93
The smoking of charas is in my opinion the
worst and most disreputable form of indulgence
owing to its production of perhaps a more violent,
sudden and certain mental disturbance than is
produced by the other uses of the drug.
39. Not so far as I know. On the contrary, I
believe that the smoking of charas (ganja is also
occasionally used in this manner) is the worst form
of this indulgence.
My reasons are that the intoxicating effect
produced is more sudden, quicker, and more certain.
I believe brain mischief invariably results in a lesser
agreeable degree from habitual smoking of charas.
41. The moderate use of bhang is said to increase
appetite.
No doubt these drugs have their medicinal and
legitimate uses.
Indian hemp is of great value in cases of obstin¬
ate malarial fever, though not usually prescribed
by English physicians.
As a form of indulgence, however, native opinion,
so far as I know it, regards the use of these drugs as
deleterious morally, and ultimately physically also.
42. Strictly moderate use may be harmless as
regards constitutional effects.
I have no instance of incapacity for service pro¬
duced by moderate use.
43. Yes, apparently so.
44. More soporific or intoxicant than refreshing.
Does not allay hunger. Bhang in moderation
creates appetite. Effects of slight indulgence lasts
for two or three hours. The effects of a large dose
might be apparent for 24 hours. Moderate use pro¬
duces only insignificant after-effects. A larger dose
results in headache and dizziness. Occasional use
produces no constitutional craving; habitual use
does.
45. I regret that during my short sojourn in India
and Burma, I have not seen sufficient cases of the
effects of these drugs, nor been able to follow them
long enough to be able to give an opinion that
would be of any value. There are no records on
the subject in this hospital.
46. Vide reply to question 45.
[Questions 45 and 46 answered by Medical
Officer.]
49. The preparations of Indian hemp are said
to act as aphrodisiacs and are undoubtedly so used.
Generally so, I imagine, at the time of the Holi.
51. I cannot say for certain.
The use of these drugs would undoubtedly predis¬
pose to acts of violence if the dose were regulated
with this result in view. Generally the use of
these drugs would weaken self-control, favour
illusions and distort the moral perceptions.
53. Probably. I know of no cases of the nature
described.
54. Yes, the dose being regulated with the object
in view.
55. Yes, this is a common practice among
criminals.
Complete stupefaction can be so induced.
Answer No. 138.
20. (a) Combatants—
Maghi Sikhs
677
Other Sikhs
193
Muhammadans
15
Hindu
1
TOTAL
886
(b) Non-combatants—
Muhammadans
2
Hindu
1
TOTAL
3
(c) Authorised camp followers—
Maghi Sikhs
20
Muhammadans
18
Hindus
15
TOTAL
53
No combatants smoke it. Two camp followers
smoke, of whom 1 is a Muhammadan and 1 is
a Hindu.
24. (a) None eat bhang.
(b) Twenty-seven combatants (Maghi and other
Sikhs) drink bhang, as also do 4 camp followers,
of whom 2 are Maghi Sikhs 1 Muhammadan and
1 Hindu: one of these (the Hindu) both drinks
bhang and smokes ganja.
25. On the decrease. Due to education and a
general moral improvement when subject to
military discipline.
28. It is said to be about 1 pice a day.
32. Habit is gradually acquired, and not due to
any customs, social or religious.
It is usually taken in the following form—
Almonds
4 or 5 seeds.
Melon seeds
4 or 5 "
Pepper
1 masha.
Milk
3 chittacks.
Sugar
1/2 "
Bhang
1/2 tola.
These ingredients are ground and mixed in a
cup of water, allowed to stand, is then strained off,
and with a further addition of water is drunk.
33. The use of ganja and charas is condemned
as harmful: the opinion is that the men are better
without it, as taken in excess often leads to homi¬
cidal mania.
In this regiment bhang is drunk, as Sikhs
cannot smoke the drugs neither can they worship
it, as it would be an act of idolatry prohibited by
their canons.
39. The men in this regiment cannot smoke,
and no opinion can be offered.
41. Yes, in small doses.
42. In moderation it is said to be harmless, and
those who take it say that it acts as a stomachic
stimulant.
43. Yes.
44. Ganja and charas tend to exhilarate at once,
bhang slowly. Its refreshing action is doubtful; it
produces intoxication so called only when taken to
excess. In large quantities it deadens hunger, but
in small quantities it often acts as a tonic and creates
appetite until satisfied with food. There are no
after-effects of any consequence except drowsiness