273
36. Alcohol is not considered to be now used as
a substitute for any hemp drug, although it is
partaken of in winter, as bhang, which is a cooling
mixture, is reserved for the summer months.
37.
Charas is admitted to be the most injurious
form in which hemp is consumed, and is said to
bring, on cough. Asthma will prove injurious to
the lungs. Ganja, which is very rarely used in
these parts, is said also to give rise to chest affec-
tions ; but its action is much slower than that of
charas. These two drugs are, as a rule, used by
fakirs in Sind more than by any other class.
Bhang.—This drug indulged in moderately is
said to do no harm. It is the general drink
throughout Sind. Unlike alcohol, its first effect is
cooling, and later on a sensation of warmth is
experienced. When smoked by fakirs and jogis,
as it is sometimes, its effect is more injurious than
when drunk. It is not supposed to produce in-
sanity.
40. Bhang is said to be used by hakims for
piles on account of its cooling properties, for stric-
ture and ulcers. Not used for cattle disease.
41. Bhang used in moderation is believed to be
beneficial as
—
(1) a digestive ;
(2) alleviating fatigue, but only whilst its
effects last, the reaction being great;
but again it is believed that a person
not indulging in these drugs is always
better off than one addicted to their
use;
(3) not used as a febrifuge;
(4) as an aphrodisiac.
42. Yes; harmless to a certain degree, as bhang
in moderation acts as a digestive and has a cooling
effect when partaken in the summer months.
44. The immediate effect of these drugs on a
consumer is intoxication and a subsequent feeling
of languor. They do not allay hunger, and only
create an appetite in old and excessive consumers.
The effects of charas and ganja are immediate and
last about two hours, while those of bhang are
experienced after about half or three-quarters of
an hour, and last about three hours. There are
no after-effects ; but the want of subsequent grati-
fication to confirmed drinkers and smokers causes
depression and a craving for more, which if not
satisfied creates great uneasiness.
45. The moderate use of these drugs does not
produce any immediate noxious effects; but if
bhang is indulged in for a considerable period, it
impairs the constitution and produces emaciation.
At first it acts as a digestive, but afterwards
impairs it, gives rise to asthma and bronchitis,
but not dysentery. It induces laziness and habits
of immorality at first, and when continued for any
long period, it deadens the intellect, but is never
said to give rise to insanity. Indulgence in charas
and ganja is said to impair the sexual organs.
46. This habitual excessive use has the same
effect, but in a shorter time and to a more marked
degree.
47. Neither the habitual moderate nor excessive
use of any of these drugs is admitted to be here
- d i t a r y o r t o a f f e c t t h e i s s u e o f c o n s u m e r s ; b u t
as the use of charas and ganja is said to impair
the sexual organs, it is reasonable to suppose that
the issue is to some extent affected.
49. Prostitutes are said to use all three of
these drugs in proportion to the extent to which
they have sunk in depravity. Used by prostitutes
for inciting pleasurable sensations. Charas is
the only one of these drugs said to cause impo-
tence.
56. Admixture of foreign ingredients with
bhang is said to weaken its intoxicating powers
. T h e s e i n g r e d i e n t s a r e e n u m e r a t e d i n a n s w e r 2 9 .
57. Ganja and charas not eaten or drunk in
Sind.
In conclusion, of the three drugs, bhang is
said to be the least harmful, unless regularly
taken in excess.
Charas—Is the most injurious; but is not, as
a rule, used by Hindus of these parts, but fakirs.
Ganja—Is not used to any great extent by
either Hindus or Muhammadans.
Majum—Is a sweetmeat composed of sugar and
bhang, and is sold in these parts, but to a very
small extent.
18. Evidence of Assistant Surgeon, EDWARD MACKENZIE, Manora, Karachi,
Sind.
1. An acquaintance with natives of India who
were in the habit of using hemp drugs, extend-
ing over a period of twenty-five years.
•
2. Yes. Bhang as bhang, less commonly as
sabzi and sahi. Charas as charas. Ganja as
ganja.
19. Yes. Also medicinally to a slight extent
for coughs, asthma, colic, etc., and no doubt forms
an ingredient, like opium, mixed with spices and
camphor, of the pills in favour with persons of
low morals for exciting sexual desires.
23. No.
28. (a) From quarter to half anna per diem.
(b) Up to two annas per diem.
29. Bhang is sweetened and taken in liquid,
mixed or unmixed, with spices. Ganja (charas
less so) is smoked with tobacco. Other admix-
tures are not used in Sind. No, but hemp is sold
as a sweetmeat under the name of majum.
30. To a very considerable extent, both in soli-
tude and in company, equally by both sexes i n
Sind : in women the elderly, in men the young
adults, in the former from acquired habit, in the
latter for immoral purposes. I do not think the
female sex partake of it to anything like the
same extent in other parts of India. Hemp is
not given to children.
31. (a) and (b) Yes.
(c) Excepting in the case of debauchees, mode-
ration is the rule.
32. Nil.
36. Alcohol is not substituted for bhang in a
person habituated to the use of the latter; but the
former being at hand and getting into more gene-
ral use, is partaken of more freely than before,
and in this way would lessen the use of bhang,
especially in the case of the rising generation,
many of whom take alcohol to assimilate in habits
to the European
37.
All
have similar intoxicant effects, varying
in intensity, ganja being more powerful and heat-
vol. vii.
2 p