132
impaired the constitution, injured the digestion or
caused loss of appetite. He is not aware of any
case of dysentery, bronchitis or asthma in the corps
which could be attributed to this cause. It has not
been observed to impair the moral sense or to
induce habits of laziness, immorality or debauchery.
In eighteen years there has only been one case
of insanity in the corps, and in that case there was
no history or suspicion of the use of ganja or any
hemp drug.
46. There is no habitual excessive use in the
corps.
49. It is not known in the corps.
51. (a) No. None.
(b) None.
53. (a) There is no case known in the corps.
(b) No.
54. Not as far as is known in the corps.
55. No instances are known in the corps.
Answer No. 194.
20. (a) Combatants
814
(b) Non-combatants
5
(c) Authorised camp followers
56
Smoke ganja.—
Pardesis
11
Rajputana men
6
Parwaris
2
Moochi .
1
Muhammadans
12
Concani Mahrattas
7
Dekkhani Mahrata
1
None smoke charas.
24. (a) None eat bhang.
(b) six Pardesis.
Three men from Rajputana drink bhang.
25. On the decrease in every company.
It
used to be eaten; is now only smoked. The prices
of these drugs have gone up.
28. One to 3 annas a day among the Muham-
madans and 3 pies a day among the Mahrattas.
32 Ganja, charas and bhang are forbidden by
the Muhammadan religion; there is, however, no
such prohibition amongst the Mahrattas.
There appear no religious customs, but once a
year the God Mahadeo has offerings made it of
ganja and bhang.
33. A man who takes any of these drugs is not
in any way looked down upon amongst Mahrattas.
But with Muhammadans he is considered untrust¬
worthy.
There is no custom of worshipping the hemp
plant among either caste.
39. The smoking of ganja or bhang is as in¬
jurious as drinking them.
41. I do not think so.
42. If moderately used, both castes consider
ganja and bhang do no harm.
43. Yes.
44. Ganja and bhang are refreshing and appetiz¬
ing. If the supply is stopped, the appetite fails,
and the person is distressed and uneasy.
45. In sixteen years Indian experience, both
in military and civil practice, I have occasionally
suspected the Indian hemp habit; but could never
obtain conclusive evidence.
Any evidence of mine, therefore would be only
second-hand or hearsay.
Have not suspected any one in this regiment
for years.
46. No first-hand evidence to produce.
[Questions 45 and 46 answered by Medical
Officer.]
49. I do not know.
51. No.
There are no bad characters in the regiment.
Though 2 men went mad some time ago from
once indulging in these drugs, one has recovered
and has given up taking them.
53. I dare say it would, but I have known of no
such case.
54. Not as far as can be ascertained.
55. Do not know of any such case
Answer No. 195.
20. Strength of the regiment—530.
Hindus
357
Mussalmans
133
Pardesis
25
Christians
11
Wanting
4
(a) Combatants
514
(b) Non-combatants
12
(c) Authorised camp followers
6
No one in the regiment smokes charas; the
number smoking ganja is as follows:—
Hindus
16
Mussalmans
14
Pardesis
3
Camp followers (Mussalmans)
2
24. None.
25. On the increase.
Formerly liquor was largely consumed, but it
has risen in price owing to taxation, and the use
of these drugs has correspondingly increased.
28. Two tolas, price 1 anna.
32. No customs, either social or religious. The
habit is looked down upon. Some forty years ago
in the south of India ganja was not popularly
used, but chiefly by ascetics, but now the ordinary
people are addicted to its use.
33. Generally looked down upon. It is con¬
sidered unhealthy, and many people consider that
smoking ganja has ruined many families. Ganja
smokers are considered to be most disreputable on
account of the condition to which its use reduces
them.
The hemp plant is not worshipped in this part
of the country.
39. No; ganja-smoking rapidly promotes the
absorption of the volatile principle of cannabis
into the circulation through the respiratory organs,
while the bhang acts more slowly through the
process of digestion, and is less rich in the narcotic
poison.
41. Yes.
42. Yes.
Their physiological action being soporific, ano-