Cannabis Usage in 19th Century India: Medical Uses for Humans and Other Animals

Opening Quotes.

"Cannabis indica must be looked upon as one of the most important drugs of Indian Materia Medica." - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, 1894-95

"Out of a total of 1,193 European and Native witnesses before the Commission, little less than two-thirds refer to the use of hemp drugs by the Vedanti and Yunani schools of native physicians and native doctors generally...If the number of witnesses who speak of this use in each province may be taken as approximately indicating its extent, then it would appear that the medicinal use is well known throughout India." - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, 1894-95

"There are only about fifty witnesses [out of 1,193 European and Native witnesses before the Commission] who assert that no benefit whatever can be derived by consumers from the moderate use of any form of these drugs. The vast majority assert that in some one or other of their forms they may produce at least temporarily beneficial effects. Many even of those who regard the use of the drugs as on the whole baneful admit such temporary benefits." - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, 1894-95

 

Questions on the subject by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1894-95.

40. (a) Is the use of any of these drugs prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by any school of Native Doctors? (b) Are any of them used in the treatment of cattle disease?

41. May the moderate use of charas, ganja, or bhang be beneficial in its effects— (a) as a food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue; (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts; (d) in any other way. What classes (if any) use the drug for any of the above purposes, and in what proportion of such classes? Is it the moderate habitual use or moderate occasional use of the drug which you refer to?

42. If not beneficial, do you consider the moderate use of any of these drugs to be harmless? Give reasons for your answer.

My thoughts on the subject.

Historical literature on cannabis as medicine.

Ancient literature from India and the Middle East refer to the medicinal properties of cannabis. It is surprising that, for a herb so extensively used in India for medical purposes, the literature seems to be so limited. It does appear that, at the time of the study in 1894, the focus of the Indian government and the ruling classes was already on western medicine. Along with the destruction of various texts on Indian natural medicine over the centuries by invading armies, there is the possibility that there was a suppression of cannabis related literature as well. Dedicated research today on cannabis use for medical purposes in the available traditional medical texts could yield more information. Given that the main source of information for the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission were persons trained in western medicine, as well as the upper classes who were firm believers in it, it is not surprising that references to written literature on traditional uses of cannabis for medical purposes is limited. Very few practitioners of traditional medicine were consulted in the process. Also, the fact that cannabis was known by a bewildering number of names in India, in a bewildering number of languages and local dialects, due to the thousands of years of cannabis usage, it is possible that some of these references have been overlooked.

The ancient medical sources cited by witnesses in the Hemp Commission's report include Suçruta (8th century AD), Rajanighantu of Narahari Pandita (A.D. 1300), Carngadharasamhita (date unknown), Dhurtasamagama, or "Rogues' Congress," (A.D. 1500), Bhavaprakaça, (A.D. 1600), Rajarallabha, Makhzan-el-Adwiya and Rumphius in the Herbarium Amboinense (A.D. 1695). In Unani, Tib and Persian books on medicines, like Mujarrebat Bo Ali, published at Agra by Munshi Kishanlal and Mujarrebat Akbari, published at Bombay by Mohamed Husen, the uses of cannabis were prescribed for different ailments, etc.

Schools of traditional medicine using cannabis.

It appears from the Hemp Commission's report that cannabis formed an integral part of traditional, natural medicine practiced in India. Ayurvedic, Unani and Tantric medicine systems used cannabis. Indigenous communities, including tribal communities, were key practitioners of cannabis as medicine. Native physicians from communities such as Agastia, Bogar, Vindadi, etc, called kavirajas, tabibs and hakims, used cannabis as medicine.

The vast majority of inputs provided by witnesses on cannabis as medicine, is based on the information provided by the practitioners of traditional medicine, on whom these witnesses relied, given that the witnesses themselves had very limited experience with, and knowledge of, cannabis. Considering that hardly any practitioners of traditional medicine were included in the scope of the study, and that a vast majority of the Indian population relied on traditional natural medicine, one can safely say that these key stakeholders for cannabis as medicine, were mostly overlooked, thus providing an inadequate and biased view of the role that cannabis played as medicine in Indian society. The lack of faith of the Commission in traditional systems of medicine, as well as the lack of knowledge of the European practitioners, and their western medicine trained native assistants, is evident in the statement "It therefore appears to the Commission not unlikely that the views of most European medical officers may have been based on less direct contact with the people, and may have even been sometimes derived more or less from the assistant surgeons, their immediate subordinates. The hospital assistants as a class are much inferior to assistant surgeons in medical training and general intelligence; but they possess one advantage over the assistant surgeons. From their inferior social position they have a more intimate knowledge perhaps of the habits of the persons who frequent dispensaries, and who constitute the class to which hemp-drug consumers belong. The native practitioners probably have a still more familiar knowledge of the habits of the people; but the absence of systematic training renders them practically incompetent to form a true estimate of "cause" and "effect," and their ideas of the noxious effects of the drugs are doubtless largely coloured by the popular and common views on the subject. "

The gap between traditional Indian medicine and modern western medicine, which today is insurmountable, was already quite clearly defined at the time of the study in the 19th century. Most of the ruling and upper classes, including the British administration and medical experts, were more knowledgeable of, and firm believers, of western medicine. The thinking that traditional medicine was unscientific, mainly because it was largely unknown among the elites, greatly influenced the information that emerged regarding cannabis as medicine. The behemoths that rule the medical and pharmaceutical industries today, using their money and clout to steamroll all forms of medicine that stand competition to synthetic western medicine, were already influencing the public perspective in the 19th century, especially among the ruling and upper classes. Today, we find systems of natural medicine barely surviving as the modern synthetic pharmaceutical drug based medical systems and the medical industry do all they can to ridicule and suppress traditional medical systems with their money and clout. Organizations like the WHO do not even think it necessary to develop these sustainable, accessible and affordable traditional medical systems.  

Diseases treated in 19th century India with cannabis.

Cannabis was used to treat a wide range of communicable and non-communicable diseases in 19th century India. The range of diseases that it was used for are evidence of its medical potential. Even though questions posed by the Commission regarding the nature of diseases that cannabis treated were pointed and led respondents down a certain path, and even though the majority of respondents were not medically qualified to respond to these questions, we find a mind-boggling range of diseases emerging. If the Commission had interviewed practitioners of natural medicine extensively, instead of the handful among largely western educated medical experts and medically unqualified persons, we may have got a better picture of the use of cannabis as medicine in 19th century India.

Communicable and infectious diseases.

Among communicable and infectious diseases, we find the use of cannabis for remittent fever, ague, cholera, malaria, dysentery, syphilis, gonorrhea and hydrophobia, both as prophylactics and treatment. One witness states that "I have been informed of cases in which attacks of intermittent fevers (ague) have disappeared by a single process of smoking ganja—cases I mean of jungle fevers, in which the administration of even large doses of quinine have failed to ward off the attacks or in districts in which quinine is not obtainable." Numerous witnesses speak about the use of cannabis, in places of wet conditions and "bad water", by soldiers, mendicants, and the working and labouring classes, to keep infectious diseases and epidemics at bay. The fact that cannabis was analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, diuretic, diaphoretic, digestive, carminative, and disinfectant, among other things, may have contributed to its popularity in these places. Admitting that cannabis may be useful in treating or warding off infectious and epidemic diseases, the Commission states that "There are also many cases where in tracts with a specially malarious climate, or in circumstances of hard work and exposure, the people attribute beneficial effects to the habitual moderate use of these drugs; and there is evidence to show that the popular impression may have some basis in fact."

Non-communicable diseases.

The use of cannabis for the treatment of non-communicable diseases, involving numerous body systems, was even more extensive. The following kinds of non-communicable diseases used cannabis for treatment and medicine:

• Diseases of the nervous system - headache, hysteria, neuralgia, sciatica, delirium tremens, muscular rheumatism, brain fever, paralysis, mania
• Diseases of respiratory system - hay-fever, asthma, bronchitis, and coughs, burning symptoms in phthisis
• Diseases of the digestive system - flatulence, diarrhea, dyspepsia, piles, prolapsus ani, to regulate salivation, for irritability of the bladder, piles, fistula of anus, dysentery, for stricture and ulcers, to moderate excessive secretion of bile  
• Diseases of the urinary and reproductive system  - diabetes, impotency, stricture, spermatorrhea, hydrocele, incontinence of urine, swellings of the testicles, orchitis, cramps, gleet, in impotency on account of its supposed aphrodisiac power, uterine affections such as loss of blood from uterus, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, strangulated hernia, gout, to restrain seminal secretions, and as a diuretic
• Skin diseases - scabies, guinea-worm, fresh wounds and sores, inflammations and cure of erysipelas, pruritus, and boils. An oil prepared from bhang and other ingredients is prescribed in white leprosy, for catarrhal and skin diseases,
• As an antidote - against the poisons of fish and scorpions, poisoning by orpiment
• As a parasiticide -  it was used for ear-aches caused by the presence of worms, guineaworms, applied to the head as a wash removes dandruff and vermin, and for treating tetanus. The ashes of burnt charas were said to be used for sciatica and worms.  
• As an anodyne/analgesic - for allaying neuralgic pains, rheumatism, and gout, to allay pain in the chest and sides, "to relieve burning symptoms in phthisis," erysipelas, as an anaesthetic in dentistry, etc.
• As an anti-bacterial in the treatment of tetanus

Beside all the above, hemp drugs were also stated to be prescribed in diseases of the heart, brain and spleen.

 

19th century therapeutics using cannabis.

