182 REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. [CH. X.
working in tanks, dhobis and night watchmen, mendicants and pilgrims, are
named as among those who use them under severe exposure. All classes of
labourers, especially such as blacksmiths, miners, and coolies, are said more or
less generally to use the drugs as a rule in moderation to alleviate fatigue. In
this connection a reference to Dr. Cunningham's experiment described in Vol.
III Appendices is interesting.
Febrifuge.
471. There is also a large body of evidence showing that hemp drugs, both
as smoked and as drunk, are used as a febrifuge or
preventive of the diseases common in malarious tracts
or arising from the use of bad water. This is the justification alleged for the
habitual use of these drugs in certain localities. Here, of course, the experience
of the witnesses is more limited; but the evidence is very considerable. Labourers
in malarious tracts and cultivators of wet and marshy lands, jungle tribes, and
those who have to work or reside in jungle tracts, are among those who are said
to use the drugs for these purposes. It is impossible also to shut the eyes to the
evidence which often comes up unexpectedly, showing that respectable and intelli-
gent people going on duty to such tracts, and sepoys sent on foreign service or
garrisoning comparatively unhealthy districts, often take to these drugs for these
purposes.
Other beneficial effects.
472. There are a few other effects of a beneficial character which are referred
to by certain witnesses. They are, however, of a
less important character and less generally contem-
plated than those which have been already considered. Thus the drugs are
said to be used sometimes to prevent insomnia and to relieve anxiety, as the
consumer of alcohol sometimes takes a "night cap before going to bed"
or a glass of wine when he is of heavy heart. The drugs are said to be cheering
in their effects, and to be prized by many on this account. An interesting
illustration of this may perhaps be found in the popular belief existing in many
parts that these drugs protect against cholera and other epidemic diseases.
One very intelligent witness, who has seen much of this use, explains it as due
to the stimulating and inspiriting nature of the drugs. The drugs are said to
be used to produce concentration of attention not only by fakirs, but also
by such tradesmen as jewellers doing very fine work. They are said to be
used by the poor and on occasion by others to alleviate hunger when suffi-
cient food is not obtainable. The alleged occasional use in this way by sepoys,
who for any reason cannot devote a sufficient amount of their pay to procuring
food, is interesting. One witness (Mr. E. J. Ebden, Collector of Ahmednagar)
thus refers to this: "I am told on good authority that native soldiers who have
gambled away their pay employ the ganja pipe as a cheap substitute for food
until in funds again." Want of money from other causes might lead to the same
practice; and the evidence shows that the practice is not confined to sepoys.
It is especially found among wandering mendicants, and no doubt exists among
other classes. The practice cannot result in permanent advantage, but the
temporary relief is not to be overlooked.
Contrary evidence.
473. There are a few witnesses who stigmatize all such allegations of bene-
ficial results as mere excuses made for a vicious
indulgence. As some opium consumers attribute all
manner of good effects to opium, liquor drinkers to alcohol, and tobacco smokers
to tobacco, so do consumers of hemp attribute these beneficial effects to their