44
34. For some days at least the consumer fore
- g o i n g t h e u s e o f t h e d r u g w o u l d f e e l l a n g u i d ,
dispirited, dejected and weak. But the effects of
the disuse of the drug by the consumer would not
be more serious than this.
35. Yes, it would in my opinion be feasible
to prohibit the use of these drugs. The consumers
are not materially benefited by the use of these
drugs except that they feel cheerful while under
its influence. Fakirs, bairagis, etc., who have no
means at their command to enjoy themselves other
-wise, seek enjoyment in the use of these drugs.
Yes; the drug would be consumed illicitly. The
prohibition can, I think, be only enforced by
prohibiting absolutely the cultivation of this drug.
The prohibition would at the outset engender
considerable discontent among the consumers, the
majority of whom are beggars. Their discontent
would never amount to a political danger. The
prohibition, however, is likely to increase the use
of alcoholic stimulants or other drugs less ex
-pensive, such as dhatura, which is more injurious
than hemp drug.
36. At present there is no reason to apprehend
that alcohol is being substituted for hemp drugs.
But the prohibition to use them might, it is feared,
lead their consumers to the use of these drugs as
labouring classes and beggars often stand in need
of some intoxicating drugs to make light the effects
of the fatigues of their labour.
37. Yes. The former is more intoxicating.
Charas has a more intoxicating effect than ganja,
it being the essence of the hemp plant. It is used
in smoking, simply by adding godakho to it;
while ganja is first perfectly cleaned and washed
with water, and by mixing tobacco with the so
- c l e a n e d g a n j a i t i s u s e d f o r s m o k i n g . G a n j a i s
easily procurable at shops. But charas cannot be
had in markets.
38. Round ganja is not prepared in this part of
the country. Flat ganja has a more intoxicating
effect on consumers than chur. Chur is nothing
hue a powder-like substance that remains at the
bottom of the ganja prepared and collected. Chur
is used for smoking only; while ganja is used for
various preparations.
39. The smoking of any preparation of the
hemp plant is more injurious than drinking or
eating the same or any other preparation, because
smoking is hurtful. It affects lungs and chest,
produces cough and excessive heat in the system
and dries up blood. While in drinking and eating
it has a beneficial effect on the constitution,
inasmuch as it cools the system. It is therefore
consumed even by higher classes in the hot season.
40. Yes. Bhang or ganja is mixed with
powders made of other ingredients and used in the
treatment of cattle disease.
41. The moderate use of ganja, bhang or charas
is beneficial in its effects : —
( a ) I t h a s a d i g e s t i v e p o w e r .
(b) It gives staying-power under severe exer
-tion or exposure and alleviates fatigue
( c ) I t d e s t r o y s t h e b a d e f f e c t s r e s u l t i n g f r o m
unwholesome water.
The tendency of the people in using the drug
is mainly to secure the effects stated above. The
reference is applicable to the moderate habitual
and occasional users. To the latter the effects are
prompt and quick.
42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless
as well as beneficial, because it possesses the
quality of exciting appetite and power of digestion.
It is also astringent, gives refreshing sleep, and
enables its user to overcome the effects of fatigue.
43. Yes. They are quite inoffensive to their
neighbours.
44. Habitual consumers do not get any intoxi
- c a t i n g e f f e c t b y a m o d e r a t e u s e o f a n y o f t h e s e
drugs. It is refreshing. It does not produce
intoxication. It does not allay hunger; on the
contrary it excites it. It creates appetite. The
effect lasts for a couple of hours. As to after-
- e f f e c t s , t h e r e a r e p r a c t i c a l l y n o n e .Y
e s
; t h e w a n t
of subsequent gratification produces longing and
uneasiness.
45. The habitual moderate use of these drugs
does not produce any noxious effects—physical,
mental or moral. It would impair the constitu--
tion to a certain extent should no substantial food
be taken. It does not injure the digestion. It
creates appetite. It arrests dysentery. Habitual
ganja-smoking. would alone cause bronchitis unless
it is followed by substantial food. I have never
heard that the use of these drugs causes asthma.
It does impair the moral sense. It does not in-
- d u c e l a z i n e s s , b u t i t l e a d s t h e c o n s u m e r s t o h a b i t s
of immorality. It does not deaden the intellect
or produce insanity if used in moderation.
46. A person consuming any of these drugs
excessively would, I think, be subject to all the
harms referred to in the last preceding question.
The excessive use of these drugs is also calculated
to deaden the intellect and produce insanity. I
am unable to say whether the insanity due to
habitual excessive use of these drugs is temporary
or permanent, as I have seen only one or two cases
of this kind.
47 and 48. No.
4 9 . T h e m o d e r a t e u s e o f t h e s e d r u g s i s s a i d t o
be practised in a few instances as an aphrodisiac.
It is so used by a few dissolute persons who are
unable to afford to indulge in alcohol, which is
more expensive. It is never known to be injurious,
nor is it known to produce impotence.
50. The excessive use of these drugs is never
practised as an aphrodisiac. It is never prac-
- t i s e d b y p e r s o n s o f d i s s o l u t e c h a r a c t e r . I t i s
really more injurious than its use as an ordinary
narcotic. Excessive use is said to be productive
of impotence.
51. Bad characters are not necessarily habitual
moderate consumers of any of these drugs. The
moderate use of these drugs has no connection
with crime in general or with any special crime.
52. As the excessive use of these drugs by bad
characters is likely to expose them through their
intoxicating effects, I think there is the least
chance of excessive use of these drugs being
made by bad characters.
53. Excessive indulgence in any of these drugs,
I believe, incites to unpremeditated violence. I
know of two cases in which excessive ganja
smokers became insane and were in the habit of
throwing stones at passers-by.
54. These drugs are never heard of being special-
ly used by criminals with the express object of
fortifying themselves to commit any act of vio-
- l e n c e o r o t h e r c r i m e .
55. Criminals in order to further their designs
are known to induce their victims to partake of
majum, a preparation of ganja, and thereby
stupefy the latter. To secure complete stupefac-
- t i o n b y m e a n s o f t h i s d r u g a d m i x t u r e o f d h a t u r a
is said to be necessary.