In addition to the use of cannabis in the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases in 19th century India, it had a key role to play in the area of therapeutics, ensuring that body and mind were kept healthy through preventive and restorative mechanisms, especially using its sedative, analgesic, tonic, digestive, carminative and stimulant properties that kept all the above mentioned diseases at bay.

One of the most common uses of cannabis as medicine was for the relief of pain, being used either as local or general anodynes. Bhang poultices were frequently mentioned as soothing local applications to painful parts; and poultices were used for inflamed piles and over the seat of pain in liver and bowel diseases, and to check inflammation and erysipelas. Fumigation with the smoke from burning ganja or bhang was also used as a local sedative in piles. A small fragment of charas was placed in a carious tooth to relieve toothache.  In cases of circumcision the drugs were used as anesthetics, and a witness mentions that native doctors on rare occasions substituted ganja for chloroform in operations. The tincture of cannabis was used as a local anesthetic in extracting teeth. One witness states that hemp drugs were used as a substitute for opium. My thinking is that hemp drugs superseded opium in the Indian sub-continent in the treatment of pain, as the usage of hemp was much more pervasive and ancient, opium having arrived from outside in more recent times. Cannabis posed a very serious threat to the use of opium for treating pain. Opium was more favored by the British, and the prohibition of cannabis enabled opium to become the world's leading analgesic that it is today, with numerous pharmaceutical companies benefiting from opioids, besides a rampant illegal trade and a burgeoning number of deaths from opioid addiction and overdoses.

Besides the use of cannabis in pain management, as a part of therapeutics, it was also used for increasing appetite, giving tone to the liver, removing fatigue, ensuring sleep, reducing nausea, and as a stimulating and invigorating beverage in hot weather. The Commission states that "The 'cooling and refreshing' cup of bhang taken by the well-to-do, especially in the hot weather, to stimulate their energies and to create an appetite for food is frequently in evidence. Some of the most intelligent and enterprising classes of the community are among those who thus use bhang. This use is generally spoken of without any marked condemnation, and often even with approval; for it is the practice of the respectable classes. But after all there seems quite equally good ground for believing that the chillum of ganja taken by the labouring man after his food with the object of allaying weariness and assisting digestion is no more harmful; and there are many witnesses whose evidence is in this sense. The use of bhang in the one case is sometimes compared to the glass of wine taken at meals by a moderate consumer of alcohol, and the use of ganja in the other case to the labouring man's glass of beer or even to his pipe of tobacco. It is possible also that the effects of hemp drugs in this respect may be to a certain extent comparable with those of tea." One witness states that in parts of Dacca, where large numbers of the labouring classes who used cannabis regularly toiled in the heat and humidity, "sunstroke and fever were almost unknown among them".   

Today, based on the latest scientific findings, we know that the endocannabinoid system, discovered as late as in the 1990s, is located throughout the human body, with higher concentrations in the digestive system, skin, brain, etc. The uses in the 19th century correlate largely to diseases in these parts of higher endocannabinoid receptor concentrations. Mind you, the questions which asked about specific diseases led to a narrow band of responses, with many choosing to restrict their responses to the specific diseases addressed in the questions. This, I believe, as stated earlier, along with the exclusion of native practitioners of cannabis as medicine, shows only a partial picture of the medicinal uses that cannabis was being used for in reality. In spite of all these drawbacks, the picture that emerges of cannabis as medicine is quite impressive and helps one understand why the Commission states that "Cannabis indica must be looked upon as one of the most important drugs of Indian Materia Medica."

Medical conditions for which cannabis is prescribed today.

If we look at the medical conditions for which cannabis is prescribed as medicine, in US states and European countries where cannabis has been legalized for these purposes, we find a number of conditions that include, as well as are different from, those in 19th century India. Some of the conditions are - intractable epilepsy, seizure disorders, severe nausea, severe or chronic pain, cachexia (wasting syndrome),  anorexia, hospice or palliative care, terminal illness, sickle cell anemia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Crohn’s disease, Huntington’s disease, neuropathies, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Lou Gehrig’s disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer, traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic renal failure requiring dialysis, spasticity, muscle spasms, cramping, appetite loss, severe vomiting, hepatitis C, glaucoma, pain lasting longer than two weeks, autism, ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer’s disease, neural-tube defects, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, neurodegenerative diseases, dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Tourette’s syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, spasmodic torticollis (cervical dystonia), inclusion body myositis, anxiety, migraines, muscular dystrophy, chronic pancreatitis, Ehler’s Danlos syndrome, nail-patella syndrome, Lennox-Gestaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, syringomyelia, Tarlov cysts, Sjogren’s syndrome, post-concussion syndrome, neurofibromatosis, myasthenia gravis, myoclonus, hydrocephalus, hydromyelia, interstitial cystitis, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome type II), dystonia, fibrous dysplasia, causalgia, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Arnold-Chiari malformation, epidermolysis bullosa, mitochondrial disease, decompensated cirrhosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, post herpetic neuralgia, post laminectomy syndrome with chronic radiculopathy, severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis...

Many of these conditions that are treated by cannabis today have emerged in the recent past as a result of lifestyle changes, further scientific discovery, and the growing human affinity for dangerous synthetic substances that have replaced cannabis as medicine, intoxicant, food and in the form of industrial products. If we consider both the traditional and modern range of medical conditions that cannabis appears useful for, we can get an inkling of its awesome medical properties. The absurdity of global cannabis prohibition is that drug and law enforcement in the US introduced the federal Marihuana Act of 1937, prohibiting cannabis, on the basis that cannabis had no medicinal value. Not stopping at prohibiting cannabis in the US, these agencies worked to ensure that cannabis was banned globally on the same basis. Today, the UN drug laws, and the national drug laws of nearly every country in the world, including India, keeps cannabis in the most restricted lists of controlled substances, alongside heroin and fentanyl, citing the same reason that cannabis has no medicinal value.

Medical properties of cannabis.

The medical properties of cannabis, as listed by witnesses in the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission study, are mind-boggling, to say the least. Many of its properties appear to be opposing in nature. The vast range of properties made ancient physicians describe cannabis as "an elixir vitae". The myths surrounding it call it soma, or the ambrosia that was surrendered by nature to humans, gods and demons, as a result of the churning of the oceans. It is considered the favorite herb of Siva, who also goes by the name of Vaidhyanathan, the lord of medicine. An ancient medical text describes cannabis as follows. It "creates energy, the mental powers, and internal heat, corrects irregularities of the phlegmatic humour, and is an elixir vitae."

Here is a list of the medical properties that witnesses attributed to cannabis in the course of the Commission's study - anti-inflammatory, analgesic/anodyne, anaesthetic, diuretic, stimulant, sedative, intoxicant, aphrodisiac, disinfectant, antiphlegmatic/expectorant, tonic, antispasmodic, astringent, haemostatic, purgative, ecbolic, digestive, prophylactic, laxative, hypnotic, refrigerent,  antiperiodic, soporific, parturifacient, antidote, diaphoretic, carminative, excitant, heating.

Cannabis is considered "a compound of opposite qualities, cold and dry in the third degree, i.e., stimulant and sedative, imparting at first a gentle reviving heat, and then a considerable refrigerant effect." Its dual properties are widely evident in the facts that it creates appetite as well as dispels hunger, is an aphrodisiac as well as used to control sexual desire, is a stimulant as well as a sedative, and so on. This dual nature of cannabis is mysterious to say the least and magical to say more than a little, confounding all who have tried to make sense of it and slot it into a predefined category. It can be safely said that no one has yet been able to wrap their heads around what cannabis is, we are still in the process of discovery. To me, cannabis appears to be the elixir vitae alluded to that balances the humours in both body and mind. Depending on the nature of the imbalance in an individual, the herb acts in complex ways, working with the endocannabinoid systems across the body, to bring the individual into a state of balance and health. The properties that an individual experiences, to my understanding, are those that work on the diseased aspects of the individual, based on current context. Different individuals are likely to experience different properties, or the same individual may experience different properties at different points of time. There appears to be a "here and now" aspect to the cannabis-human interaction that is very context specific. That is why some persons consider it as mind medicine, others as a stimulant, while still others as an appetite builder.

Many properties that are considered inherent to cannabis today were not listed in the Hemp Commission report, such as the herb's entheogenic,  anxiolytic, anti-trauma, neuro-generative and apoptotic properties.

Methods of cannabis administering to patients.

Cannabis, as plant medicine, can be administered in multiple ways, internal or external, to effectively target the source of a disease. Given is tremendous safety profile, it can be administered to every individual profile, irrespective of age, gender or health condition. The Hemp Commission's report provides an idea of its versatility in reaching diseased parts of the body, internal and external, be it as leaves, flowers or resin. Bhang as a cold infusion prepared from the powdered leaves; or as a confection or "moduks" especially in the treatment of nervous debility or to treat children; as a local application in the form of poultice; and sometimes the finely-powdered leaves are used as a snuff; ganja and charas, rarely used internally, mixed with tobacco for inhalation; ganja unmixed for fumigation; seeds, rarely used as medicine, were a source of oil used as a rubefacient, as was ganja prepared with other ingredients; powdered leaves or flowers was recommended as an external application to fresh wounds and sores; and for causing granulations in the case of ulcers; a poultice of the boiled roots and leaves of cannabis was used for discussing inflammations and cure of erysipelas, and for allaying neuralgic pains; powdered leaves consumed checked diarrhea, cured the malady named pitao, and moderated excessive secretion of bile; hemp smoke, as an enema, was used to treat strangulated hernia and as a cure for hemorrhoids (piles); the leaves were used as an antidote in poisoning by orpiment; the leaves made a good snuff for deterging the brain; the juice of the leaves, applied to the head as a wash, removed dandruff and as a parasiticide; drops of the juice thrown into the ear allayed pain and destroyed worms and insects; in treatment of scabies, ganja was fried in mustard oil, and the oil applied to the sores; bhang leaves are put inside a cloth and warmed in slow fire, and used for dry fomentation; to cure itches, sometimes, ganja was used mixed with coconut oil; in orchitis, a warm bhang poultice of the dried leaves was applied on a warm fig leaf was recommended to be bandaged over the testicles; and in hydrocele a similar poultice is spread on a castor-oil leaf.

