73
I believe that bhang is frequently resorted to by
those who wish to get relief from mental anxieties;
and insanity is probably more frequently the result
when the taker suffers from these conditions: but
it is most probable that it is the drug and not the
mental anxiety, even in these cases, which produces
the insanity.
I believe that persons deficient in mental control
and of weakened intellect are more prone than others
to become consumers of the drug.
46. The excessive use of the drug habitually
causes mental and moral effects. I cannot say
whether the constitution, digestion or appetite are
affected by it.
I am not aware of its causing dysentery, bron-
chitis or asthma.
It produces laziness, impairs the moral sense, and
induces immorality.
The remarks as regards its effects on the intellect,
stated with reference to the moderate use, apply to
the excessive use, but in a greater degree. The
insanity is more likely to be of the acute form and
to be permanent.
[Questions 45 and 46 answered by Medical Officer.]
49. Bhang or decoctions containing bhang are
used to produce an aphrodisiac effect, both by be-
ing voluntarily taken and by being administered
with or without the knowledge of the party prac-
tised on.
51. There are not at present any habitual consum-
ers in the regiment, but a large proportion of bad
characters have been consumers of bhang Several
men who were noted for violence and quarrelsome-
ness were consumers, and therefore I consider there
is some connection between bhang and criminal
violence.
53. Vide answer to No. 51.
I have known (but not in this regiment) two
cases of homicidal frenzy said to be produced by
bhang.
54. No, because the effect is stupefying; spirits
are said to be preferred for this purpose.
55. Yes, in the Punjab.
Yes.
Answer. No. 105.
20. (a) Combatants
10
(b) Non-combatants
Nil.
(c) Authorised camp followers
Nil.
None.
24. None.
25. No
28. Unknown.
32. I can find out nothing on this point.
33. I am unacquainted with the Native Army:
the few native drivers I have under my command
are so stupid, they can give me no information.
39 and 41. I am unable to say.
42. I cannot give an opinion.
43 and 44. Unknown.
45. I do not know enough about the question to
answer.
46. I am unable to do so.
51. There are no bad characters under my
command.
53, 54 and 55. Unknown.
Answer No. 106.
20. (a) Combatants
149
(b) Non-combatants
32
(c) Authorised camp followers
36
Smoke charas—
Combatant
1
Authorised camp follower
1
24. None.
25. Not on the increase. Only the two men
mentioned above have used drugs for some time.
28. Three pies daily.
32. I can afford no information on this point.
33. The remainder of the men do not approve
of the others using drugs.
I can afford no further information.
39. I can afford no answer to this.
41. I can afford no information.
42. I am unable to say.
43. Yes, I believe so.
44. I can afford no information on these points.
45. Prom my experience, which has been rather
limited, I know of none.
It is credited with lessening the movements of
stomach and small intestines and with diminishing
their secretions. Nothing in my experience sup-
ports the view that it impairs the constitution,
Depends on the time it is taken with regard
to meals and on individual susceptibilities. In
some cases it stimulates digestion.
On the contrary, it is often a valuable remedy in
combating these diseases. Believed to afford pro-
tection against malarial diseases by many natives,
and that all the functions of life are more efficiently
performed. Not to any appreciable extent.
It much more frequently stimulates the intellect.
I have not found the moderate use of hemps in
any way connected with insanity.
My experience does not enable me to furnish
any definite information with regard to the several
questions in this paragraph.
I do not know of any cases.
Nil.
46. No opportunities have been afforded me of
witnessing the effects and results produced by the
excessive habitual use of any of these drugs.
49. I cannot say.
51. None in battery.
53. I am unable to say.
54. Not to my knowledge.
55. No case of this sort has ever come under
my personal observation.
l