64
20 and 24. It is impossible to say. The order
prohibiting the use of these drugs prevents men
coming forward, but, as far as I am aware, very
few (probably 20 to 40 men) are in the habit of
using these drugs.
25. I do not think the use of ganja, charas or
bhang or any of these drugs is either on the in-
crease or decrease.
I can give no reasons for it.
28. The average allowance and cost per diem of
each of these drugs is, as far as I can ascertain,
about as follows:—
Ganja—3/4 oz. to 1 oz., at 2 pice.
Charas—1/4 to 1/2 oz., at 4 pice (1 anna).
Bhang—1 oz., at about 2 to 3 pice.
32. It is customary for the majority of Hindu
classes to circulate bhang at most of their social
gatherings, such as weddings or births, but there
is no caste law on the subject. Mussalmans are
forbidden to use these drugs at any time. At the
festival of Shivratri, it is usual to place bhang,
together with other articles, as rice, flowers, etc.,
on the head of the image of Mahadeo as a peace-
offering.
33. The consumption of ganja and charas is
generally regarded unfavourably, as being an un-
necessary and pernicious habit. Bhang, on the
other hand, is regarded as beneficial, if taken in
moderation. I do not think it can be said there is
any opinion in the Bombay army in regard to the
practice. The men of the regiment under my
command are strictly forbidden to use any of these
drugs, and are apparently satisfied. There is no
custom of worshipping the hemp plant on any
occasion by any sect.
39. The habit of smoking ganja or charas is
considered more injurious than drinking bhang.
It is supposed to be injurious to the lungs and
blood, causes shortness of breath, and in time to
make a man unfit for the labours he is likely to
have to undergo as a soldier.
41. The moderate use of bhang may be consi-
dered beneficial.
42. No, not in the case of ganja or charas-smok-
ing. It seems almost generally agreed that this
habit is a pernicious one and its evil effects will
sooner or later show themselves, even if the drugs
are taken in moderation.
43. Yes.
44. The immediate effect of the moderate use of
ganja or charas on a habitual consumer seems to
be drowsiness and lassitude; bhang, the contrary;
it is refreshing. Neither of these drugs produces
intoxication or allays hunger. They all tend to
stimulate the appetite. The effect appears to last
from one to two hours, and there do not seem to
be any after-effects.
The want of subsequent
gratification would produce uneasiness in the case
of ganja or charas.
45. The habitual moderate use of these drugs
does not, in my opinion, produce any noxious
effects, nor does it impair the constitution, injure
the digestion, produce loss of appetite, cause dysen-
tery and other diseases nor impair the moral sense.
I consider their action to be strictly comparable
to that of tobacco when indulged in moderately.
Only one case is known to me where the drug
ganja was stated to have caused insanity, but I am
not prepared to say whether it was the predispos-
ing or exciting cause. The case was one of sui-
cidal mania of a temporary character, terminating
in recovery. The drug was withheld while the
patient was under treatment, but it was found
necessary at first to substitute opium in its place,
though this was subsequently discontinued.
I
think that many cases of insanity alleged to be
due to the use of hemp drugs are merely so as-
cribed on "post hoe propter
hoc"
grounds.
There are no regimental records of cases of insani-
ty ascribed to these causes.
46. The habitual excessive use of these drugs is
equally deleterious with that of opium, alcohol, or
even tobacco.
[Questions 45 and 46 answered by Medical
Officer.]
49. No.
51. Yes, probably of ganja or charas, but not
bhang. I do not think their use has any connec-
tion with crime in general or in particular.
Most
probably the majority of violent crimes would be
committed by persons who are consumers of other
spirituous liquors but not bhang.
53. I do not think so. A man under the influ-
ence of ganja would be more quarrelsome and
inclined to violence and might lose control over
himself and commit violence.
54. No, not usually. Ganja may be used occa-
sionally by an habitual consumer.
55. Yes, occasionally, though not often. Ganja
would be usually given as being easily adminis-
tered and requiring no preparation such as pound-
ing and mixing with other ingredients. Complete
stupefaction cannot be caused without admixture.
The seed of the dhatura plant is usually mixed
for this purpose with bhang.
Answer No. 92.
20. (a) Combatants—
Sikhs
450
Dogras
226
Panjabi Muhammadans
227
Eurasians
9
(b)
Non-combatants—
Hospital Assistants—
Hindus
2
Muhammadans
1
(c) Authorised camp
followers—
Hindus
36
Muhammadans
10
Sweepers
8
Smoke charas—
Panjabi Muhammadan sepoys
3
Dogra Muhammadan sepoy
1
Hindu followers
6
Note.—Ganja not used at all. Remarks apply
to charas and bhang only.
24. Drink bhang—
Sikh sepoys
8
Dogra
"
1
Note.—I cannot claim any special value for the
answers herein given. I know very little about
the subject, and the sources where from I have
obtained my information are not much to be relied
on. But 1 had no other means of information.
25. No increase or decrease observable.