Today, in places where medical, and sometimes recreational, cannabis is legalized, we see the same wide range of its mode of administering for a wide variety of diseases. Food, beverages, tinctures and pills are used for treating illnesses related to the digestive, reproductive and urinary systems. Cannabis is smoked, or inhaled in vapor form, to treat illnesses of the head, neck and lungs. Cannabis is used in oils, topicals and creams to treat injuries and diseases to the external parts of the body, such as skin. Cannabis leaves, flowers, resin and oil from seeds are all used for these preparations. 

Cannabis as general medicine for universal healthcare.

Cannabis was truly general  medicine for universal healthcare in 19th century India. It was key to the health and well-being of the labouring and working classes, the poor, the wandering religious mendicants of all religions, the elderly, women, children, and the indigenous communities, and tribes. With no prohibition or coercive regulation, the plant grew freely everywhere and was widely accessible to all who needed it, be it human, animal, bird or insect. Besides the fact that all ages and all classes of people has consumed cannabis over thousands of years, the universal beneficial action that it has on the body and mind is evident from the varied body systems that were treated for diseases with cannabis - the brain and nervous system, the respiratory system, the digestive and excretory system, the reproductive system, the skin and tissues, as well as the immune system. Compare this with today's scenario, where to treat one medical condition, one must take an array of medicines, and most medicines are suitable only for certain age groups, and either internal or external use. Even the slightest deviation in usage with today's synthetic pharmaceutical medicine can prove fatal.

Cannabis's safety profile i.e. the ratio of safe dosage to lethal dosage was put at something like 1:40000 by Lester Grinspoon, the Harvard physician who advocated for its legalization after the death of his son from cancer. This means that death from overdose on cannabis is practically impossible, with one having to consume more than 40000 times the effective dose for cannabis to prove fatal. Compare this safety profile with that of alcohol,, which could be as low as 1:6, or with the current rage in pain management, fentanyl, which could be as low as 1:2. Most synthetic pharmaceutical medications, that large numbers of individuals consume daily, would be in the range of 1:4-10, i.e. if one consumed even four times the prescribed dosage, it would lead to death. Many of today's synthetic pharmaceutical medication consumers would die if they just stopped their daily intake for a few days, such is their dependency on it. The safety profile of cannabis disproves the perception amongst the ruling and upper classes, then and today, that excessive usage of cannabis is harmful, and even worse, the perception of some that even moderate use is harmful.

Elixir of the working and labouring classes.

India's working and labouring classes effectively ran on cannabis. It is said that as much as 50% of these classes consumed cannabis to relieve fatigue, for stamina, to sleep, to fight diseases, increase appetite and digestion, to improve concentration, and for relaxation and intoxication. The working and labouring classes, along with the indigenous communities and the poor, constituted then, and still does, the majority of India's population, something like 70%. Witnesses state that the classes that consumed cannabis, as medicine or tonic, included weavers, potters, carpenters, masons, wrestlers, lattials, milkmen, day labourers, palki-bearers, postal runners, coolies, syces, boatmen, and ticca garhi drivers, haris, kahars, agriculturists, malis, mistris, blacksmiths, cooks, confectioners, professional musicians, chandals, soldiers, constables, field labourers, camel-drivers, merchants, brokers, clerks, shopkeepers, artisans, fishermen, singhara cultivators working in tanks, dhobis and night watchmen, jewellers, sculptors, blacksmiths, stonemasons, dyers, etc.

It is interesting to note that those from the middle class, i.e. merchants, brokers, clerks, shopkeepers, preferred bhang, much like the ruling and upper classes. Ganja and charas were mostly used by those from the "lower classes", and hence slowly gained the reputation of being low-class drugs used by bad society, when in fact it is ganja and charas that have a higher concentration of the medicinal cannabinoids, and hence need to be taken in smaller quantities than bhang to prove effective. This bias towards bhang over ganja and charas by the ruling and upper classes, and the middle classes, eventually led to the belief among these classes that bhang was an altogether different drug than the ganja or charas used by the lower and working classes, when in fact, they are just the leaves, flowers and resin of one and the same cannabis plant. So, here we have evidence of how the discriminatory class system was even applied to the cannabis plant, widely called Siva's herb, and the alleged lower classes of the plant i.e. flowers and resin were made untouchable. This discrimination is very much in force today and governs the world's cannabis laws. If Gandhi called the untouchable classes of Indian society as Harijan,, then we must now call ganja and charas as Sivapathri.

From the categories of persons who consumed cannabis, as stated by witnesses to the Commission, one can get an idea of the importance of cannabis to these populations that worked under adverse conditions like heat and damp, and performed strenuous tasks, mostly for the ruling and upper classes. It is strange that the ruling and upper classes should choose to take away the very elixir that enabled their labourers to work well for them consistently. The absurd bias against cannabis, and also the workers who used it, come out clearly in the witness responses. Many witnesses cite that ganja and makes a man lazy and arrogant, talking back to the upper classes, which is something that neither the ruling or the upper classes wanted.

The Commission states that - "The use of these drugs to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue is very largely in evidence. Here it is ganja especially which is credited with these beneficial effects. For ganja is far more extensively used than bhang by the labouring classes. The latter is mainly used by persons like the Chaubes of Mathra, who are very frequently referred to, and professional wrestlers. Gymnasts, wrestlers and musicians, palki-bearers and porters, divers and postal runners, are examples of the classes who use the hemp drugs on occasions of especially severe exertion. Fishermen and boatmen, singhara cultivators working in tanks, dhobis and night watchmen, mendicants and pilgrims, are named as among those who use them under severe exposure. All classes of labourers, especially such as blacksmiths, miners, and coolies, are said more or less generally to use the drugs as a rule in moderation to alleviate fatigue." Fishermen believed that by the use of ganja their powers of diving and remaining under water could be increased. Cannabis was said to be of great use for work that required great concentration, such as the work of jewelers, sculptors, artisans, etc.

Mind medicine.

What I believe is the most important medical benefit of cannabis, what makes it the most popular global intoxicant and medicine, is something which appears to be consistently ignored by policy makers and medical experts. This is the role of cannabis as the world's best mind medicine. It could be the healing that it brings to the body that subsequently brings mental well being, or vice versa, or both through simultaneous action on body and mind. Its mental effects, immediate when smoked or inhaled, delayed when ingested as an edible, are profound. It calms the mind, exhilarates and stimulates it, heightens the senses, sparks creativity, taking one to a state of increased awareness of oneself and one's surroundings. Cannabis, as mind medicine, besides increasing concentration and mental focus, is described in ancient medical texts as "warming circulation, brightening eyes, alleviating depression and creating exhilaration." Some of the descriptions in medical texts include "cause cheerfulness, colour to the complexion, excite imagination into the rapturous ideas, cheer intellect, deterging the brain, induces costiveness, sharpens the memory," etc. It is aptly described as a 'brain detergent' by a source in the Indian Hemp Commission report because it appears to cleanse one's perception, revealing the reality of the world for what it is. 

For me, cannabis is the entheogen par excellence. The strong association of cannabis with Siva, the god of tantra, yoga and asceticism, only further strengthens the bond between the herb and followers of these ways of life. It is not only the followers of Siva, but also religious Sufi mendicants of Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism, who used cannabis to keep their minds on the spiritual nature of life. The feeling of oneness with all things, the sense of divinity in oneself and in all things, the here and now aspect of cannabis, is unmistakable. It is easy to reach the last three states described by Patanjali in his ashtanga yoga - states of dharana or steady state of mind, dhyana or pinpoint focus, and samadhi or merging with the eternal spirit, with cannabis. This is the predominant reason why spiritual mendicants revere the herb. These persons, who surrendered all their wealth and possessions and chose to lead a life in pursuit of spirituality, faced adverse conditions, undertook arduous journeys and often lived with very little food, clothing or shelter. Cannabis was consumed to steady and focus the mind, and to meditate on the eternal spirit, besides being used to relieve fatigue, ward of diseases and allay hunger. Cannabis did not cost anything in the past. It was freely available everywhere. Spiritual mendicants never ran short of cannabis, their spiritual fuel. If ever they ran out of cannabis, society would consider it a privilege to offer them the divine herb. You can imagine the great hardships the spiritual mendicants faced when their herb was initially regulated, made more and more expensive, and then finally completely prohibited by the ruling and upper classes, not just the British, but the Indians who claimed themselves to be followers of Mahadeva, the great god, whose favorite herb it was said to be. The only persons with free access to the herb were, the ones who wore the colors of the ruling and upper clases, while those who did not suffered the same fate as the rest of society. This is still the case, in fact increasingly more so.

In today's world, we see clear evidence of the mind medicine aspect of cannabis when we consider that it is increasingly being used to treat deadly brain cancers, such as gliablastoma, epilepsy, and injuries caused to the brain from traumatic brain injury, and brain damage from the abuse of alcohol and deadly synthetic drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. At the time of the Hemp Commission's report, many western physicians believed that the use of cannabis caused lesions in the brain, similar to the use of alcohol or dathura, and that cannabis compounds were alkaloids that accumulated in the brain, creating lumps of tangled brain tissues, responsible for dementia. However the experiments by Dr Cunningham on rhesus macaques using cannabis and dathura, revealed on autopsy that cannabis created no physical damage to the brain whereas dathura and alcohol left the brain seriously damaged. Current science has just started to discover the workings of the endo-cannabinoid system, which is found extensively in the brain, and the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, as well the interactions between the two.  Some of the world's leading intellectuals and artists, like Carl Sagan and Bob Dylan for example, have long advocated the mind medicine aspect of cannabis.

