570
and therefore strictly prohibited, although some
Muhammadan fakirs are known to use them of
their own accord. I doubt whether it is permitted
by any other religion.
33. The consumption of each of these drugs is,
I believe, injurious both for the society and for
the religion. It is generally the thoughtless
young men who catch the corruption in bad com-
panies. I do not know if the hemp plant is ever
worshipped by any sect of the people.
34. Yes; specially to the lower classes of con-
sumers.
36. I had no opportunity of knowing this.
37, 38 and 39. I do not know.
40. I am told the use of these drugs is some-
times prescribed by native physicians on account
of its medical qualities. I do not know if they
are used in the treatment of cattle disease.
41. I do not know.
42. I cannot say.
43. I do not think that the moderate consumers
cause any offence to their neighbours.
44. I cannot say.
45. (a) Yes, to certain extent.
(b) Yes; I believe.
(c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) Can't say.
46 and 47. I cannot say.
49. Yes; as I am told.
51. I can't say.
53. I do not know of any case.
54. Can't say.
55. I do not know. Yes, it is possible.
56 and 57. Can't say.
58. I have not done any excise work here, so I
cannot give any opinion as to the excise adminis-
tration, nor can I offer any suggestion for its
improvement.
60. Ganja is not produced here, so I cannot
give any opinion on this.
61. Charas is not produced here, so I cannot
give any opinion on this.
62, 63 and 64. I do not know anything about it.
65, 66 and 67. I can't say.
68. I cannot give any opinion.
69. I think it is necessary to consult the wishes
of the people before a shop is opened in any loca-
lity. I do not know whether any steps are taken
for this purpose.
70. I do not know.
33. Evidence of MR. F. C. MORAN, Tea Planter, Khoniker, Lakhimpur.
1. From vendors, native doctors, and consu-
mers.
3. I only know of Upper Assam, and that scat-
tered.
4. It is known by the name of bhang, and is of
the same species.
5. So far as I have seen it grow, Assam cli-
mate seems to suit it well.
6. Scattered, except where the seed is collected
and planted.
7. No.
10. No special class; all classes alike use it.
11. Yes.
14. (a) No.
(b) No.
(c) Yes. Not to any great extent, only a few
people using it.
15. Bhang, which is made from the wild plant,
is used by the people mixed in its green state with
tobacco and smoked, and I have never heard of its
being eaten or drunk.
16. (a) Yes.
(b) Yes.
(c) No.
18. Deteriorates after a year or so.
19. In Assam used only for smoking.
20. All classes.
21. Ganja is the name given to the imported
article.
23. Always smoked and by all classes.
24. Fakirs are the only people, I am told, who
drink bhang.
25. Steady.
28. (a) 2 annas weight.
(b) 4 annas weight.
29. Only tobacco that I know of. I do not
know bhang massala.
30. In company. Males and a few females take
it. Have never heard of children taking it.
31. (a) Yes.
(b) No.
(c) Not necessarily.
33. So far as I can gather, the high as well as
low class of people take it; there is no disgrace
attached to it. I have not heard nor know of any
form of worship to the plant.
34. No; I do not think it would be a serious
privation to any class of consumers to forego it.
From personal experience I have seen men who
used to take it largely give it up, and felt no bad
consequences.
35. I do not think it would be possible to pro-
hibit the use of the drug, as it grows wild, and
habitual smokers could always arrange to get a
supply.
38. 1. Bhang. 2. Ganja. 3. Chur; this is the
strongest.
39. Smoking is less harmful than drinking.
40. Bhang and ganja are taken for dysentery,
catarrh, colic, etc. No, they are not used for
cattle disease.
41. (a), (b), (c) Yes. Moderate occasional use.
43. Yes.
44. (b) It is refreshing.
(c) If taken to excess, same as other drugs.
(d) No.
(e) Yes.
(g) No.
(h) No.
45. (b) No.
(c) No.
(d) No; the reverse.