2
REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94.
[APP.
thoroughly investigated, each variety of the drug being separately treated so far as that can be
conveniently done. In conducting this branch of the enquiry, the Commissioners should avail
themselves freely of the evidence of medical experts. They should endeavour to ascertain
what proportion of the population habitually consumes hemp-drugs, and should thoroughly
examine the testimony in support of the commonly received opinion that the use of hemp-drugs
is a frequent cause of lunacy. They should ascertain whether, and in what form, the consump-
tion of the drugs is either harmless or even beneficial, as has occasionally been maintained.
6. Full information should be compiled regarding the administrative arrangements in force
in each province for controlling the growth of the plant, the manufacture and sale of the
drugs, and their importation from other provinces or from Native States, and for imposing
duties on cultivation and sale. It is understood that charas is imported into the Punjab on a
considerable scale from foreign territory, and the question of the importation of hemp-drugs
generally from foreign territory should receive the special attention of the Commission. The
various systems employed for taxing the drug or the cultivation of the plant should be review-
ed, with especial reference to the comparative incidence of this taxation in different parts of
India, and to the comparative efficacy of the taxation imposed in restricting consumption,
whether by the mere weight of the tax, or by the method and stage of imposition. It is known
that the rates vary considerably in different provinces, but the precise effect of the variations is
not fully understood. In this connection the Commissioners should notice any case in which
the proximity of a Native State affects the production or consumption of the drug in British
territory.
7. There are two points connected with the subject-matter of the enquiry which call for
special investigation. The first of these is the danger lest prohibition, or restrictive measures
of a stringent character, may give rise to serious discontent, and be resented by the people as
an unjustifiable interference with long-established social customs. In some parts of India the
use of hemp-drugs is, it is believed, common among fakirs and ascetics held in veneration by
large classes of the population. In Bengal it has been stated that an infusion of the leaves of
the plant is commonly offered to every guest and member of the family on the last day of the
Durga Pujah: it has no ill effects, and its use is not considered reprehensible in any way. The
Governor-General in Council desires that the Commissioners will endeavour to ascertain to
what extent these and similar customs prevail in Bengal and other parts of India, and how far
the use of hemp drugs forms a part of social, or possibly religious, ceremonial or observance,
and they should, if possible, take the evidence of witnesses drawn from the classes among
whom the use of hemp-drugs is chiefly prevalent. The Commissioners should state their opin-
ion whether the prohibition of the use of hemp-drugs or any restrictive measures which they
may deem practicable would be likely to give rise to political discontent in any parts of India
or among any classes of the population. It is believed that in some parts of the country
bhang is, in a special degree, the poor man's narcotic, and the possible unpopularity of a
measure which would deprive the very poorest of the population of the use of a narcotic to
which they have always been accustomed should not be overlooked.
8. Another point to which the attention of the Commissioners should be directed is the
probability or possibility, that if the use of hemp-drugs is prohibited, those who would other-
wise continue to use them may be driven to have recourse to alcohol, or to other stimulants or
narcotics which may be more deleterious.
9. Finally, the Governor-General in Council requests that the Commissioners, if they
should be of opinion that the prohibition of the consumption of any hemp-drug should not,
or could not, be enforced, will indicate, for the consideration of the Government of India, any
reforms and improvements which their investigations may lead them to recommend in the ex-
isting arrangements of each province for controlling the cultivation of the hemp plant, and
the manufacture, sale, and taxation of hemp-drugs. In framing their recommendations regard
should, of course, be had to the considerations which have been stated in paragraphs 7 and 8
of this Resolution. Absolute prohibition, or repressive measures of a stringent nature, may
involve inquisitorial proceedings of an unpopular character, and afford opportunities for the
levy of blackmail; and in framing regulations for the prohibition or for the restriction of the
use of hemp-drugs these considerations should be borne in mind.
If the Commission should be of opinion that the cultivation of the hemp plant for the
production of drugs, or the consumption of any hemp drug, should be absolutely prohibited,
it will be their duty to state the regulations which should be adopted for this purpose.
10. All Local Governments and Administrations have been requested to render every as-
sistance to the Commission, to collect and place at its disposal whatever information may be
available, and to make to the Commission any suggestions regarding the enquiry which local
knowledge and experience may suggest.
11. The Governor-General in Council directs that the Commission shall assemble in Cal-
cutta on the 1st August 1893.
J. F. FINLAY,
Secretary to the Government of India.