335
physical, mental or moral. It does not impair the
constitution, injure digestion or cause loss of appe-
tite. It does not cause dysentery, diarrhœa, bron-
chitis or asthma; nor does it impair the moral
sense or produce laziness of habit. I have known
several moderate users of these drugs, and they did
not appear to me to be any the worse for it.
Taken in excess it deadens the intellect and pro-
duces insanity. In two cases of insane sepoys in
my late regiment who had to be sent to lunatic
asylum, one to Nagpur, and the other to Ran-
goon asylums, the insanity in both cases was en-
tirely due to excessive use of ganja. In neither of
the cases was there any predisposing cause of in-
sanity. Both were violent and inclined to be
homicidal, and neither of them had suffered pre-
viously from mental anxiety or brain disease.
Five other sepoys were discharged from the regi-
ment as mentally deficient, whose intellects were
deadened by the excessive use of ganja and bhang.
46. A habitual excessive user of these drugs,
in my opinion, is unfitted morally, physically
and mentally for any employment. He is a curse
to himself, and a burden to all those connected with
him.
47. None.
48. The excessive use of these drugs is not in
any way inherited. The offsprings of an exces-
sive user will not necessarily follow in the footsteps
of their parent.
49. Sometimes these drugs are used as an
aphrodisiac, also by prostitutes. They are not
more injurious, when used for this propose, than
as an ordinary narcotic. The use of hemp does
not produce impotency.
50. All injurious, but smoking ganja more so
than bhang, and is liable to produce insanity.
56. The effect of hemp modified by the admix-
ture of other ingredients is—
(a ) taken in moderation, harmless ;
(b) taken in excess, injurious. Dhatura, nux-
vomica, cant harides, opium or betel-nut
n e v e r m i x e d .
57. Ganja is never eaten or drunk in this pro-
vince, only smoked. Such a thing as charas is not
known down here, and never used in any way
whatever.
In conclusion, moderate use in my opinion
is neither beneficial nor injurious, but the exces-
sive use is most harmful in every way, and I cer-
tainly think that something ought to be done to
curtail its use, and to make it more of a luxury
than it is.
19. Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. B. ROE, Civil Surgeon, Amraoti.
1. Enquiries amongst convicts in jail, and ganja
smokers outside.
2. Indian hemp is not cultivated. in Berar, but
the definitions and names given apply to the im-
ported drug. The names given are known and
used here.
19. Charas is smoked only. Ganja, though
used chiefly in smoking, is occasionally chewed and
eaten by excessive consumers.
23. No ; never.
28. (a) Ganja up to 5 tolas, costing . 2½ annas.
Charas „ „ 3 masas, „
. 2 ,,
Bhang „ „ 5 tolas, „
. 1
(b) Ganja up to 15 tolas, „
7 or 8 „
Charas „ „ ½ tola,
. 5. 5
. 4 ,,
Bhang „ „ 10 tolas, „
. 2 ,,
29. (a ) Tobacco or tobacco mixed with jagri,
known as gudakoo.
Bhang is pounded and mixed with sugar and
water or milk.
(b) Dhatura, nux-vomica, betel-nut are used,
as also arsenic and aconite, the object of the ad-
mixtures being to increase strength of the pre-
paration.
Bhang massala is used here, and consists of
cucumber seeds, almonds, black pepper, rosebuds,
aniseed, coriander, poppy seeds, sugar, and melon
seeds : these ingredients are pounded and. mixed
(usually) with milk and water.
30. Consumption is mostly practised in com-
pany ; it is mainly confined to the male sex ; but
women of low character as well as Sunthins or
Hindu nuns do use the drug. It is not used by
children under 12 years of age.
31. The habit is acquired easily, and is very
difficult to break off. There is a tendency for the
moderate to develop into the excessive habit.
32. Apparently no connection in this respect.
36. No.
37. Charas is stronger than ganja ; and the
intoxicating effect of the former is more quickly
developed and lasts longer.
Bhang is much milder than either of the above,
and its effects are slowly developed.
39. Smoking is more injurious than the drink-
ing of bhang. But the eating of ganja is more
injurious than either.
40. I cannot discover the use of the drug by
native doctors. But it is said to be used mixed
with turmeric and butter in the treatment of
cattle for throat affections.
41. (a) Ganja and bhang increase appetite and
assist digestion.
(b) Ganja gives staying-power. Bhang is given
to camels and bullocks occasionally when forced
marches are required of them.
(c) It (ganja) is also used as a febrifuge with
good results.
Used in small quantities as above, the drug may
be beneficial.
42. Bhang, if used in moderation, is, I believe,
harmless ; but the moderate habit tends to develop
into the excessive.
44. The drug is refreshing. Smoking produces
intoxication almost at once. It increases appetite ;
does not allay hunger. The effect of smoking
lasts about an hour. The want of the drug pro-
duces much longing and uneasiness.
45. Not as a rule, unless long continued in,
when more or less emaciation occurs, with loss of
mental power. Increases appetite and assists
digestion. Is said to cause bronchitis and asthma,
but not dysentery. It induces laziness, but not
immorality. It is generally believed to produce
insanity.
46. Increased laziness results, with loss of
memory, more emaciation, and a general break-up
of the system.