170
months ago and came to the Ilao Dispensary.
I remember a case of lunacy occurring fifteen
years ago in the 20th Bombay Infantry at
Baroda. I know no other cases. The Ilao
case was of a temporary kind. I did not see
the other case to its end, for the man was in hos-
pital when I was transferred. I attribute the Ilao
case to the excessive use of ganja. I know of no
case in which moderate use has caused insanity.
The Baroda case was under my observation for
l ½ months. The Ilao patient was brought to the
dispensary by his relatives. He was talking
nonsense and his relations said that he had become
insane since he had taken the drug to excess. I
did ask how long he had been in the habit of smok-
ing and was told that he had begun a few
months before. He had taken an excessive
dose of ganja after drinking liquor two days
before he was brought to me. He was in
the habit of taking liquor. He would do so
at festivals. All poor men drink. On the occa-
sion when he was overcome he had taken liquor to
excess and ganja to excess also. He was of the
Talavia caste. I don't know whether he took
either liquor or ganja in excess before that occasion.
I attribute the case to ganja because he smoked
that drug immediately before he became incohe-
rent. I don't know if any of his companions suf-
fered on the same occasion. He was not cured
for 1 ½ months during which he was brought to
my dispensary by his relations every third or
fourth day. The last time I saw him he was im-
proving. I made no further enquiry, but accepted
the account given by his relations.
88. Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT SHAIK SURFRAZ HAKIM, Nasik.
1. I have been at many places in the Bombay
Presidency, and specially at Yeola, Chikodi,
Sholapur and Nasik for long time, where ganja
and bhang consumers were under my observation
and treatment.
2. These drugs are known by the same name
in this presidency also.
19. Ganja and charas are used for smoking.
Powdered ganja is mixed in sweetmeat to make
it little intoxicating. It is also mixed in bhajias,
which are fried and then eaten as luxuries. Majum
also contains ganja or bhang.
23. As far as I know, bhang is not generally
used for smoking.
28. (a) It is said that the average allowances
of ganja is half an ounce in weight, and half an
anna worth.
(b) Ditto 3 ounces in weight, and of 3 ½ annas
worth.
(a) Bhang is used daily by habitual moderate
consumers half an ounce in weight, costing half
anna,
(b) Ditto by habitual excessive consumer, one
ounce in weight, costing I anna
29. Tobacco is ordinarily mixed with ganja ;
dhatura, opium and nux vomica are also mixed
with ganja to make the effect more powerful by
a few excessive ganja smokers, and especially by
ascetics. 1 have not heard or seen cantharides
and betel-nut so used. The following are the
ingredients of bhang massala :—poppy seed,
almond seeds, anise fruit, sugar, milk, black
pepper, cardamoms, seeds of cucumber.
30. It is said that habitual moderate smokers
of ganja will require the same quantity, as stated
in answer to No. 28, either in solitude or in com-
pany. Ganja and bhang are also used by female
sex. It is unusual for children to consume any
of these drugs.
31. The habit of consuming these drugs is not
easily formed, and it is not very difficult to break
it off.
32.
On Hindu holidays, and especially on Shiva
¬ratra, bhang is taken by some as a beverage
m i x e d w i t h i t s m a s s a l a i n d e v o t i o n t o t h e g o d S h i v a .
36. No.
37. It is said that charas smoking has more
intoxicating effect than ganja smoking ; but the
effect is produced instantaneously by ' both. The
drinking of bhang produces effect slowly.
39. The general effects of the drugs on the
constitution is the same. They are not injurious
if used moderately. Their excessive use has
supposed tendency towards producing insanity.
40. Ganja and bhang are used as sedative,
anodyne, and as digestive, and also as local appli-
cation to piles, etc. Bhang is given to cattle
to promote appetite.
41. (a) and (b) Yes.
(c) I have not seen it used as a febrifuge ;
but it is said that it prevents disease in malarious
and unhealthy tracts.
42. Beneficial.
44. It is refreshing, and it creates appetite.
These drugs produce intoxication when used
excessively. Moderate use allays hunger for a
time. The effect lasts from two to four hours.
45. (a) to (e) No.
(f) The excessive use of ganja acts as an
exciting cause of the insanity, and it generally
produces mania, temporary and permanent both.
46. The excessive use of these drugs is inju-
rious ; it tends to produce insanity, impairs con-
stitution and digestion.
47 and 48. No.
49 and 50. Moderate use of these drugs is practi-
sed an as aphrodisiac. By few prostitutes it is used
for this purpose. The use for this purpose
is injurious when these drugs are used largely and
continuously for long time. The excessive and
protracted use of hemp tends to produce im-
potency.
56. Dhatura, opium and nux vomica are mixed
with ganja to make its effect more powerful, and
these things are used by those people who use
ganja excessively.
57. Ganja and bhang are eaten and drunk.
Their excessive use produces intoxication and delirium.