Some of the leading causes of mental health issues are depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia, together attributing to easily over 60% of global mental health issues today. Cannabis was used to treat all these conditions in the past, not just as prescribed by native physicians, but also as a way of life among the general population. The consumption of cannabis, much like tea or beer today, ensured that people, in general, led balanced, healthy lives. Today, besides pain management, the leading reasons why cannabis is consumed today, as well as medically prescribed, are anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia. The alternatives to cannabis now available for these conditions are lethal synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, each capable of causing more dangerous mental health issues than the ones the patient had to start with in the first place, such as addiction and suicidal tendencies. To top it all, these dangerous synthetic pharmaceutical drugs are mostly available only to the ruling and upper classes all over the world, whereas the majority of the world's people have had their mental health medicine taken away, the herb par excellence that was accessible to all and could be grown at one's home. Oh yes, the ruling classes have made available alcohol, another leading cause of mental health issues, besides also creating a market for dangerous illegal synthetic drugs of increasing complexity and lethal potency.

Medicine of the poor.

The main users of cannabis, especially as ganja or charas, were the poor, consisting of the labouring and working classes, mendicants - religious or otherwise, and the indigenous and tribal communities. These together comprised the majority of India's population, while the elites formed a minority, as they do everywhere and always. India's social and cultural fabric was composed largely of the poor, as it still is now, who had used cannabis for thousands of years in an unbroken tradition, giving rise to India's rich and diverse cannabis culture. The rich, those who used cannabis that is, preferred it in the form of bhang, which they considered refined and harmless, even beneficial, unlike ganja or charas, which they viewed as the harmful drug of the lower classes. This bias towards the leaves of the plant, and opposition to the flowers and resin of the plant, is a bias that runs even today. This bias is what has led to the prohibition of ganja and charas, whereas bhang is considered legal, not just in India, but also in the 1961 Single Convention Treaty that forms the basis of global anti-cannabis drug laws today. The reason behind this, I believe, is that the rich who are indulgent and ignorant, have mostly reached their position, through the exploitation of nature and the poor. Many of the ruling and upper classes who oppose cannabis do not come from a tradition of cannabis usage, having often migrated to India in more recent times than the endemic populations. For these ruling and upper classes cannabis as bhang, is an indulgence, just like opium and alcohol. It is not an essential part of their existence, as medicine and intoxicant, as it is for the poor. When the rich indulge in cannabis, through their decadent lifestyles, they create the image that cannabis is harmful. The whole myth that cannabis causes insanity was largely created and propagated by the ruling and upper classes, in India and all over the world, using false data.

The importance of cannabis to the poor, who used it to allay hunger, relieve fatigue, cure themselves of diseases, for digestion, to recreate and to lead a healthy life can be gauged from the classes of persons who consumed cannabis, as mentioned above, as well as some of the statements made in the Hemp Commission's report. The Commission states that "They [hemp drugs] are said to be used by the poor and on occasion by others to alleviate hunger when sufficient food is not obtainable." The Commission also admits, grudgingly, that "The truth seems to be that while, no doubt, these drugs are more commonly consumed merely as stimulants than from any clearly defined idea of their beneficial results, yet they are popularly believed to have (if moderately used) some such beneficial results as have been above described. Moderate consumers believe this, and would feel a sense of deprivation if they were unable to obtain what they regard as a beneficial stimulant. This deprivation would be more felt among the poorer classes than among the wealthier, whose tastes lead them to more expensive luxuries. It is the poorer people and the labouring classes who as a rule use these drugs for the purposes indicated. They are admittedly as a rule moderate consumers. They do not seem to exceed in the use of hemp so frequently as in the use of liquor." One witness states that fifty percent of the labouring and working classes used cannabis, while nearly all religious mendicants, across all religions, used it.

The irony of cannabis legalization today is that it is only the rich nations, who propagated cannabis prohibition in the first place, who have access to it through legalization. Even among rich nations that have legalized cannabis in dome form, it is mostly the elite and upper classes within these nations who have access and can afford the legalized cannabis.

Medicine for the elderly.

Today, in places where cannabis has been legalized for medical or recreational use, the elderly comprise the fastest growing age demographic of cannabis users. The elderly are replacing synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, including opioids, with cannabis to treat various aging relation health conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, loss of appetite, nausea, for digestion, pain and insomnia, to name a few. The Commission's 19th century report shows that this is not a new phenomena. One of the witnesses, Assistant Surgeon, J. E. BOCARRO, Lecturer, Medical School, Hyderabad (Sind), states that "I have personally examined a large number of those between the ages of 40 and 60 years, and have found them to be not only sound in all their internal organs, but also of good bodily frame. Further, what might appear to be a strange thing is that most of them have even preserved good vision. Cataractous condition of the lens is, I observe, an uncommon thing among those who take bhang in moderation."  Another witness states that "There would seem to be a very general use of bhang in moderation as a stimulant and digestive by the middle classes, especially in advancing years."

Today, the elderly who benefit from cannabis are the elderly among the rich and elite classes all over the world, who can access and afford the legal cannabis available in wealthy nations like the US, Canada, Germany Australia and Israel. For the majority of the world's elderly, it is the same story as that of the poor.

Medicine for children.

Today, we find that some of the chief arguments against cannabis legalization is that it is harmful for children, and that children will become addicted to it. Both these false myths are perpetrated in parallel with ensuring that alcohol and tobacco is legal, and that plenty of dangerous synthetic, legal and illegal, pharmaceutical medications are around for children to abuse. The fact that cannabis is used today to treat epilepsy, ADHD, cancer and autism in children is rarely mentioned. When we look at cannabis use as medicine for children in the 19th century, we see that it has always been used to treat nausea, diarrhea, convulsions and restlessness in children. Not just its sedative and anti-spasmodic properties, children benefit from many of its other properties, including its analgesic, expectorant, prophylactic, digestive, diuretic, refrigerant, diaphoretic properties. Cannabis, as medicine, was typically given to children in the form of sweetmeats. The multiple modes through which it can be administered, and its high safety profile, means that cannabis is one of the most ideal medicines for children suffering from numerous medical conditions. The fact that the child has to consume one herb, instead of a plethora of dangerous chemical compounds, should have been sufficient to make it available universally. 

Unfortunately, children today face increasing anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia and attention deficiency at mental levels probably unseen in the history of humankind. They also face physical threats in the form of malnutrition,  degradation of their environment and lifestyles. The world's children suffer the same problems of accessibility and affordability to medicine that the poor and the elderly face. The unlucky few, who can access or afford the dangerous and expensive synthetic pharmaceutical medications, belong to the ruling and upper classes. Where cannabis has been legalized for recreational use, in about 18 US states and Canada, it has been found that cannabis usage rates among children actually came down, thus disproving the myth that legalization will cause increased consumption among the under aged.

Medicine for women.

The Hemp Commission states erroneously that women were not significant consumers of cannabis. This is because the Commission sought its information from the largely male population of the ruling upper class administration, and from cannabis retail outlets and public places where upper class men gathered to drink bhang. The only segment of women that the Commission found using cannabis significantly were the prostitutes, who were the only women among the working and labouring classes that the Commission or its witnesses heard about. These women consumed cannabis for the very same reasons that the other sections of the working and labouring classes consumed it, which was to relieve fatigue, to sleep and to ward off diseases when working in adverse conditions, especially sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis. This lopsided perspective of women's consumption of cannabis paved the way for the myth that all women who consume cannabis are immoral, one of the key propaganda measures used to dissuade women from using cannabis.

Women are likely to have consumed cannabis nearly as much as men, because all the benefits that men derived from cannabis women also did. Not only that, there are women specific medical conditions for which cannabis is beneficial, as revealed by witnesses in response to the Hemp Commission's questions. These include "many uterine affections", including "loss of blood from uterus, "relief in protracted labour pains", "dysmenorrhœa", "menorrhagia", "cramps", "lohiwa (a disease of women of daily menstruating blood instead of at the menses time)". The ecbolic, parturifacient, and haemostatic properties of cannabis were especially suited for women. The fact that nearly every house in some places had at least one cannabis plant, and the ease with which cannabis can be consumed as edibles or beverages, shows how integrated it was with the whole household and society, and not just its male members. It is not necessary for a woman to smoke cannabis like men do, she can just as easily combine it with her cooking and consume it, or apply it as oils and butter to her body, thus being discrete because a patriarchal society discriminates against her for cannabis use.

Today, women are coming out more in the open with their cannabis consumption in places where cannabis has been legalized. Women use cannabis for medicine, recreation, wellness and food and many new cannabis businesses are created and run by women. Many women have become cannabis entrepreneurs and leaders in the cannabis industry. Some of the leading global cannabis advocates are women. Yet, in a largely patriarchal world, the narrative still dominates that the only women who consume cannabis are loose women. Once again, the story of women in the world, by and large, is the same, or even worse than that of the elderly, the poor and children, because it is even more difficult for a woman to access or afford cannabis, if she does not belong to the ruling and upper classes. Even if she does belong to the upper classes, the patriarchal societies of the world are quick to punish and shame her in full public view so that she does not influence other women to be more free. Woman is the nigger of the world, eh John?

