131
nothing else equally cheap and effective to take
the place of ganja, the consumers can be content
with this drug.
35. The prohibition may not amount to any
-
thing like a political danger, but the discontent
among the lower and ignorant classes would be
great, so entire prohibition is not advisable.
It would, however, I consider, lead to increase in
the consumption of alcoholic stimulants. I think
that the use of alcohol is gradually taking the
place of bhang among the better class of con
-
sumers in this district, probably owing to the
facilities in obtaining low-priced foreign spirit,
the importation of which has increased during the
recent years.
36. I consider the use of alcohol is gradually
taking the place of bhang among better classes of
people in this district, probably due to the in
-
creased facilities, especially in towns, for obtain
-
ing cheap foreign spirits, the importation of
which seems to have increased enormously.
37. I have already mentioned above that charas
is not produced nor sold in this district. Those
who have smoked charas say that its effects are
much stronger than those of ganja, and a small
quantity of it produces more intoxication.
38. Only flat ganja is sold and consumed in
this district, so I am unable to furnish inform
-
ation on this subject.
39. Bhang is used for drinking purposes, and
ganja for smoking. The habitual smoking of
hemp preparations is more injurious than the
eating or drinking of bhang.
40. Bhang is sometimes used by native doctors.
In the treatment of cattle disease bhang or ganja
is not used in this district.
41. (a ) Those who are even moderate consumers
of ganja do not feel hungry till they smoke it
It is said to increase appetite or strengthen diges
-
tion. In the case of such consumers sometimes
it assists digestion, and it is smoked with that
object after having a heavy meal at caste dinners.
(b) Consumers think that ganja-smoking always
helps to undergo exertion and fatigue.
(c) Ganja is not used as a febrifuge, but bhang
is sometimes used in cases of fever by some
persons.
(d) I do not know.
Persons in well-to-do circumstances do not,
except in some cases when travelling, smoke
ganja to counteract the effects of bad water.
42. As far as I know, moderate use of ganja is
not harmful, nor is it beneficial. In moderate use
if the consumers are in a position to get proper
quantity of food, milk, and ghee, it will not pro
-
duce bad effects. It is very injurious and weak
-
ens the consumers, specially those persons who
are not able to get sufficient food. I have come
to these conclusions after having consultation with
some of the ganja-smokers.
43. Yes.
44. The habitual consumer of ganja feels
hunger soon after smoking it, as it produces in
-
toxication, and the smoker feels refreshed. In
some cases the effects do not last for more than
two hours, and if a consumer does not get smok
-
ing at its time, he feels sometimes headaches or
un easiness.
45. Kindly see answer to question No. 42.
Young persons in habit of smoking ganja for
some time are induced to incur habits of debau
vol. vii .
chery, but not so great as caused by other intoxi
-
cating things. Ganja taken in large quantity
for smoking may produce insanity in a few cases.
46 and 47. I do not know.
48. I don't think the habitual, moderate, or
excessive use is likely to become hereditary habit
or to affect the children of such consumers
.
49.
It is not used as an aphrodisiac, nor is it
used by prostitutes. The excessive smoking of
ganja may bring impotency, and so it is used by
sadhus for this purpose.
50. Excessive use for a length of time might
produce impotency.
51. Ganja smokers and bhang drinkers are not
supposed to be connected with crimes in general
or with crimes of any special character.
52. I do not think that excessive use of any
of these drugs has any connection with general
or special class of crime. However, in one case
to my knowledge it so occurred that in November
1885 in Broach certain Talavias having gathered
together one morning, and after smoking ganja,
committed a riot in that town, in which the Su-
perintendent of Police, Mr. Prescott, was killed.
Further particulars, if required, may be obtained
from Broach.
53. The above is the only case I know of.
54. Generally it is not so, but the above case
came to my notice which I have mentioned al
-
ready.
55. I do not think that the different prepara
-
tions of hemp are so used, but ganja, I should say,
might induce such persons to commit crimes if
partaken in a large quantity by persons unaccus
-
tomed to its use.
56. The effects of ganja are modified by mixing
tobacco and those of bhang by mixing different
spices.
57. I do not know.
58. The Excise Administration regarding hemp
drugs is working well, and I do not see what
further suggestions I can offer as to its improve
-
ment.
59 and 60. I do not know.
61. Charas is not made in this district.
62. I do not know.
63. I have no objection to offer to the present
system of its working.
64. I do not know.
65. I have no suggestion to make in this con-
nection.
66 and 67. I cannot say.
68. In the city of Surat and in the district the
preparations of bhang and ganja are only sold.
There are 22 shops in this district, and the annual
consumption is 50 maunds of ganja and 40 of
bhang.
69. The wishes of the residents of the locality
are very seldom consulted in this district before
opening a shop therein. Such objections are very
seldom raised. I do not remember a single case
known to me. Preparations of hemp are very
often sold by grain-sellers, tobacco shopkeepers,
and their sale does not appear objectionable to
neighbours.
70. This district is surrounded by Gaekwari
territory, and in old Gaekwari time ganja and
bhang were no doubt smuggled from these States,
but the i ntroduction of the license system in