86
I am consequently unable to answer any of
these questions.
45. I do not know.
I do not know.
I do not know.
I do not know.
I do not know.
I was in medical charge of the Madras Lunatic
Asylum for five years, and during that time I saw
numerous cases of insanity supposed to be caused
by the abuse of ganja, chiefly amongst sepoys.
It produces temporary acute mania, often with
suicidal and homicidal tendencies. I should say the
drug was the exciting cause. Typical symptoms:
excitement, delirium, dilated pupils, sleep.
The symptoms are re-induced by the use of the
drug.
I have seen re-admissions amongst individuals
addicted to its use. They confessed to the use of
the drug.
I do not know.
I do not know of any evidence.
I know nothing about the use of the drug ex-
cept as stated above.
46. I can tell nothing of the effects of the drugs,
as I have no knowledge of what would be the
moderate or excessive use of them.
[Questions 45 and 46 answered by Medical
Officer.]
Answer No. 127
20. (a) Combatants—
Muhammadans
435
Sikhs
335
Dogras
111
Brahmins
2
Dhanak
1
Christian
1
TOTAL
885
(b) Non-combatants—
Muhammadans
32
Hindus
28
TOTAL
60
(c) Authorised camp followers—
Hindus
34
Muhammadans
31
TOTAL
65
It is believed that about 35 Hindus and 25
Mussalmans smoke charas, ganja is not used, and
that about 20 Sikhs drink bhang.
25. Increasing.
28. About one pice in weight of charas daily,
the cost varying according to the market rates.
32. At the festival of Nimami Ekashti bhang is
supposed to be consumed by the Sikhs.
33. In moderation the use is not held in disre-
pute.
39. Smoking is more injurious than other me-
thods of consumption.
41. Only when used medicinally.
42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is not
considered to be injurious provided the consumer
does not become addicted to the habit.
43. Yes.
44. (1) The immediate effect of a moderate
quantity is that of an appetiser.
(2) It does refresh.
(3) It stimulates the appetite.
(4) This effect lasts for about two hours.
(5) After this period (two hours) if no food
be taken, a feeling of exhaustion and giddiness
ensues; but if food be taken soon after no unplea-
sant results follow.
(6) To those accustomed to its use as an appe-
tiser the want of it causes loss of appetite.
45. (1) The moderate use produces some bad
effects, as shown in (4) and (5).
(2) It predisposes to some chest affections, such
as asthma and bronchitis.
(3) To habitual consumers it becomes neces-
sary as an appetiser.
(4) In habitual consumers, it tends to pro-
duce asthma and bronchitis in old age.
(5) It tends to impair activity, both physical
and mental.
I have no experience of its having produced in-
sanity, and believe that its moderate use does not
do so in those who have no predisposition to mental
disease.
In military practice I have seen no cases of bad
effects resulting from its use. In civil practice I
have seen one case,— a youth aged about 20, who
was brought into a jail for restraint and observa-
tion. His friend said he had become very violent
and threatening, the result of over-indulgence in
smoking charas. I could get no information as to
the amount he used to smoke or the length of
time he had been addicted to it.
He was markedly wanting in cranial develop-
ment. Beyond being morose and untruthful
when questioned about himself, he had no symp-
toms of any kind, and was released after ten days'
detention. I heard nothing more of him.
46. Not having any experience of the habitual
excessive use of any of these drugs, I am unable to
discuss the question.
49. No, and their use is said to act as an aphro-
disiac.
51. They are largely consumed among the crim-
inal classes.
53. Not necessarily so; occasionally it may act
in this manner.
54. Not in my experience, but it is believed that
the uses of these drugs for the purposes of acts of
violence are resorted to amongst certain classes.
55. If they did, the effect would be much less
than if a strong narcotic was used.