Treatment of diseases in animals.

Man was not the only animal whose diseases were treated with cannabis. We find that traditional Indian medical practitioners used cannabis for treating cows, bullock, buffalo, horses, sheep and elephants. The use of cannabis for treating animals was so pervasive that the Hemp Commission states "Regarding the use of hemp drugs in the treatment of cattle-disease, out of a total of 1,193 witnesses, one-half give no information; and of the rest rather over one-half speak to the use of bhang alone, while the remainder speak generally of the use of both ganja and bhang." It also states that "This use of the drugs is in evidence in all provinces, though naturally to a less extent in Bombay and Madras than elsewhere, and least of all in Burma. Among the diseases for which hemp drugs are prescribed in native veterinary practice for cattle, horses, sheep, and occasionally elephants may be mentioned colic, bowel-complaints, diarrhœa, sprains, constipation, cow-pox, foot-and-mouth diseases, hoof disease, pneumonia, affections of the throat, colds and coughs, quinsy, and rinderpest. Ganja is used to extract worms in foot-sore diseases of cattle and to remove intestinal worms, and is also burnt to disinfect sheepfolds. A very common use of the drugs is as a tonic to produce condition, to make oxen fleet of foot, to relieve fatigue, and to give staying power. Bhang is sometimes used to increase the flow of milk in cows, and also to stupefy them when they refuse to be milked. The drug is occasionally given to mares shortly before being covered, and it is also used after delivery. Bhang mixed with salt is given to cattle as preventive against purging, to which they are generally subject from feeding on the young shoots of grass sprouting during the early part of the monsoon." Cannabis appears to have been commonly used for indigestion and heat apoplexy among cattle, administered with molasses to horses and ponies to remove stomach complaints and to refresh them after hard labour.

One witness makes an interesting statement regarding the effect that cannabis appears to have on herbivorous and carnivorous animals by stating that "With regard to the diseases of cattle, the hemp plant, particularly its leaves, were used externally for rheumatism, fresh wounds and sores, and internally for tetanus and hydrophobia; and the effects are more salutary in the case of Grassominivorous animals without any unpleasant after-consequence, as the intoxicating effect of the drug is less perceivable in them than in the carnivorous group." Ganja was also rubbed over the tongues of the bullocks to sharpen their appetite. The tongues of cattle refusing to eat are rubbed over with powder made of ganja, saffron and salt. Ganja mixed with grain and pounded gives strength to cattle, and is believed to keep them in good condition. It was used for mules and horses suffering from asthma and cold. Ganja leaf (not dried) is given to cows and buffaloes which withhold milk. It then gives milk. It seems to serve the purpose of carbolic acid. A horse, after a bath, was sometimes given a pill consisting of patti, turmeric and molasses.

In Burma, the community known as Karens cultivated large quantities of ganja for sale to timber traders (Thitgaungs), who use it as medicine for elephants. A witness states that "Every one possessing elephants is bound to keep ganja." Another witness states that "When an elephant suffers from agunbai, the symptoms of which are trembling of the body, hasty perspiration, sores in throat and excessive warmth in the body, native doctors prescribe bhang. If not attended to immediately, the elephant dies within three hours. The administration of bhang with other medicines thrice cures the animal. When the elephant becomes must and lustful and does not eat, bhang with other medicines proves very effective. A camel can be cured of tetanus by giving him on three alternate days—bhang a quarter seer, sugar one seer, oil one-and-half seer. Bhang is sometimes given to a horse in the ease of stomach-ache or for removing fatigue."  In Burdwan it was habitually given to the Raj Bari elephants as a tonic.

In today's world, animals face the same onslaught of harmful synthetic pharmaceutical medicine as humans. The gap between natural medicine and modern synthetic medicine is as evident among animals as it is among humans. Cannabis was as much food and medicine for animals as it was for humans. When the ruling and upper classes did not give the slightest consideration for India's vast labouring classes, its poor, and its indigenous communities when they decided to prohibit cannabis, then what chance did the other animals stand? The reality today is that avian and insect populations are facing massive collapse, while domesticated animals such as horses, chicken, sheep, cattle, etc. are fed unhealthy diets and get pumped with antibiotics, hormones and steroids for good measure. Animals in the wild are poached for their body parts in the name of aphrodisiacs when cannabis would more than adequately meet the needs. Every year animals are subjected to numerous tests for synthetic chemical products and medicine and killed in the process. Cannabis as medicine and for cosmetics and wellness would save these animals.

Today, science states that cannabis, as animal food, has vast nutritive and health value. Science also says that it is not just cattle, elephants, pigs and horses that benefit from cannabis, it is also birds and insects. Cannabis cultivation provides important nutrition for birds and bees and plays a significant role in cross-pollination, contributing to the sustenance of natural biodiversity. The biomass as a result of cannabis cultivation is being looked at as a very important source for animal nutrition in countries where cannabis has been legalized. The presence of cannabis in areas of water and food scarcity would provide nutrition as well as counter the effects of waterborne diseases among animals.

The Indian government today, takes absurdity to new heights by banning the culling of cattle for meat and setting up rehabilitation centers for old and sick cattle, all in the name of religion, when the most significant action it can take towards animal welfare would be to legalize cannabis, and use it for animal food and medicine. But then the Indian government today comprises of the same ruling and upper classes that, in the 19th century, went all out to prohibit cannabis so that western medicine, alcohol and opium could replace it.

The alleged harms of cannabis.

Even though, nearly all witnesses responding to the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission stated that cannabis has benefits, a large number also stated that cannabis is not harmless. The specific questions regarding the harms of cannabis, especially its so-called "excessive use", is covered in the articles on harmful effects and insanity. The alleged harmful physical effects with habitual moderate use, such as bronchitis, asthma, and dysentery, were rejected by the Commission and medical experts. The alleged harms of excessive use is altogether debatable given the following facts: nobody has been able to conclusively define what constitutes excessive use; the vastly varying individual consumption rates and types of cannabis; that very few witnesses had access to a regular habitual user, let alone an excessive user; that excess users were said to be something like 5% of the cannabis consuming population; that most witnesses were personally unfamiliar with cannabis usage itself; and the more recently discovered fact of cannabis's high safety profile. Regarding the allegations that ganja was the leading cause of insanity, we find on examination that the statistics regarding ganja as cause for insanity were almost entirely created by erroneous data entered by junior police officials with no medical expertise whatsoever. It is this erroneous data on ganja related insanity that has most likely led to the misconception among large numbers of the ruling and upper classes that ganja and charas are harmful. This misconception is also fueled by the fact that the ruling and upper classes preferred cannabis as bhang and viewed it as beneficial, whereas they viewed cannabis as ganja or charas as harmful, primarily because these forms of cannabis were used by the labouring and working classes, the poor and the indigenous communities whom the ruling and upper classes viewed as inferior to themselves.

Bias towards opium.

The ruling and upper classes had a stronger preference for western alcohol and opium, besides bhang, and this found resonance with the British administration who also loved alcohol and opium and regarded cannabis as not just a strange, unpleasant drug, but also as a serious threat to their objectives of increasing the use among the people of western alcohol, opium and tobacco, products which were significantly more expensive than cannabis and hence provided much higher revenues for the state. We can find open bias against cannabis, and in favor of opium, in some witness statements and governmental reports. For example, the evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda, states that "Mr. Grant, Collector of Balasore, observes (see Bengal Excise Administration Report for 188384):— 'I can only regard this rapid increase in the use of ganja as altogether lamentable. It is the only exciseable article in favour of which nothing can be said. It seems to have absolutely no virtue, and to do harm the very first time it is used. In shorter time than any other intoxicant, it establishes a craving habit, and is more irresistible than that created by any other. I cannot believe that the dearness of opium has done much to increase the consumption of ganja, and most unfortunately the price of ganja, which was very cheap before, has fallen during the year. I said last year that I thought it regretable that the price of opium has been raised. I can only repeat my opinions; at all events as far as Orissa is concerned, the measure is a bad one as regards the morality of the districts and as regards the revenue. For the past two years the local consumption of opium (a dear drug yielding a high revenue, a medical drug, hurtful only if abused) has greatly decreased, and its place has been supplied by a cheap drug that has nothing but the most seriously bad result from any use of it at all. Under ordinary circumstances, it is desirable to discourage the use of ganja by making its price as high as it can safely be made; but, under the circumstances of Orissa, it seems to me to be very unwise to do what amounts to forcing people to the extended use of most pernicious and cheap and accessible drug by putting what becomes a prohibitive price on the use of a very dear, comparatively harmless and often useful drug. If the thing is possible, I would reduce the price of opium in Orissa to what it was in 1879-80, and I would also raise the duty on ganja from R4 to R5.' Though there would be few to agree with Mr. Grant for lowering the price of opium, I think everyone would endorse his views on the effects of ganja-smoking. In fact, in the next line we find. 'The Commissioner agrees with Mr. Grant in his condemnation of ganja, and is in favour of the duty being raised.' In the preceding year Mr. Grant had delivered himself as follows on the subject:— 'I am afraid that this (increase in the consumption of ganja and decrease in that of opium) is something very like an unmixed evil. It means that people are substituting ganja,— a cheaper and infinitely more mischievous and deleterious drug. Instead of consuming maunds 3—11 of comparatively harmless opium the people consumed maunds 3—27—11 and 1/2  of ganja, which is, beyond all comparison, the drug which has least to be said in its favour and most to be against it. I strongly advocate a return to the old rate for opium, not because the new rate has so materially decreased the revenue, but because it is fast driving the people of Balasore to that resort to ganja which we know to be the root of the evils in the Uriya character.' Extreme views on a subject of this kind should no doubt be accepted with caution. But when we find that there has, for a long series of years, always been a consensus of opinion amongst persons who had the best opportunities to study the question, I think that opinion cannot be thrown aside easily. Elsewhere I have quoted from several published reports of Government how Government, the Board, and the subordinate officials have always spoken against ganja, and how they considered that it would be a blessing for the people if they were to substitute alcohol for ganja. Here I shall content myself with two or three more quotations in support of my views, Let us see what His Honour the LieutenantGovernor says so long ago as 1874. Reviewing the excise administration of 1873-74, His Honour says as follows (vide page 3 of the resolution appended to the report):— 'The Member in charge does not think that the time has yet arrived for any further increase of the duty. It appears, however, to the LieutenantGovernor that, of all excisable articles, the imposition of an almost prohibitive duty on ganja admits of the best justification upon both moral and economical grounds. It is generally agreed that even the moderate consumption of ganja is deleterious, and that its use leads to crime, to insanity, and other dreadful consequences. The conditions of its production are such that surreptitious cultivation appears scarcely to be possible. The cultivation of the ganja plant is not, like that of the poppy, spread over an extensive area. The whole of Bengal is supplied with ganja from a tract not exceeding 800 acres in Rajshahi. Supervision is consequently easy, and the imposition of a higher duty, if it resulted in a loss of revenue, would do so only by diminishing consumption. For the sake of the people, the Lieutenant-Governor earnestly commends this subject to the consideration of the Board.' Let us now see what the Bengal Excise Commission says on this subject— 'It is to be regretted, however, that this is due to some extent to the use of the pernicious drug ganja in these tracts.' Let us again see what the Government of India says— 'Ganja is a drug which is far more injurious in its effects than spirit or any other drug commonly consumed.'—(Despatch to the Secretary of State, No. 29 of 1890, dated Calcutta, the 4th February 1890.)"

