208 REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. [CH. XI.
many old ganja smokers. I know a friend who suffered from chronic bronchitis,
and in whom asthmatic fits were induced by attempts to smoke ganja." The
witness refers also to another case in which a habitual ganja smoker had an asth-
matic attack "which subsided on breaking off the habit and reappeared on
resuming it." This witness lays stress on personal idiosyncrasy as modifying
the effects of the drugs, and on the importance of a diet rich in fat. Witness
No. 155, another kabiraj, states that, while no ill effects are produced, occasionally
it causes dysentery, bronchitis, and asthma. Witness No. 128, also a kabiraj,
states that, according to the Aurveda Shastra, smoking these drugs causes bronchi-
tis and asthma, and in his opinion "even the moderate use of any of these drugs,
not according to the rules of Shastra, is injurious in its effects." This witness
does not appear to have any personal knowledge of ill effects, but to base his
views on the teachings of the Shastras. Witness No. 139 states: "Certainly they
produce noxious effects on the moral and physical constitution;" but as the
witness is silent as to the effects of excessive use, probably he has not discriminated
between the two uses of the drugs. Witness No. 157, a vaid, considers that even
the habitual moderate use of these drugs produces noxious effects. This is the
pandit who was consulted by Dr. Flood Murray (witness No. 102), and who pro-
duced two cases of hemp drug asthma and weakened heart for Dr. Murray's
inspection. These seem to have been the only cases in any way connected with
hemp drugs that he had. Witness No. 146 is a zamindar and medical practi-
tioner, and does not reply as to effects. Witness No. 147 studied two and a half
years at the Calcutta Medical College, but took no degree. He states that no
noxious effects are produced without giving details.
Assam.
501. Three commissioned and three uncovenanted medical officers were
examined in Assam. Surgeon-Major Macnamara
(witness No. 20) has been for thirteen years among
people who make use of hemp products to a greater or less degree. He is Civil
Surgeon of Tezpur, and has had opportunities of observing the effects of the drug
on tea garden coolies. Regarding the effects caused by the moderate use of the
drugs, the witness remarked: "I can't define moderation no more than I can in the
case of alcohol. The limit is reached when any ill effects are apparent when the
limit is crossed. The constitution is impaired and digestion is injured. Dysentery,
bronchitis, and asthma find an easier victim." On cross-examination, the wit-
ness stated: "In regard to the effects of the drugs, I mean what I have seen in
people taking the drugs just as I know the effects of alcohol. I have never seen a
man actually taking ganja, although I have tried to get people to do so." Surgeon-
Major H. C. Banerji has had 14 years' service, out of which five years have been
passed as a Civil Surgeon in Assam. This officer considers that bronchitis,
asthma, and dysentery are not produced by the moderate use of the drugs. Dr.
Macleod (witness No. 23) stated that bronchitis, asthma, and dysentery are
caused, but fails to answer the question regarding results of excessive use; and
there is every probability that he failed to discriminate between the moderate and
excessive use. Surgeon-Major Mullane (witness No. 19), out of nearly 17 years'
service, has spent 13 years in the plains districts of the Assam Valley. Regarding
effects, he remarked: "Among natives there is a widespread belief that the
mortality among ganja consumers from bowel complaints is heavy." He fails to
answer the question regarding results of excessive use; and from the nature of
his reply quoted it is fair to assume that he has no personal knowledge regarding