11
Has no
after-effects.
Produces no longing or uneasiness.
45. I have no knowledge of these drugs myself,
and the following information has been derived from
the senior Hospital Assistant with the regiment, who
has 34 years' service and has had large experience
in civil employ.
The moderate use of charas and ganja (which
are smoked) often produces chronic bronchitis, men-
tal deterioration and mental irritability. Bhang
(which is used as a sher bet) does not in moderate
use produce any of these symptoms.
The smoking of charas and ganja diminishes appe-
tite and produces emaciation; bhang produces hunger.
The smoking of charas and ganja do not materi-
ally predispose to dysentery; but when dysentery is
developed it is of a very serious type owing to the
weakness and incapability of resisting disease
produced by the drug.
It does cause bronchitis and asthma, but into
this question must enter the consideration that the
smoking of these drugs may have been due to
asthma in the first instance.
The smoking of Cannabis indica preparations does
cause laziness and induces habits of immorality.
The use of these drugs does deaden the intellect
and has a tendency to produce insanity of a maniacal
character, which, however, may usually be stopped
by a discontinuance of the drug. There are no
typical symptoms. There is a great tendency to
conceal the use of the drug. When insanity is pro-
duced the insanity is due to the drug itself, which
is not merely the exciting cause. There are no known
Cannabis indica smokers in the regiment: what has
been written above only refers to smoking charas
and ganja, and not the drinking bhang, which in
moderate use is harmless.
46. The excessive use of charas and ganja produces
similar symptoms to the moderate use, except that
they are much more aggravated The excessive use
of bhang causes insanity in the same way as
smoking charas and ganja and destroys the appetite.
[Questions 45 and 46 answered by Medical
Officer.]
49. Has, on the contrary, the reputation of being
the very reverse.
51. Bad characters, on being found to be such,
are promptly got rid of, so I have no data to reply
to this query.
My whole knowledge on this subject is really
summed up in an extra regimental impression,
founded on reading, that some men "bhang
themselves up to the eyes" before undertaking a
murderous outrage. The native officers say "bhang"
has the effect of making a man concentrate his
whole attention on one thing, oblivious of all else.
The native officers say such a man would not drink
bhang but smoke ganja or charas.
53. One case is known of a man who had in-
dulged in ganja when checked on sentry, com-
ing to the charge, and threatening a native officer
with the bayonet.
No other data.
54. Vide reply to question 51.
55. No regimental data.
Native officers consider such a use is not availed of.
It might, in persons unaccustomed to it,
produce complete stupefaction without admixture.
Dhatura would be the thing employed, and not
any preparation of the hemp plant.
Answer No. 16.
20. (a) Combatants—
Mussalman
35
Brahmans
21
Rajput
759
Other Hindus
64
Christian
16
TOTAL
895
(c) Authorised camp followers.
61
Smoke ganja-
(a) Chattris
40
(b) Ahirs
2
Kahars
2
24 Drink bhang —
(a) Chattris
50
Brahman
1
(b)
Nil.
25. The use of these drugs is on the decrease,
one reason being that they are expensive, another
that it is considered a bad practice.
28. Bhang, about 11/4 tola, cost about 4 pies per
diem. Charas and ganja 1/9 tola cost about 9 pies.
32. I cannot hear of any social or religious cus-
toms.
33. There appears to be no strong opinion on the
subject, but the practice is not regarded with favour.
There is no custom of worshipping the hemp
plant by any of the castes in this regiment.
39. The common opinion is that eating and drink-
ing these drugs is a less injurious practice than
smoking them.
41. Among the wrestlers bhang is considered to
be a stimulant and also an appetiser, but they do
not ascribe any beneficial effect to charas and ganja.
42. Drinking bhang in moderation is considered
harmless, but ganja and charas are supposed to be
physically weakening.
43. Quite so
44. Bhang in moderation is refreshing and creates
an appetite. The effect lasts from two to four
hours, and after this appears to induce a feeling of
lassitude. Moderate consumers do not appear to
miss it much for a day or two, but after that time
feel a longing for it.
Charas and ganja in moderation are considered
to be stimulants by habitual consumers when
making any unusual exertion.
The effects are more temporary than bhang, as
with bhang the want of these drugs is not severely
felt for a day or two.
45. I am unable to answer this question as I
have no experience in regard to the use of these
drugs. I have seen no ill-effects—physical, mental,
or moral—which could unequivocally be traced to
them.
I have never, so far as I now recollect, had a
man under treatment for the immediate or remote
consequences of the moderate or excessive use of
them, but they may have been contributory to in-
toxication in the very few (some three or four)
cases of that condition which I have seen in the
course of my service with Indian troops.
C 2