With this sort of mindset and bias against ganja and charas by the ruling and upper classes, ganja and charas, the medicine of India's poor and its labouring classes, who together constitute more than 70% of the country's population, were eventually prohibited. Cannabis was replaced with alcohol, opium and tobacco. Over the years since the 19th century, cocaine, methamphetamine and lethal synthetic pharmaceutical drugs have been made available in place of cannabis.

When one looks of the harms of something, one must also look at it from the context of other substances. The replacing of cannabis, from which no known cases of fatality exist, with opium, alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, methamphetamine and numerous synthetic drugs, legal and illegal, have killed hundreds of millions of people over the years, besides creating numerous addicts and being leading causes of crime, violence and insanity. The harms of cannabis are even less than the harms of beer, which is likely to kill you if you consumed it in large quantities over a few days, or comparable with water, for that matter, too much or too little of which can just as easily kill a person in a short period of time. So it appears that the exaggerated harms of cannabis, purely driven by selfish motives, has unleashed monumental harms on the people of the world through the alternatives now available. William O'Shaughnessy, the 19th century British physician, in his introduction to certain experiments with hemp drugs remarks: "As to the evil sequelæ so unanimously dwelt on by all writers, these did not appear to us so numerous, so immediate, or so formidable as many which may be clearly traced to over-indulgence in other powerful stimulants or narcotics, viz., alcohol, opium, or tobacco." Today, cannabis is the leading harm reduction alternative to alcohol, opioids, tobacco, cocaine, methamphetamine, novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and non-medical use of prescription drugs. But cannabis remains prohibited because the industries that these harmful alternatives drive have become vastly wealthy and powerful.

Personal experience with cannabis.

I have consumed cannabis in the form of bhang, ganja and charas over the last 28 years. From my personal experiences, I have found it to aid in digestion, to stimulate, to relax, to sleep, to help focus and concentrate, to remove fatigue, to manage pain and wounds, among other things. Cannabis has helped me keep my alcohol and tobacco consumption within control. Cannabis has helped me to stay away from synthetic pharmaceutical drugs and illegal synthetic drugs. Cannabis has, I believe, in general, helped me maintain a steady and healthy life. For me, cannabis stands foremost among all medicines in the world, especially as mind medicine.

The impact of cannabis legalization.

Today, cannabis is legalized for medical purposes in about 35 US states, besides Germany, France, Italy, Israel, Australia, and other countries comprising the so-called "developed" nations. But this legalized cannabis is available only to the ruling and upper classes within these wealthy nations. What is ironic is that even the synthetic pharmaceutical medications that are supposed to perform the same medicinal functions as cannabis are only available to the rich nations and the upper classes of the world. For the majority of the world, simple cannabis possession will lead to imprisonment, and sometimes the death penalty.

Cannabis legalization will, instantaneously, make sustainable, universal, natural healthcare a reality across the world, especially for the world's poorest people and the labouring and working classes. It will mean that anyone can grow their own cannabis, wherever they are, and access it at almost zero cost to themselves. But why is this not happening?

Cannabis legalization will benefit the world's majority but it will deal a crippling blow for today's ruling and upper classes, and some of the world's biggest industries, who have vastly benefited from its prohibition. Can you imagine what will happen to the global pharmaceutical industry if a single herb grown at home can replace entire classes of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, such as opioids, analgesics, sedatives, stimulants, relaxants, digestives, carminatives, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diabetes drugs, anti-HIV drugs, aphrodisiacs, anti-epilepsy drugs, haemostatic drugs, anxiolytics, antibiotics, anti-depression, anti-obesity, anti-insomnia, prophylactics, diuretics, diaphoretics, veterinary drugs, to name just a few. Entire pharmaceutical companies that focus on these classes of drugs and spend hundreds of billions to create patented molecular compounds so as to gain and maintain their positions in the market will collapse. The medical industry, with its doctors who pay their way through a medical education and then spend the rest of their lives trying to make good their investment, while living lavishly on the perks provided by the synthetic pharmaceutical industry, will be left bankrupt. We are not even talking about the damage to the alcohol, opium, tobacco and illegal drug industries here. Most governments get significant funding from these industries opposed to cannabis and will do all they can to keep the status quo at the cost of humans and planet. The ruling and upper classes of the world, who did not bat an eyelid when they deprived the world's majority - the poorest and most vulnerable people, of the medicinal herb that reduced suffering and helped maintain health, will not hesitate to use all possible means, including war, pandemics, religion and law enforcement, to keep cannabis prohibited.

It is imperative that cannabis be legalized immediately, not just to provide universal healthcare to humans and animals, but also to stop the damage to nature. While humans and animals face increasing threats and challenges in a polluted, rapidly warming planet without natural cannabis to protect and heal them, pharmaceutical companies and the medical industry are wrecking havoc with nature, through unsustainable manufacturing and disposal of their products into the environment and with their close links to petrochemical companies. In 2020, we got an idea of how far these entities will go to protect their selfish interests, once again, when we witnessed a war on the people of the world through a fake pandemic which involved locking up the world's people, pumping as many people as possible with all their dangerous products, while at the same time flooding the environment with petrochemical based non-biodegradable medical junk and all our water bodies with synthetic drugs as human and industrial by-products. 

The Indian Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) 1985 states in Section 8. Prohibition of certain operations.—"No person shall— (b) cultivate the opium poppy or any cannabis plant;except for medical or scientific purposes and in the manner and to the extent provided by the provisions of this Act or the rules or orders made thereunder and in a case where any such provision, imposes any requirement by way of licence, permit or authorisation also in accordance with the terms and conditions of such licence, permit or authorisation:"

Are the above listed medical conditions in this article not more than sufficient for every single human being in India to be able to grow and consume their own cannabis? Yes they are. The UN is as much a joke as the US when it comes to global cannabis laws. The UN, like the US, keeps cannabis in its restricted lists citing that it has no medicinal value while keeping dangerous synthetic drugs in its Essential Drugs list. 

As the world grows hotter, and as drinking water becomes increasingly scare, as epidemic and lifestyle diseases grow, as hunger becomes an increasing reality, as hundreds of millions of persons succumb to alcohol, opioids, tobacco and the synthetic drugs, as anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia and pain spawn a mental health epidemic, as humans, animals and the planet itself suffers rapidly deteriorating health and ever increasing challenges, we must fully legalize cannabis as one of our last hopes. The world's majority must rise as one to bring cannabis back to the people everywhere. It is as simple as planting a few seeds in your garden and watching a herb grow.   

Some traditional medicinal preparations using cannabis.

Going through the Indian Hemp Commission report, I was pleasantly surprised to find documented certain medicinal preparations that used cannabis in native medicines, such as Lokanadharasam and choleraic medicine compound preparations, such as Jotiphalodya Churna, Ivanerala Rasa, Kameshwar Modak, Beleya Sukra Soner Modak, Purnadhi Lehyam, etc. Numerous confections of bhang; such as kamesvara modaka, madana modaka, balyasakrasana modaka, etc., are described in Sanskrit medical works. These, as their names imply, are considered aphrodisiac, and are used in chronic bowel complaints and nervous debility. Most of them are prepared with equal parts of a number of supposed tonic and aphrodisiac substances in small quantities, and bhang equal in weight to all the other ingredients, together with sugar, honey, and the usual aromatics. The witness responses indicate the wide variety of mediums in which cannabis can be consumed in ayurvedic medicines, each having its specific benefits. For example, "With milk, water, ghi, honey products (such as honey, wine, etc.), saindhab salt, sugar or molasses, or with ripe sweet fruits, such as plantains, mangoes, jacks, etc., vijaya (ganja) can give power to do all acts. Taken with milk, vijaya gives all sorts of pleasures, is strongly stimulating, and prevents eye diseases. Taken with water, it removes indigestion. Taken with ghi (clarified butter), it strengthens memory, helps in subduing the goddess of speech, raises the fallen, and clears the intellect. Taken with honey, it cures all sorts of bodily illnesses. Taken with saindhab salt, it increases the fire of appetite. Taken with sugar or molasses; it removes stomachic spasms springing from acid-bile (amlapitta) humour, allays diarrhoea, puts a stop to cough and asthma, and prevents chronic dysentery rising from ambat." Most of the recipes for these preparations have been described by witnesses who were native physicians or as a result of researching ancient Indian medical texts like Bhavaprakasha. One witness states that "there is a popular medical work based on Augstyar called Athmarad samirtham ennum vaitthiya sarasangkirakam by Ayulvéthapasha Karanganthasami Mudeliar. This work mentions ganja as entering into recipes for — 1. Thathu pushti legiam 2. Mathana kamesura legiam 3. ditto kulikai 4. ditto oil 5. Mathana purana valvathi 6. Mathana purana sanjeevi." A witness states that "Besides the above preparations made out of the drugs there are thrisulighronthum, majun, and kameer gaphra, of which majun is eaten by several people for the very sake of intoxication." Here, "majun" appears to be a reference to majum, which was a popular confection available throughout India. So here are some of the recipes, which I hope will help bring cannabis and natural medicine back to their rightful places in society.

