137
35. It is feasible to prohibit the use of charas,
but not of ganja or siddhi. These two may be
consumed illicitly; I doubt if the prohibition
could be enforced with regard to them. The
prohibition would occasion serious discontent
among the consumers, but that would not amount
to a political danger. The prohibition would be
followed by recourse to other deleterious drugs.
36. Alcohol is to a very small extent substi¬
tuted for these drugs amongst the better classes. As
a stimulant, alcohol is considered as superior. The
use of these drugs is gradually diminishing. Tari
to some extent has taken the place of ganja
among the lower class of people, for it stimulates
and at the same time satisfies hunger, although a
little costly.
37. Yes. The effect of charas-smoking is con¬
sidered to be milder than ganja-smoking.
38. No.
39. Siddhi-drinking is less injurious than
smoking ganja or charas. Smoking produces a
strong instantaneous effect, but drinking is de¬
cidedly an easier method of consuming a large
quantity at a time.
40. (a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
41. (a) Believed to be both.
(b) Yes.
(c) Yes.
(d) The use of ganja is supposed to enable a
man to concentrate his mind on a subject.
Labouring class, 75 per cent. of them. The
moderate use is referred to.
42. The moderate use is harmless as it has no
after-effect on the system.
43. Yes.
44. (a) It invigorates and causes a pleasant
feeling of intoxication.
(b) Yes.
(c) Yes.
(d) No.
(e) Yes, it does when taken in the form of siddhi.
(f ) One hour in case of ganja and charas and
three to four hours in case of siddhi,
(g) No.
(h) Produces longing in case of habitual con-
sumers.
45. (a) No.
(b) In case of intemperate use it does.
(c) No.
(d) Yes, in the case of intemperate use.
(e) No.
(f) The moderate use does not deaden the
intellect or produce insanity. It is said that
adulteration of the drugs with other poisonous
ingredients, such as dhatura, etc., produces
insanity.
(g) It has been ascertained that of the insane
persons in the district, only nineteen are considered
to have become so by the use of ganja. Of these
nineteen, only one is reported to be violent. On
sufficient enquiry, and as well as from the confession
of the insane, it was elicited that in the majority
of cases their insanity was due to other causes,
such as family misfortune, etc., and some have
taken to ganja after being insane. In four cases
no other cause for their insanity could be ascer¬
tained except the excessive use of the drug.
46. Habitual excessive indulgence causes the
peculiar frenzy which causes orientals to run
amuck.
47 and 48. No.
49 and 50. (a) Yes.
(b) It is used so by the lowest class of prosti¬
tutes who frequent melas or fairs.
(c) I am not aware.
(d) No.
51 to 55. No.
56. I have no personal knowledge of the ad¬
mixture of other substances than what I have
already noted.
57. I do not know that ganja and charas are
eaten or drunk.
58. The excise administration in respect of
hemp drugs is working well, and I am not pre¬
pared to suggest any improvement.
60 and 61. I think that there is sufficient con¬
trol and have no suggestion to make for the
modification of the system.
62. I would not suggest any changes in this
respect.
63 and 64. No.
65. (a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
66. Yes; for flat and round have twigs which
the chur has not. Each kind of ganja should be
taxed in proportion to the narcotic matter that
each is found to contain.
67. Yes, as remarked above
68. There are licensed shops for the sale of
these drugs, but ordinarily they are not smoked
or drunk on the premises. The shops are not
disreputable. Generally mudi shopkeepers are
the licensed holders of these shops.
69. Ordinarily the wishes of the people are not
consulted or considered when a shop is opened in
any locality. On the application of vendors and
local inhabitants licenses are granted after due
enquiry at the auction settlement held with the
sanction of the Board. I do not think it is ne¬
cessary to consult or consider public opinion as
these shops are not a nuisance.
70. There are no facts regarding importation
or smuggling of hemp drugs from Native States.
Yes; duty is paid in respect of ganja and charas,
but not of siddhi. The latter is used to some
extent illicitly, but the use is not general.
58. Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna.
1. My connection with the Excise Department
runs from 1878, when 1 was appointed as Excise
Inspector of the Patna Division. In 1885 I was
appointed as Excise Deputy Collector. In both
these appointments I had ample opportunities to
obtain information on hemp drugs. From my
own experience, from statistics collected and from
inquiries made, the following replies are recorded.
2. The definitions given by Dr. Prain may be
accepted for this province (Bengal).
X