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season. The fluid obtained by the maceration of
these ingredients in cold water is known as
"thadul," i.e., a refrigerant. The first drug of
this group of ingredients is employed on account
of its carminative action, serving to relieve the
flatulence which bhang not unfrequently produces ;
the rosebuds and melon seeds act as mild laxa-
tives, and kasni (seed of the Chicorium intybus),
being a diuretic and a mild hepatic tonic, is anti-
bilious in its action and confers upon the drink
additional refrigerant properties.
The ingredients mentioned in group (c) are em-
ployed only on very special occasions, e.g., religious
festivals, marriage feasts, etc., and then only by
the well-to-do classes of people. In such instances
the process of maceration is effected either in pure
milk, or first in water, and the milk added subse-
quently.
Ganja is generally smoked with tobacco, some-
times by itself. Charas in combination with tobac-
co always.
30.As a rule, in solitude a larger quantity of
bhang is consumed by each individual than in com-
pany. I should think, to judge from my cases,
on an average, about double the quantity. Gener-
ally "ghata bhang," i.e., a strong mixture, is used
in private, while "panga," i.e., a weak and dilute
mixture, is distributed in company, e.g., daily in
the tikhanas or places of workship, at the various
bhang shops, and at home gatherings. Both
males and females (adults) partake of the potation ;
males in the majority by far. Young men over 18
sometimes, young women under 25 never. It is
not usual for children to consume either of the
three drugs. Ganja is used in larger quantities in
solitude than in company ; its use is generally con-
fined to adult males, with the exception of prosti-
tutes and the wives of certain classes of fakirs.
Charas is more largely consumed in company than
in solitude, and is almost entirely limited to the
male sex.
31. No, provided the consumer is not naturally
of dissipated habits.
Yes, as regards ganja and charas. Moderate
consumers of bhang can easily break off the habit,
as is seen in cases where the drug has been employed
for medicinal purposes, or taken as a refreshing
draught during the hot season only and disconti-
nued in the cold. Even confirmed bhang drinkers
can break off the habit, but, of course, with diffi-
culty.
No ; so far as bhang is concerned, I have found
from careful enquiry that individuals who have
used the drug over periods varying from ten to fifty
years have done so without making any appreciable
difference in their daily amount of consumption.
A case which came under my notice of a man fully
80 years of age, and habituated to taking daily only
a pice worth of bhang for forty-three years conti-
nuously, bears out my statement ; and this is not
the only instance of its kind.
32. I have simply been able to ascertain that
the hemp being a plant sacred to Shiva, on Shiva-
ratri day the followers of Shiva drink bhang as a
matter of custom. The followers of Dheria Lal,
the god of waters, use bhang with sugar-candy as
a matter of religious principle once a week, namely
every Tuesday morning. In both cases the drink
is regarded as essential.
The quantity depends on what the individual is
in the habit of consuming usually, which is seldom
exceeded. The habit being already formed, and
never broken or relaxed, may eventually damage
the constitution, especially if the individual is also
addicted to ganja or charas. I know of no custom
where ganja or charas alone is concerned.
Hardly any. Those consuming any of these
drugs are, I find, not satisfied if alcohol be substi-
tuted for them; and indulgence in alcohol does not
destroy the craving for bhang when once the habit
of taking it has been formed. Preconceived ideas
of the beneficial effects of bhang, especially as being
a "quiet" intoxicant as compared with "boister-
ous " alcohol, militate against the substitution.
Yes, the effects of bhang drinking differ
materially from those of charas and ganja smoking,
and the effects of the latter also differ from each
other in certain particulars. Careful observations
of many cases have helped me to record the follow-
ing notes of their effects, and the points which
distinguish one from the other. The effects of
ganja and charas might be compared as follows :—
Ganja.
Charas.
Milder and slower in its ac-
tion.
Stronger and more rapid.
Intoxication commences 10
to 15 minutes after smok-
ing.
Intoxication commences with
the very first pull at the
chillum.
Effects last from half to one
hour.
Effects last from 15 to 20
minutes.
Produces excessive dryness
of the lips, mouth, and
throat.
Same, but more marked.
Heart's action increased at
first, afterwards lowered;
so also the pulse.
Heart's action depressed from
the first ; also the pulse.
(In one case the pulse be-
came irregular and inter-
mittent.)
Conjunctivæ suffused, and in
confirmed smokers remain
so permanently.
Conjunctivæ pale ; gradually
lose their gloss with each
pull at the chillum., and
finally become dull,dry,
and misty.
Pupils, more or less dilated. Pupils dilated, and more or
less fixed.
Vision unaffected.
Vision impaired, for the
time being.
Retinal vessels prominent ;
retinal field pink in colour
marked by patches of deep
red here and there.
Retinal vessels seemed thin
and attenuated, the field a
pale grey hue.
Respiration quickened.
Respiration normal or sub-
normal.
Excites cough with expectora-
t i o n .
Excites a dry spasmodic
cough.
Destroys appetite, but not
completely.
Completely destroys appetite.
Causes thirst, but not much. Causes excessive thirst.
Mucous membrane of the
mouth and throat injected
and tolerably moist.
Mucous membrane of mouth
and throat pale and dry.
Tongue red and pointed,
pap llæ prominent, surface
tolerably moist.
Tongue pale. flat, dry and
harsh, surface covered with
a thin fur.
Does not generally constipate
the bowels.
Constipates the bowels.
At first individual is garrulous,
sometimes boisterous.
No such previous stage of
excitement generally.
Soporific effects come on late,
but last for two or three
hours.
Soporific effects come on im-
mediately, are deeper, but
last a briefer time.
Wakes up dull and morose,
with blood-shot eyes, and,
generally, a racking head-
ache ; mind tolerably clear.
Wakes up dazed and stupid,
is inclined to fall off to sleep
again, feels dizzy when
made to sit up; mind dull
and blunted.
Complains, on waking up,
of languor and a feeling of
stiffness in all the limbs.
The same, but generally also
complains of muscular pains.