CH. XI.] REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. 221
produced. Witnesses Nos. 98 and 99, vaidyas, gave similar evidence to the last
witness. Witness No. 100, also a vaidya, stated no ill effects are caused by the
moderate use of bhang; but he does not express any opinion on the effects caused
by moderate use of ganja. Witness No. 92 is described as a medical practitioner
of 27 years' experience, and does not think that noxious effects are produced.
Witness No. 93, also a medical practitioner, stated: "They do not cause dysen-
tery, bronchitis, or asthma, but, on the contrary, do good to these diseases."
Witness No. 94 does not reply. Witness No. 95, also a medical practitioner,
stated: "I have not met with any cases in which the habitual moderate use of
bhang has produced any noxious effects, ..................... but I believe the
habitual moderate use of ganja and charas does produce some noxious effect
physically, mentally, and morally."
Sind.
507. Three commissioned officers were examined in Sind. Brigade-Surgeon-
Lieutenant-Colonel J. F. Keith (witness No. 16) has
had twenty-five years' service, of which 14 have been
passed in Sind and 15½ in civil employ. He stated that a general negative may be
given to the questions dealing with noxious effects from moderate use. Surgeon-
Major Corkery (witness No. 17) stated that 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, giving rise to asthma and bron-
chitis, but not dysentery." Brigade-Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel Bainbridge
(witness No. 15) has acted as Civil Surgeon for 26 years. He stated: "I have
no evidence, but I should say that the habitual moderate use of any of these
drugs is harmful."
Four officers of the assistant surgeon class and one medical officer of
health were examined. Witness No. 1 stated that no ill effects are produced.
Dr. S. M. Kaka (witness No. 24) is medical officer of health at Karachi, and has
practised there since 1884. The witness stated: "The habitual moderate use
of ganja and charas acts injuriously upon the constitution physically, mentally,
and morally."
In cross-examination he stated: "It is difficult to draw a
definite line between moderate and excessive use. They merge into one another."
Witness No. 19 stated: "I am of opinion that moderate use of subzi does not
produce any noxious effects-physical, mental, or moral." And Surgeon J. E.
Bocarro (witness No. 20) stated: "I cannot say this of bhang, but charas and
ganja, even in moderate doses, tend to weaken the bodily
frame.....................
As regards causing the diseases mentioned, I have not a single case on record
to warrant such a conclusion so far as bhang is concerned, but several of my
cases indicate that the continued use of charas and ganja do cause dysentery
and bronchitis. I have no history regarding asthma." Witness No. 21 stated
that the habitual moderate use of the drugs does not cause dysentery, bronchitis,
or asthma.
In Sind two hospital assistants and no private practitioners were examined.
Witness No. 22 stated no ill effects are caused. Witness No. 23 stated that the
use "causes bronchitis and shortness of breath."
Burma.
508. Eight commissioned officers were examined in Burma. Surgeon-Major
Thomas (witness No. 42) stated that no ill effects
were produced by moderate doses. Surgeon-Major
Dantra (witness No. 40) has had 17 years' service, nearly the whole in Burma, and
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