collect in large number.
33. The use of ganja and bhang is generally in
disrepute. Its plant is not worshipped here.
34. We are of opinion that to forego the con-
sumption of ganja and bhang would be no priva-
tion to any class of the consumers.
35. The use of ganja and bhang can be easily
prohibited. If practicable they will be illicitly
consumed. It can be enforced by prohibiting the
cultivation of its plants. There will be no discon-
tent and no political danger. The prohibition will
not be followed by recourse to alcoholic stimulants.
36. No. Hemp has no connection with the
alcoholic stimulants.
39. Drinking of bhang is less injurious than the
smoking of ganja.
40. Bhang only is used in treatment of cattle
disease.
42. Excessive use of ganja makes the man
insane, and of bhang stupid.
43. Yes.
45. The habitual moderate use of ganja and
bhang is injurious to physical and mental faculties.
It impairs the constitution if rich food is not
provided. Does not injure digestion or cause loss
of appetite. Bronchitis or asthma is contracted by
it. Use of ganja produces insanity both tempo-
rary and permanent. We cannot answer the rest.
46. Ditto.
47. Habitual moderate use of ganja and bhang
is not hereditary habit and does not affect the
children.
48. Ditto.
49. and 50. Cannot say. If strong nourishing
food is not provided, it produces impotence.
51 and 52. The use of ganja and bhang has
generally no connection with any kind of crime.
53. No, as far as we know.
54. Yes, generally by thieves.