265
( d) Ganja and charas are said to be (a) anti-
dotes against flatulency and enlargement of the
liver.
44. (a) As regards charas and ganja: intoxica-
tion is followed by refreshing silence immediately
after the inhalation of smoke, but it is accom-
panied by a sensation of heaviness in the eyes.
Appetite is created in the case of moderate
smokers at stated times. The effect lasts for an
hour or two.
(b) After-effects, excessive yawning, languor,
lassitude and thirst.
Want of gratification produces all the effects
mentioned above under (b),and
l o s s
of appetite.
As regards bhang: Immediate effect—mild
refreshing intoxication; creation of appetite and
desire to eat greasy and sweet things. The
intoxication lasts for at least two or three hours
according to the dose.
Want of gratification produces longing.
45. In the case of bhang, none.
In the case of ganja and charas cough, and
asthma and weakness of vision are produced.
The semen also is said to be injuriously affected.
46. If used in moderation, charas and ganja
produce noxious effects; â priori the habitual
excessive use would be much more injurious,
although an excessive smoker of charas informs
me that it has done him no harm yet. The only
evil effect mentioned by him is loss of appetite.
49. Yes. Some use bhang as an aphrodisiac.
Prostitutes also use it for this purpose. The use
of ganja and charas tend to produce impotence
bhang does not.
56. On Shivaratri day, the bhang prepared for
offering to Shiva and styled panchratna is ad-
mixtured with dhatura seed, and the preparation
is partaken of by fakirs.
58. The present system, which confers a mo-
nopoly of sale upon the Government farmer, is
o b j e c t i o n a b l e . A d u l t e r a t i o n a n d a d m i x t u r e s a r e n o t a v o i d a b l e . O l d a n d d e t e r i o r a t e d b h a n g m i g h t
be mixed with good stuff. Old charas is not un-
frequently mixed with oil of bhang seed to give
it freshness. New ganja is similarly mixed with
old ganja. Such adulterations are said to be
injurious; but at any rate they are unfair to the
purchaser, although unavoidable under the present
system.
62. Desirable to control it further, so as to
render the admixture of the produce of the male
plant, which is said to cause giddiness, impossible
or difficult.
69. Local opinion is not consulted. It is very
desirable to consult it before a shop is allowed to
be opened in any locality.
15. Evidence of BRIGADE-SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. BAINBRIDGE, Civil
Surgeon, Karachi.
1. I have been in Civil Medical employment
under the Bombay Government for twenty-six
years, mainly as a Civil Surgeon. I have not an
exact knowledge of the drugs or of the different
effects of the use of each form. But I am ac-
quainted with their general properties.
2. Yes; bhang, charas, ganja. I am not ac-
quainted with the varieties of the latter.
19. I believe that they are mainly smoked.
23. I cannot say.
28. I do not know.
29. I understand that opium and dhatura are
exceptionally mixed with hemp drugs. I do not
know the preparations.
30. Bhang is openly drunk by many people,
especially in hot weather and by labourers. It
is reported as cooling and slightly stimulant when
taken in a weak infusion. It is mainly used by
men; and I do not know of its consumption by
women or children. The other drugs are used in
more or less solitude and secrecy.
3. The habit seems to be easily formed.
Bhang may be used occasionally or at certain
seasons without the development of a habit; those
who take ganja and charas are usually habitual
consumers. The habitual use of all these prepar-
ations seems difficult to break off, and liable to
become excessive
4. One or more of the preparations—chiefly
bhang—are commonly taken by Hindus of several
castes at certain festivals. As a general rule their
use appears to be temperate.
36, 37, 39 and 40. I do not know.
41. As regards occasional use—
(a ) and (b) Yes.
(c) and (d) I cannot say.
42. I doubt whether the moderate habitual use
of any of the preparations of hemp is harmless.
44. I believe that the immediate effects of
moderate use are—
(1) exhilaration of spirits and of the mental
faculties;
(2) increased power of endurance of labour
and fatigue;
(3)
increase of appetite;
(4)
more or lessi ntoxication. In this acute
intoxication the mental state is often at
first good-humoured, but is more often
exalted, noisy, boastful or quarrelsome,
with a tendency to insolence and to reck-
less violence. There is no unsteadiness of
gait, and but seldom stupor or coma.
Muscular power seems to be increased;
but the controlling power of the higher
centres becomes reduced or abolished.
(5)
sleep;
(6)
the effects are of short duration;
(7)
there are no appreciable after-effects;
(8)
it is not followed by uneasiness or long-
ing for repetition in a marked degree.
45. I have no evidence; but I should say that
the habitual moderate use of any of these drugs
is harmful.
46. I have no data which enable me to distin-
guish between moderate and excessive habitual
use of any of the preparations of this drug, or
between their respective effects. My remarks
apply to the use of any of the preparations which,
I believe, to have similar effects in varying
degrees.
It causes emaciation and debility.
vol. vii.
2 o