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statements about typical symptoms only on this
case which is my only ganja case. The Mahi-
kantha cases of 1860 were ganja cases, but none
of them was a confirmed form of madness. I
have never read of, or come across, any case of
ganja insanity with these typical symptoms. I
do not remember reading of such a case.
From this case I also judge that confirmed in-
sanity from ganja is incurable.
Question 49 .—People have told me that they
themselves have used bhang as an aphrodisiac.
There are other aphrodisiacs easily available to the
people, but bhang is the only cheap one.
78. Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON ANNA MORESHWAR KUNTE, J. J. Hospital,
Bombay.
1. In my professional capacity I have had a
few opportunities.
2. Yes. The dried leaves of the hemp plant
are sold in the market under the following
names :—bhang, sabji, ghota, and siddhi.
19. Ganja and charas are used only for smok-
ing.
23. Bhanga is not used for smoking in Bom-
bay.
28. (a) Three tolas, which cost about ¼th of an
anna.
(b) Drink the sherbet prepared from bhang
to the extent of about two or three seers, which
c o s t a b o u t ½ a n n a . Ba v a s a n d f a k i r s , h a b i t u a l
excessive consumers, consume about ¼s e e r o f
ganja a day.
29. Ordinarily bhanga is mixed with a little
of black pepper and sugar. Excessive consumers
add sometimes a little of dhatura (the seeds gene-
rally) to increase the power of the drug. Ganja
smokers mix with it half the quantity of tobacco.
Bhanga massala consists of (1) black pepper,
(2) poppy seeds, (3) rose buds, (4) cardamoms, and
(5) almonds in varying proportions.
30.
Bhang (preparation) is usually drunk in
quantities. either in solitude or in company of
others. Ganja smoking is better enjoyed in com-
pany than in solitude. Bhang drinking is con-
fined both to the males as well as females. Males
only smoke. Children under 13 or 14 years of
age are not found smoking . ganja.
31. The habit of consuming any of these drugs
is generally formed by association ; but once the
habit is formed it is difficult to get rid of it.
32. Worshippers of god Mahadeva prepare the
sherbet of bhang in large quantities on Mondays.
In the month of Shravan, a large quantity is free-
ly distributed. The Marwari Brahmans parti-
cularly believe in the efficacy of the drug in this
mouth. The use of the drug is generally in
moderate quantities. This does not lead to the
formation of the habit. They don't seem to be
injurious.
36. Alcohol of late is taking the place of these
drugs. The causes of this change seem to be—
(a) The trouble one has to take to preparing
ganja or bhanga.
(b) Alcohol can be easily obtained.
(c) Alcohol works on the system sooner, and is
becoming more fashionable.
39. Smoking is more injurious than drinking
bhanga.
40. Vaidyas often use bhanga as a fumigation
for piles.
41. (a) Moderate ganja smoking is said to
increase the appetite. I have personally not
known much about it.
(b) A person is supposed to stand exposure and
fatigue.
(c), (d) It is not a febrifuge.
42. The use of these drugs is not harmless.
44 and 45. I had no opportunities of observing
this.
47. No. It is not a hereditary habit.
79. Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON M. F. PEREIRA, in medical charge, Alibag,
Question 46.—I have found insanity to result
often from the excessive and habitual use of ganja
or bhang. During the last twenty-one years, 1872
—1892, 75 lunatics were referred to me for ex-
amination and report. Out of these, 15 or 20
per cent. had become insane from ganja smoking.
Of t h e s e , 8 we r e a f f l i c t e d wi t h g e n e r a l ma n i a , 2
amorous mania, 3 demonomania and 1 each
with pyromania and religious mania. In one
ease, I have observed general atrophy and death
to result from the use of majum, or sweet cakes
made of bhang. I have not noticed any other
disease to result from occasional or moderate use
of ganja or bhang in any form, although some
town people do occasionally indulge in it
oral evidence.
Question 46 .—The cases referred to in my
letter were cases which were sent to me in my
capacity as Civil Surgeon for report to the
Magistrate. I base my statement upon the
record of such reports made by me. My report
was in each case based upon the information
given by the police or furnished by the lunatic
himself or his relations. I could not say that the
opinion reported in any one case was one which,
speaking professionally, was based upon adequate
observation. The reason is that they were just
passing through my hands, and the time for
observation was limited. The important point
was to decide whether the man was a lunatic or
not, not what the causes of his insanity were,
although the cause had to be entered in the
Forms A and C, and it was accordingly entered,
so far as could be ascertained from the brief
period and opportunities afforded for observation
and as communicated to me. I do not think
the eases are worth laying before the Commission.
I have been in independent charge for the last
twenty-five years.