242
consumers are to be found in all classes and among
both sexes.
(a ) Charas. —Beggars and ascetics.
(a ) Ganja .—Beggars and ascetics.
(b) Bhang .—Beggars and ascetics, and at times
sayads and piers and others of the upper classes.
( b ) Charas and ganja. —As under (a).
(2) Bhang. —Use is induced by the excessive
heat of the climate, and taken in moderation, it is
said to be cooling.
Charas and ganja are taken very often in the
first instance moderately with a view to increasing
the sexual powers. Excess follows with the result
that loss of power ensues, and the constitution
becomes enfeebled.
28. (a) Bhang .
. 1¼ tolas = 3 pies.
Charas .
.
⅛ tola = 6 „
Ganja
. .
⅛ ,,
= 3
„
(b )
B b a n g
.
. 5 tolas = 1 anna.
Charas .
.
¼ tola = 1 ,,
Ganja
.
.
¼ „ = 6 pies.
29. ( a ) Bhang. —Black pepper and cardamoms,
bhang only being conducive of flatulency.
( b ) Pounded almonds, sugar, and poppy-head
seeds.
Charas and ganja .—Tobacco is only mixed with
these.
Dhatura is not mixed.
30. These drugs are consumed in solitude and in
company, and to a greater extent in company.
The consumption is mainly confined to the male
sex. Respectaple women, however, take bhang in
moderate quantities, chiefly when pregnant, as a
narcotic. These drugs are not administered to
children.
31. The habit is easily acquired, and the habit
of taking ganja and charas is comparatively diffi
- c u l t t o b r e a k o f f . T h e m o d e r a t e u s e g e n e r a l l y
leads to excess in the case of the two drugs named.
32. None in this district.
33. The consumption of ganja and chards is
regarded as a vicious habit, as these narcotics im-
pair the constitution. Not here.
34. In the case of bhang none to speak of,
unless the drug has been taken to excess, when
its deprivation is said to prevent the retention of
urine by causing irritation in the bladder.
In the case of ganja and charas the deprivation
would be felt for a few days, and relief sought by
imbibing bhang.
35. Ganja and charas might easily be pro-
hibited, as the drugs are imported, and they are
looked upon with disfavour by the better classes.
The prohibition to bhang would give rise to
considerable discontent among all classes, for it
is looked upon as the poor man's narcotic, and
furthermore because it is also considered to possess
valuable medicinal properties. If prohibited, the
consumption of opium would be stimulated there-
by.
36. There is no evidence in support of such a
theory.
37. Charas is said to induce immediate intoxica
- t i o n , a n d t h e r e i s a S i n d i s a y i n g i n s u p p o r t o f
this. The action of ganja is slower, and, in order
to accelerate its effect, tobacco is often smoked
immediately after the drug has been taken.
38. Only the flat is supplied in this district.
39. Bhang is taken in a liquid form, and ganja
and charas are smoked. The drugs are not taken
in any other way.
40. By native physicians the properties of
bhang are termed " cold and dry," i.e. , stimulative
and sedative. A snuff is prepared from the leaves.
Bhang is also used as a " hair wash." It is pre
scribed for diarrhœa and gonorrhœa and as a
diuretic. Prepared as a plaster, it is used as a cool-
ing application for piles and to reduce inflamma-
tion, and also for neuralgia.
It is administered to mares shortly before they
are covered.
41. Only bhang, which is used.—
( a ) as a digestive ;
•
( b ) to alleviate fatigue ;
(c) to induce perspiration in ague fits, when
dry leaves are placed on embers and the
smoke inhaled.
(d) Vide paragraph 40 above.
42. Bhang in moderation is popularly regarded
to be harmless, and I see no reason to dispute
this.
43. Yes; but the sensitive "feelings" of habit-
ual consumers appear to be easily aroused, and
such persons give way to inordinate merriment or
to sudden anger at small provocation. In support
of this view, there is the Sindi adage " Never
meddle with a bhangi."
44. Bhang if taken of moderate strength is
refreshing. Intoxication can be induced by in-
creasing the strength of the beverage. It does
not allay hunger, but thirst. It is appetising.
The period for which the immediate effects last
varies. The after-effects are said to be lowering,
and consumers become hypochondriac. The want
of subsequent gratification is felt more intensely
in the case of bhang.
Ganja produces exhilaration. The effect is said
to last somewhat less than an hour. It is said
to produce warmth in the system, and for that
reason is said to be frequently taken by persons
when starting on a journey at night. A state
of inertia follows the want of it.
Charas is more rapid in its action than ganja,
and vertigo frequently follows. It is said that
in the case of these two drugs the habit can be
easily broken off, whereas such is not the case as
regards bhang.
45. The moderate use of bhang is not considered
to be injurious; otherwise it is said to enfeeble the
constitution and to bring on mental anxiety and
extreme nervousness. Persons addicted to it are
more susceptible to fatigue than others. It does
not injure the digestion or cause loss of appetite,
nor bring on bronchitis or asthma. In cases of
dysentery it is mixed with curds and given as a
remedy. Its use is conducive to laziness ; neither
immorality nor debauchery is laid to its charge.
Mental vigour becomes weakened by the excessive
use of the drug, but insanity is said not to ensue.
Ganja and charas, it is admitted on all sides,
produce most baneful effects. There is a saying
in Sindi, "Charas be taras "— i.e. , charas is ruth-
less." These drugs weaken the physique, causing
wasting of the body. Vision becomes impaired
and the lungs affected; the intellect becomes
deadened, and, while in the first instance they
operate to incite debauchery, they end by render-
ing those addicted to their use impotent. In-
sanity is acknowledged to follow their excessive
use.