Jati Phaladya Churna.

Preparation — Take of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, tejapatra leaves, flowers of naga kesara (Mesua ferrea), camphor, sandal wood, sesamum seeds, hamboo manna, flowers of tagora (Tabernœ montana coronaria), chebulic and emblic myrobalans, long pepper, black pepper, ginger, leaves of talisa (Pinus webbiana, plumbago root), cummin seeds, and the seeds of viranga (Embelia Ribes), equal parts, purified bhang equal in weight to all the above ingredients, and sugar twice as much as the bhang. Powder and mix. 

Dose - about 20 to 40 grains. 

Uses - This preparation is given in diarrhœa, indigestion, and loss of appetite (vide Saranga Dhara).

Jvalanala Rasa.

Preparation — Take of Yavakshara and Sarjikakshara (impure carbonates of potash and soda), borax, mercury, sulphur, long pepper, black pepper, piper chaba (Chavya) and ginger equal parts, fried leaves of bhang equal to all the above ingredients, root of Moringa pterygosperma half the weight of bhang; powder the ingredients, mix and soak the mixed powder for three days in each of the following fluids, namely, a decoction of fresh juice of the leaves of Cannabis indica, the roots of Moringa pterygosperma and plumbago rosea, and dry in the sun. Then roast the mass lightly, and make into a pill mass with the juice of the leaves of Wedelia Calendulacea (Bhringa Raja). 

Dose - about half a dram with honey. 

Uses - This medicine is given in indigestion and loss of appetite with nausea and vomiting (vide Bhaba Prakas).

Madana Modaka

Preparation — Take of the three myrobalans, ginger, long pepper, black pepper, Rhus succedanea (Sringi), Pachak root, coriander, rock salt, zedoary root, leaves of Pinus webbiana (talisa), bark of Myrica sapida (katphala), flowers of Mesua ferrea (Naga kesara), ajowan, seeds of Seseli Indicum (vana ya mani), liquorice root, seeds of Trigonella fœnumgrœcum (methi), cumin and nigella seeds, equal parts; bhang leaves with flowers and seeds fried in clarified butter, equal in weight to all the other ingredients; sugar equal in weight to the bhang. Prepare a syrup with the sugar, then add the other substances in fine powder, and make into a confection. Lastly, add clarified butter, honey, powdered sesamum seeds, cardamoms, cinnamon, tejapatra leaves, and camphor, each two tolas.

Dose - make into boluses of about 80 grains each. 

Uses - This confection is used in cough, chronic bowel-complaints, and impotence (vide Sara Kaumudi).

Jajannatha Siddi Lahyum.

Preparation — Ganja (the flower tops) in fine powder - 1 part; Opium - 1/4; Ptychotis fructus - l and 1/4; Powder, equal parts of dried ginger, pepper and long pepper - 1 and 1/4; Cardamom - 1 and 1/4; Cloves - 1 and 1/4; Fruits of emblic myrobalan seasoned in salt - 1 and 1/4; Nutmeg - 1 and 1/4; Rhus succedanca - 1 and 1/4; Catechu - 2 and 1/2; Lime-juice - 5; Sugar - 12 and 1/3; Pure water - 5. Water, lime-juice and sugar, should be added together and made into syrup by being heated on fire, and with this syrup the other articles in fine powder should be mixed and well stirred up to the consistency of confection, opium having been added, previously dissolved in a small quantity of water. 

Dose — From three to five grains. 

Uses — In the early stages of cholera, it is given to check vomiting and diarrhœa. In colic and diarrhœa of children it is said to be very useful. It is also said that cases of loss of memory improve under the use of this preparation.

Purnadi Lahyum.

Preparation — Ganja tops - 1 part; Dried ginger, pepper, and long pepper - 1    part each; Leaves of cinnamon nitidium - 1; Mesua ferrea - 1; Aniseed - 1; Cummin seeds - 1; Galanghal - 1; Liquorice, Nutmeg, mace, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon - each 1/4; Sugar - 20; Tender cocoanut, water of - 10; Poppy seeds - 1. The above articles are all made into the consistency of confection as almost the first. 

Dose—From twenty to forty grains. 

Uses — In indigestion, diarrhœa, dyspepsia, sleeplessness and nervous debility.

Nidrakari Lahyum.

Preparation — Ganja in powder previously grilled in ghee - 3 parts; Nutmeg - 1; Cardamom - 1; Sugar - 8; Datus - 8; Honey - 6. 

Dose and Uses - Made into confection used in sleeplessness.

Madanakamasvari.

Preparation — Ganja in powder - 5 parts; Salep - 8; Nutmeg in powder - 3; Cardamum - 1; Cloves - 1; Saffron - 1; Mastich - 2; Almond - 2; Horse radish, seeds of - 2; Grapes - 8; Tender cocoanut - 140; Sugar - 70. Made into lahyum. 

Dose — From fifteen to thirty grains. 

Uses — This is a very popular preparation, used as aphrodisiac in genital nervous debility.

Treatment for diarrhea.

A witness, a practitioner of native medicine, states "I practice in native medicine, and give ganja on diarrhœa as follows :—Wash good ganja in clean fresh water by rubbing with hands till clean water instead of green issues from it. Then after drying in the sun mix it with a little fresh ghee (about one-tenth of its quantity) by rubbing with the hands. Bake the whole on fire and reduce it to a fine powder by pounding and straining through cloth. Mix the powder with an equal quantity of red or raw sugar. The medicine is ready. This taken from 1/4 to 1/2 tola (according to the patient's strength) at bed time effectively checks all sorts of diarrhœa including long-standing sangrabani, in which undigested matter is accumulated and discharged alternately for short periods of about two or three days."

Closing Quotes.

"I certainly think that bhang as ordinarily drunk in Sind is harmless, and that to deprive the people of it would be exactly the same thing as to deprive the ordinary Englishman of his beer or the Devonshire labourer of his cider."  - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.

"The use of bhang in the one case is sometimes compared to the glass of wine taken at meals by a moderate consumer of alcohol, and the use of ganja in the other case to the labouring man's glass of beer or even to his pipe of tobacco. It is possible also that the effects of hemp drugs in this respect may be to a certain extent comparable with those of tea." - Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, 1894-95.

"As to the evil sequelæ so unanimously dwelt on by all writers, these did not appear to us so numerous, so immediate, or so formidable as many which may be clearly traced to over-indulgence in other powerful stimulants or narcotics, viz., alcohol, opium, or tobacco." - William O'Shaugnessey

Summary findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1894-95.

Following are the summary findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1894-95 with regard to the medical uses of cannabis.
 
458. Turning now to the effects of hemp drugs, it seems expedient to take up first their medicinal use. This is not confined to their use as prescribed by physicians, but extends also to their use as popular or domestic remedial agents. Out of a total of 1,193 European and Native witnesses before the Commission, little less than two-thirds refer to the use of hemp drugs by the Vedanti and Yunani schools of native physicians and native doctors generally, while the rest afford no information on the subject or reply in the negative. About one-sixth of the former refer specially to the use of ganja, one-third to bhang, and the remainder state that both forms of the drug are prescribed, several of the witnesses in the North-Western Provinces and Punjab particularising charas as a remedial agent. If the number of witnesses who speak of this use in each province may be taken as approximately indicating its extent, then it would appear that the medicinal use is well known throughout India.

