370
In our common sense, we know nothing more than
what is written in our Sastras. Mrita sanhita
speaks of giving bhang as a sacrificial offer to
Siva: Siva is propitiated by the offering of bijaya
leaves; it matters little whether they be dry,
broken or ground. More virtue can be earned by
the offering of a dry leaf than by distributing
hoards of jewels. In the Nigama Tatwa also, if
any one offers flowers and leaves of bijaya to Siva,
he enjoys happiness in this and acquires salvation
for the next.
33. People in general speak ill of the use of any
of these drugs, unless it be in keeping with the
rules of Sastra. To use ganja, bhang, and charas
is disreputable, as it alters the man's temper and
tells upon his health. I know nothing about the
worship of hemp plant, neither do I know of any
rule prescribed in the Sastras for such worship.
34. In my opinion it would not be a serious
privation for those who consume ganja for the
sake of mere intoxication, to forego the use of it.
Of course they may be uneasy for a period, but
if the use of ganja be gradually given up, there
is no fear of uneasiness. But it would be a se-
rious privation on the part of those who use ganja
and bhang moderately for devotional purposes. I
cannot speak as to the probable number of them.
35. In my opinion it is feasible to prohibit the
free use of these drugs, as they are not generally
used according to the dictates of Sastras. Gov-
ernment may prohibit the consumption in any way
it likes. The prohibition may at first occasion
discontent among consumers, but in the long run,
when the habit of hankering after this drug is
weakened, it will prove to be a source of good.
Therefore this immediate discontent, when fol-
lowed by future contentment, may not prove in-
jurious to Government, and there is no fear of
political danger from the class of consumers of
these drugs against the rules of Sastra. This
prohibition may cause a small number of exces-
sive consumers of these drugs to have recourse
to some other stimulants or drugs. But it may
not be the case, as the intoxicating power of
different drugs is different.
36. I have not seen whether alcohol is now to
a certain extent being substituted for any of these
drugs, nor do I find any special reason for think-
ing this to be so. I have said above that unless
the intoxicating power of different drugs be dif-
ferent, why should a man be addicted to the use
of all these drugs and alcohol as well. If the
effect of any one of these drugs and alcohol had
been the same, he might have been satisfied with
the use of any one of them.
Hence it is evident that these drugs and spirits
have their separate effect each.
So I cannot say whether the decrease of ganja
consumption will occasion any increase in the con-
sumption of spirit. But it is not impossible for a
man of bad character to have recourse to any in-
toxicant.
37. The effects of charas and ganja smoking
are supposed to be different, because charas is
stronger in its effect than ganja. But I cannot
tell the exact difference between them.
38. What different effects these different drugs
(viz., round and flat ganja and charas) have upon
their consumers, I cannot say.
40. The drug designated as bhang is used by
the native physicians in preparing their pills, modak
pills (digestive pills) and oil, etc. I have never
read any treatise on cattle disease, but have heard
that bhang is sometimes used in treatment of
cattle diseases.
41. I am not acquainted with the use of charas.
The qualities of bhang as prescribed in the Ayur-
veda-Sastra are given below:—Curer of phlegm,
it tastes bitter and is retentive, increases appetite,
pungent, light, i.e., easily digested, and intoxicat-
ing. (From Bhab Prokash)
Bhang is pungent and increases appetite, cures
leprosy, restorer of vigour and intellect, curer of
phlegm, possesses properties of bettering the gene-
ral health, is received for human benefit, equivalent
to nectar of ancient time produced by the churning
of the ocean with Mount Mandara, giver of
victory, and is favourite of Indra, the King of
gods, destroyer of fear, giver of pleasure, and
generator of carnal appetites. (From Rajaballava.)
Though these qualities are written in Sastra,
bhang produces good effects when used according
to the instructions of the experienced physician
conversant with the principles of Sastra; other-
wise not. Consequently I think that bhang has
digestive power as it increases appetite, and it re-
lieves fatigue as it gives pleasure when taken.
42. The moderate use of bhang as prescribed in
the Sastra may be harmless.
43. Moderate consumers who use bhang in
obedience to the biddings of Sastra may be inoffen-
sive to their neighbours.
44. The immediate effect of the moderate use of
any of these drugs on the habitual consumers is
as follows: it refreshes or lessens fatigue, produces
intoxication, does not allay hunger, but creates
appetite.
Its effect lasts for an hour or two. They only
who use it know its after-effects.
Want of sub-
sequent gratification produces longing and uneasi-
ness on the part of the habitual consumers.
45. In my opinion, even the moderate use of
any of these drugs, not according to the rules of
Sastra, is injurious in its effects. Short descrip-
tions of the consumption of any of these drugs, in
keeping with the rules of Sastra, have been given
in answer to the questions Nos. 32, 33 and 34.
According to Ayurveda Sastra, smoking of these
drugs causes bronchitis and asthma. The drink-
ing of bhang or its use in medicinal pills cures
dysentery. All intoxicants produce habits of de-
bauchery and impair moral sense. Its use accord-
ing to Sastra does not deaden intellect.
46. I have seen that the excessive use of any of
these drugs against the rules of Sastra impairs in-
tellect and produces permanent insanity. Conse-
quently there is no doubt that it causes temporary
madness. Temporary insanity may be recurrent
by the repeated use of this drug. The forms of
insanity being numerous I refrain from dwelling
on them. I do not know whether those who do
not know the use of ganja will agree to the use of
it or not.
49. The use of any of these drugs to a little
extent may act as an aphrodisiac. Many of the
prostitutes use it. No power of causing impotence
is found in it.
50 The faults of its excessive use have been
described in answer to question No. 46.