8
35. Locally there would be no difficulty in
prohibiting the cultivation and import. There
would probably be smuggling. Serious discon-
tent would be caused among consumers, but not
such as to amount to political danger. I would
not anticipate recourse to alcohol, as the majority
of smokers are too poor to be able to afford it.
There might be recourse to opium.
36. Local statistics afford no reason. The con
-sumption of alcohol is very steady.
37. All that is known locally is that charas is
very much stronger than ganja.
38. No information forthcoming, except that
what is locally supposed to represent chur is
milder than ganja, it being either refuse or infe-
rior tops.
39. Local opinion seems to be that smoking is
more injurious than drinking. Ghota is consi-
dered to be a cooling drink, appetising and diges-
tive when taken in moderation. Smoking is said
by some to heat the system and to injure the con-
stitution when carried to excess, unless accompa-
nied by liberal diet, in which milk and ghi are
essentials. Majum is said to be largely used by
professional wrestlers as a stomachic and calmer of
the system. I am inclined, therefore, to suppose
that eating and drinking the drug is less injuri-
ous than smoking it.
40. Very little local information to be had.
Ganja is said to be an ingredient in an astringent
mixture, of which the medico kept other particu-
lars to himself as a trade secret. Another pre-
scribes it in dysentery and for loosening phlegm.
It is frequently mentioned as an anodyne for
scorpion sting, for which purpose it is said to be
administered fried in ghi, which would be a simple
form of majum. Purchasers at the shops often
described themselves as buying it for pains and
ailments. It is given to cattle and horses, appa-
rently when off feed.
41. The answer s r ef er t o ganj a.
(a), (b) , ( c ) Yes.
( d) To secure concentration of attention.
To appease hunger.
Answers to (a ) and (b) are founded on an
assertions of habitual smokers and drinkers.
Popular opinion is that ganja smokers escape
fever and many other complaints.
It is asserted that the drug is used by gold
smiths and other doers of "barik kam" to kee
p their minds upon the work in hand, which use
seems to be parallel to the alleged use by ascetic
s for concentration of thought on holy things
Ascetics, however, largely use the drug to appease
hunger, and what would be considered excessive
consumption in the case of others is moderate i
n theirs. I am told on good authority that nativ
e soldiers who have gambled away their pay employ
the ganja pipe as a cheap substitute for food until
in funds again. If bad luck lasts long outward
symptoms betray them, and they catch it at
orderly room.
42. The moderate use of ganja appears to be
quite harmless so long as consumption is propor-
tioned to liberality of diet. A plentiful diet, in-
cluding copious milk and ghi, is said to render t
he constitution unassailable by ganja. In such cases
it gives appetite, aids digestion, opens the bowels,
drives away fatigue, and induces refreshing sle
ep. So I am told by smokers.
43. It is said that, as a rule, they are quite in-
offensive. But a beggar who has acquired 'con-
centration cf thought' by the use of it will be a
nuisance till his object is attained by receipt of
alms. If this be so, it is probable that much
must depend on the natural suavity of the smoker's
disposition. Yet I am assured by an habitual ex-
cessive smoker that it calms the temper.
44. It is described as partial intoxication, on
recovery from which a feeling of freshness super-
venes, fatigue vanishes, and, if sufficient is taken,
hunger disappears. When taken regularly by
regular livers, appetite is promoted. The after-
effect appears to be desire for more, and the want
of gratification produces longing and uneasiness.
I attempted to gain practical information by
treating a few habitual consumers to ganja and
ghota, etc. After about 1½ hour, in the course
of which four or five men smoked that number of
pipes in company (including a pipe of Penares
ganja and one of claras) and drank a couple of
seers of ghota, the party withdrew apparently as
sober as when they came, and saying that they
had enjoyed themselves very much. One member
became very garrulous ; but it was probably his
nature.
45. Local opinion, as far as sounded, has attri-
buted none of these effects to the moderate use of
ganja when accompanied by sufficient diet. My
enquiries have of necessity not been extensive
enough to enable me to offer remarks worth re-
cording on this page. In the whole district I am
told of seven cases of madness, 57 of addleheaded-
ness, and 124 of impaired constitution, attributed
to the use of the drug ; but I have not secured
details of the cases for want of time.
47 and 48. Local opinion is in the negative.
49. They are said not to be so used. Reference
is made by one witness to a medicine for promot-
ing vigour, in which ganja is used in combination
with the ash of some metal ; but his knowledge
was small.
55. It is said that a novice could be caused
complete stupefaction by the drug in any shape
without admixture.
57. Charas is not locally known to be eaten or
drunk.
Ganja is locally used for the manufacture of
edible and drinkable forms of the drug in the
same way that perhaps bhang is used in other
localities. In these forms the action is said to be
slower in arrival, but longer in duration than when
the drug is smoked.
58. I think it is working well.
60. I see no local reason for supposing that
further control than exists is requisite.
61. The extent to which charas is produced is
described in answer No. 15, and I do not think
that interference is necessary.
62. There appears locally to be no reason for
more control than exists.
6 3 . N o .
64. No. As far as I can judge the regulations
work smoothly and successfully.
65. As far as the result of local enquiry goes,
I think the taxation to be reasonable. Cases of
excessive and unhealthy use of the drug amongst
local residents are very rare. The moderate use
appears to be harmless, and a small luxury is placed
within reach of the poor.
66. I have no knowledge of the subject. Any
distinction should be made to depend on the
ascertained proportions of strength.