CH. VI.]
REPORT
OF
THE
INDIAN
HEMP
DRUGS
COMMISSION,
1893-94.
91
These processes amount after all to little more than simple drying and removal of
the coarser leaves. It is difficult to understand what purpose is served by the
process of burying which Mr. Taylor describes, and it may be doubted if the de-
scription is accurate. The resulting product is far inferior to Rajshahi ganja. This
has been amply proved by inquiries made in past years, in course of which the
drugs were compared. The leaf bhang is prepared by simple drying, as in Bengal
proper; but it will be seen that the weak ganja of the Garhjat is largely consumed
as drink.
Hill Tippera.
231. The preparation of the drugs in Hill Tippera is certainly not more ela-
borate than that just described; but no information
on the subject has been furnished.
Preparation of charas.
232. There is no evidence of charas being made in Bengal, though the
resin is available in plenty in the cultivated plant
of the Ganja Mahal, and in a less degree in other
growth. This form of the drug is not appreciated in the province, and the
absence of demand no doubt accounts for the art of manufacture not having
grown up. An infinitesimal amount may be collected from the feet and hands
of the operators in the ganja manufacture, but it is doubtful if this small supply
is utilized.
Classes engaged in preparation
of the drugs.
233. The preparation of ganja and bhang is carried out by the cultivators and
the servants of the bhang contractors respectively.
The preponderance of Musalmans in the cultivation
of ganja in the Ganja Mahal has been noticed. Beyond this it cannot be said
that the preparation of the raw drugs is the business of any special class, unless
it be that the Hindus from Behar and the North-Western Provinces, being in
large proportion confirmed bhang drinkers, are those who also most commonly
collect that drug for home consumption.
Assam.
234. The dried tops of the wild hemp plant are used to some extent for smok-
ing. But there is nothing to show that the article is
prepared in any other way than by simple drying.
The extermination of the male plant in connection with the wild growth does
not seem to be practised either in the valley or on the hills within and on the
borders of the province. This is an essential preliminary to the preparation of
the superior form of ganja. The dried tops make bhang which may be used
for smoking or drinking. Excise ganja is known among the consumers as
mohini bhang. The epithet mohini or fascinating is never applied to the wild
product. There is no evidence that charas is prepared or even known in the
province.
North-Western Provinces.
Preparation of ganja from plant
cultivated secretly.
235. Mr. Stoker made special enquiries regarding the local production and
preparation of ganja, and, as regards the extent of the
practice, the results are given in a concise form in his
memorandum. The evidence furnishes but few
details of interest to add to his account. The cultivation of hemp for the
production of ganja is not carried on openly. "The whole of the ganja
offered for public sale is imported. At the same time it would be incorrect to
say that ganja is nowhere grown or manufactured. Careful enquiry has elicited
reports from several districts that a small amount of ganja is surreptitiously
made." These are Mr. Stoker's words, and they exactly express the impression