160
effect is more than that required for producing
aphrodisiac effects, and also because, when
taken for aphrodisiac purposes, it is generally
taken mixed with other stimulating substances,
such as musk, saffron, sugar, etc., etc., which
counteracts its depressing effects. But there is
another feature which must not be lost sight of,
and that is when taken as an aphrodisiac, it is
naturally followed by sexual intercourse, and
there is every probability of its leading to excesses,
which may thus indirectly weaken the constitution
more than it would do when used simply for
narcotic purpose. Even when taken as narcotic
in moderate doses it will produce its effects on
sexual organs, but the mind of the consumer, in
this case being not inclined towards intercourse,
he will not go to excesses, and then the evil effects
of excesses will not result. The chief character-
istic of hemp drugs is that the existing particular
tendency is intensified and strengthened by their
use, and his train of thoughts after indulgence
runs in the same direction. Thus a man of
r e l i ¬ g i o u s t u r n o f m i n d b e c o m e s m o r e e n t h u s i a s t i c i n
religious matters by using hemp drugs. People of
immoral tendency are likely to hanker after
females, and so on.
50. Excessive use of these drugs, as a rule,
produces impotence, and even if he is inclined to
sexual intercourse, he is physically unfit to gratify
his desire. People accustomed to take excessive
doses do not feel so much impotence as a beginner
would feel when he takes it in excessive dose.
56. Dhatura, arsenic and such poisonous drugs
when mixed with ganja, either in moderation or
excess, intensify the intoxicating effects of ganja.
Other non-poisonous substances are added to miti-
gate its local irritant effects and to make it more
delicious and pleasant. In the case of bhang,
ingredients forming bhang massala are such that
some of them act as stimulant, and some as cooling
and refrigerating. When dhatura is added, the
intoxicating effect become more marked. It is
only mixed with dhatura when prepared for admin-
isteration to others for criminal purposes.
57. No experience.
81. Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON ABDUL GHANI, Hakim, in charge of Gadag
Dispensary, Gadag, Dharwar District.
1. My experience as an Assistant Surgeon of
nearly seventeen years' standing, and by informa-
tion collected from some persons here.
2. Yes, all these names are accepted in this pro-
vince. The plant of ganja does not grow here,
nor is it cultivated. The drug is imported in this
place. Flat ganja is generally used here.
19. Ganja and charas are used for smoking.
Ganja is pounded and mixed with sugar and formed
into bolus and eaten in this part as an exhilarant.
Ganja is used both externally and internally as a
medicine. Majum is a preparation like the above.
28. Ganja being smoked generally here, a
habitual moderate consumer smokes 1/4 anna worth
of ganja on an average daily, and an excessive
habitual consumer 1 anna per diem.
29. Ordinarily ganja is mixed with tobacco for
smoking ; exceptionally dhatura is mixed with it
by excessive smokers, and by these smokers some-
times nux vomica is added.
The object of adding dhatura is to have exces-
sive intoxication. Nux vomica is put as a nervine
tonic, as excessive use of ganja brings on exhaus-
tion. 1 have heard of persons smoking ganja,
then eating after a time or smoking some prepar-
ation of opium, and latterly drinking liquor (alco-
hol). Ordinarily here no mixture or massala of
bhang is sold, but the component ingredients are
bought separately. Bhang or subji is made into
a sherbet mixture. It contains sugar, poppy seed
juice, almond pulp, cardamom seed, and milk. All
these are pounded separately and mixed with water,
etc., and drunk.
30. None of these drugs, especially ganja, is
taken in solitude. Ganja is smoked in company
and is used here by adult males, and neither by
females or children.
31. The habit of consuming ganja or bhang is
easily formed. It requires an effort to break off
the habit. There is a tendency of moderate habit
to develop into excessive.
32. Amongst the Hindu Brahmins " ghota " is
used on Shivaratri. Ghota is prepared from ganja
in this part. Ganja is cleansed, washed and is
mixed with water, milk, sugar, almond pulp
poppy seed pulp, cardamoms, and then drunk as
sherbet. For the sake of mirth, green leaves or
the whole of the plant of ganja is cooked with
mutton and eaten. The use of bhang is not con-
sidered essential socially. The use on such occa-
sions is temperate and would not form into a habit.
Bairagis or religious mendicants use ganja and
develop the habit to excess for the concentration of
their thoughts towards deity and induce impotence.
36. There is a slight increase in alcoholic
drinks, but its substitution for ganja, bhang, etc.,
cannot he ascertained. Some persons or sects who
are prohibited by their religion, etc., from using
alcohol have only ganja or opium to resort to, and
also that the latter two drugs are cheaper than
alcoholic drinks.
37. The difference lies in the degree. Smok-
ing charas has an instantaneous effect. Ganja
smoked takes a longer time to have its effects, and
bhang still more so than charas.
39. There is no degree ; all the preparations
have the same effects. It depends upon tempera-
ment. Moderation in some will be excess in others.
The first effects of any of the preparation are that
it is stimulant, excites imagination, increases appe-
tite and is an aphrodisiac. The worst effect of
excessive use is that it produces dyspepsia, wast-
ing body, cough, dysentery, impotency. It first
produces illusions and then insanity.
40. Ganja is used by native doctors as refriger-
ent, diuretic, narcotic, antispasmodic. It is used
also externally. It is also used in cattle diseases,
and also to promote appetite.
41. Moderate use of ganja and bhang is observ-
ed to be beneficial in persons who have come
under my observation.
(a) In moderation ganja or bhang are observed
to be beneficial by me as accessory to digestion.
(b) Has also staying-power under severe exer-
tion, and it alleviates fatigue.
42. Medicinally and in moderation the use of
the drug will be harmless, but when this degree is
broken, it is not beneficial, as the use, may develop
into excessive habit, which will be very baneful.
44. The i mmedi ate i s effect on a habi tual consumer
is that it is an excitant and refresher. In larger
doses it intoxicates. It allays hunger and also
creates appetite in moderate dose. The effect of
moderate dose lasts for about 3 hours. The after-