Ancient literature.
459. Before alluding to the use of hemp drugs by native physicians in the present day, the Commission consider that it will perhaps be of interest to give a brief résumé of the medicinal properties assigned to hemp by some of the ancient writers. Mr. George A. Gricrson, I.C.S., informed the Commission that having searched through all the Sanskrit and Hindi books accessible, he found the first mention of bhanga as a medicine in the work of Suçruta, written before the eighth century A.D. Bhanga is recommended with a number of other drugs as an antiphlegmatic. In the same work Mr. Grierson points out that vijaya is mentioned as a remedy for catarrh accompanied by diarrhœa, and as an ingredient in a prescription for fever arising from an excess of bile and phlegm. In these two passages, however, vijaya is probably an equivalent of haritaki, the yellow myrobolan, and does not mean hemp; and Dr. Hœrnle informed Mr. Grierson that in the oldest medical works the word vijaya is explained by commentators as referring to the yellow myrobolan. The use of bhang between the fifth and twelfth century is frequently mentioned in dictionaries, and the names used would seem to show that its use as an intoxicant was then known. In the Rajanighantu of Narahari Pandita, A.D. 1300, the effects of hemp on man are described as excitant, heating, astringent: it destroys phlegm, expels flatulence, induces costiveness, sharpens the memory, and excites appetite. In the Carngadharasamhita, a medical work, the date of which is unknown, but which must have been compiled during the Muhammadan period of Indian history, bhang is specially mentioned as an excitant. In the Dhurtasamagama, or "Rogues' Congress," A.D. 1500, the following passage occurs: "Ganja, which is soporific and corrects derangements of the humours, which produces a healthy appetite, sharpens the wits, and acts as an aphrodisiac." In the Bhavaprakaça, written about A.D. 1600, bhang is described as being "antiphlegmatic, pungent, astringent, digestive, easy of digestion, and bile-affecting, and increases infatuation, intoxication, the power of the voice, and the digestive faculty." In the Rajarallabha, a materia medica of rather later date, ganja is described as "Indra's food," is acid, produces infatuation, and destroys leprosy. It "creates energy, the mental powers, and internal heat, corrects irregularities of the phlegmatic humour, and is an elixir vitæ."

In the Makhzan-el-Adwiya, hemp seeds are said to be "a compound of opposite qualities, cold and dry in the third degree, i.e., stimulant and sedative, imparting at first a gentle reviving heat, and then a considerable refrigerant effect." The qualities of the plant are stimulant and sedative. "The leaves make a good snuff for deterging the brain; the juice of the leaves applied to the head as a wash removes dandruff and vermin; drops of the juice thrown into the ear allay pain and destroy worms and insects. It checks diarrhœa, is useful in gonorrhœa, restrains the seminal secretions, and is diuretic. The bark has a similar effect. The powder is recommended as an external application to fresh wounds and sores, and for causing granulations; a poultice of the boiled roots and leaves for discussing inflammations and cure of erysipelas, and for allaying neuralgic pains. The dried leaves, bruised and spread on a castor-oil leaf, cure hydrocele and swelled testes." Rumphius in the Herbarium Amboinense, A.D. 1695, states that the Muhammadans in his neighbourhood frequently sought for the male plant from his garden to give to persons afflicted with virulent gonorrhœa or with asthma, and the affection which is popularly called "stitches in the side." He also adds that the powdered leaves check diarrhœa, are stomachic, cure the malady named pitao, and moderate excessive secretion of bile. He mentions the use of hemp smoke as an enema in strangulated hernia, and of the leaves as an antidote in poisoning by orpiment.

Modern native practice.
460. The use of hemp drugs by native physicians, as evidenced from replies of witnesses received by the Commission, may be considered under two main heads—(a) as specifics in the treatment of diseases, and (b) in their general therapeutic applications; while a few uses of the drugs which do not fall within these divisions are also occasionally mentioned. It is hardly necessary to premise that the use of hemp drugs by hakims, etc., is wholly empirical, the drugs being used apparently haphazard for the most diverse diseases. It is interesting, however, to note that while the drills appear now to be frequently used for precisely the same purposes and in the same manner as was recommended centuries ago, many uses of these drugs by native doctors are in accord with their application in modern European therapeutics. Cannabis indica must be looked upon as one of the most important drugs of Indian Materia Medica. In connection with the pharmacy of the drug, the preparations of the hemp plant used by native doctors are bhang, ganja, and sometimes charas: the seeds appear to be very rarely used. Bhang is generally prescribed as a cold infusion prepared from the powdered and well-triturated leaves, or as a confection or "moduks" especially in the treatment of nervous debility: into all these preparations a large number of other ingredients usually enter. The admixture of saccharine matter with bhang is popularly supposed to render it more potent as an intoxicant. Bhang is also used as a local application in the form of poultice, and sometimes the finely-powdered leaves are used as a snuff. When ganja and charas are prescribed for inhalation, the drugs are smoked mixed with tobacco; when ganja is used for local fumigation, the smoke from the unmixed drug is employed. These two drugs appear to be rarely used for internal administration.. Occasionally an oil prepared with ganja and other ingredients is used as a rubefacient. The expressed oil from the seeds is also used for a similar purpose.
 
Treatment of disease.
461. In discussing the diseases treated, we may take first diseases of the nervous system. Witnesses refer to the use of the drugs in the treatment of "brain fever," cramps, convulsions of children, headache, hysteria, neuralgia, sciatica, and tetanus. In certain of these diseases, e.g., convulsions of children, neuralgia, and tetanus, the use of hemp preparations has also been advocated by European practitioners. The late Sir W. B. O'Shaughnessy, of Calcutta, appears to have been the first to use hemp resin in tetanus. He found that in many cases it effectually arrested the progress of the disease, but in the hands of others equally good results were not always obtained. O 'Shaughnessy explains this by the fact that the use of hemp is so universal among the lower classes, that it is only in those patients who are not habituated to it that beneficial effects are likely to ensue when the drug is administered medicinally. The treatment of tetanus by the inhalation of ganja smoke has also been recommended. In the class of specific infectious diseases, hemp drugs are stated to be used in hydrophobia, ague, remittent fever, cholera,"to relieve burning symptoms in phthisis," dysentery, erysipelas, and gonorrhœa. O'Shaughnessy more than 50 years ago used hemp resin with more or less success in hydrophobia and cholera. In the treatment of dysentery the resin has been found of much value by many European doctors, and excellent results have been obtained with it. In addition to the medicinal use of the drug for the treatment of cholera during epidemics, hemp drugs appear occasionally to be used as prophylactics, and for a similar purpose the use of the drugs is recommended in malarial areas to counteract the effects of "bad air and water." In both cases hemp drugs probably act as indirect prophylactics, stimulating the nervous system and allaying depression, thus serving much the same purpose as the popular use of alcoholic beverages by the lower classes in European countries during the prevalence of epidemics. But, on the other hand, it must be remembered that when ganja is smoked as a prophylactic, it is always mixed with tobacco, and yields members of the aromatic series of hydrocarbons, the lower members of which are known to possess both antiseptic and antipyretic powers. In the treatment of diseases of the respiratory organs, hemp drugs are stated to be used in hay-fever, asthma, bronchitis, and coughs, inhalation of ganja smoke being the usual mode of exhibiting the drug. Pounded bhang leaves are stated to be sometimes used as a snuff in catarrh and "diseases of the nose and head." In several diseases of the organs of digestion hemp drugs are prescribed, flatulence, diarrhœa, dyspepsia, piles, and prolapsus ani being the chief. Bhang has also been prescribed to check salivation. In diseases of the urinary organs hemp preparations are used in diabetes, impotency, stricture, spermatorrhœa, hydrocele, incontinence of urine, and swellings of the testicles. In orchitis a warm bhang poultice applied on a warm fig leaf is recommended to be bandaged over the testicles, and in hydrocele a similar poultice is spread on a castor-oil leaf. In impotency and nervous debility the drug is doubtless used on account of its supposed aphrodisiac power. Hemp drugs are also stated to be prescribed in diseases of the heart, brain, spleen, in rheumatism, gout, and delirium tremens, and they are also used in the treatment of scabies, guinea-worm, and boils. An oil prepared from bhang and other ingredients is prescribed in white leprosy, and bhang smoking is stated to be used against the poisons of fish and scorpions.

Therapeutics.
462. In connection with the therapeutics of hemp drugs, one of the commonest uses is for the relief of pain, the drugs being used either as local or general anodynes. Thus bhang poultices are frequently mentioned as soothing local applications to painful parts; and poultices are used for inflamed piles and over the seat of pain in liver and bowel diseases, and to check inflammation and erysipelas. Fumigation with the smoke from burning ganja or bhang is also used as a local sedative in piles. A small fragment of charas is placed in a carious tooth to relieve toothache. And the use of the drugs is also referred to for the relief of protracted labour pains, dysmenorrhœa, pain in the stomach, cramps, and neuralgia. One witness states that hemp drugs are used as a substitute for opium. In cases of circumcision the drugs are used as anæsthetics, and a witness mentions that native doctors on rare occasions substitute ganja for chloroform in operations. The tincture of Cannabis has been used as a local anæsthetic in extracting teeth (British Journal of Dental Science).
 
Pulmonary sedative. Asthma and bronchitis.
463. In asthma and bronchitis inhalation of ganja smoke appears to be very frequently prescribed; while, on the other hand, there is evidence which tends to indicate that both affections may be induced by charas or ganja smoking indulged in as a habit. The inhalation of ganja smoke may very possibly first act as a pulmonary sedative, diminishing the secretion of mucus, and after long continuance as an irritant increasing mucus secretion, and giving rise to a chronic bronchitis. In considering the therapeutic action of ganja and charas smoke in these affections, it must be remembered that the drugs are as a rule smoked admixed with tobacco from a chillum, and the smoke inhaled into the lungs in a similar manner as sometimes in cigarette smoking. In ganja smoking, however, the inspiratory act is far greater and more prolonged, a larger volume of smoke entering the lungs than in cigarette smoking. In smoking ordinary tobacco the composition of the smoke will vary according to the amount of air admitted during combustion, oxidation being thus more perfect in cigar than in pipe smoking. In smoking tobacco from a pipe, pyridine is one of the chief aromatic bases produced. In smoking a mixture of ganja or charas and tobacco, aromatic hydrocarbons must also be formed: pyridine and others from the tobacco, and aromatic hydrocarbons also from the hemp drug, though at present we are not in a position to indicate the precise nature of the hydrocarbons afforded by its dry distillation. The base pyridine which is found in pipe smoke possesses the power, according to Germain Sée (Comptes Rend. Ac. Science, 1886), of diminishing the reflex activity of the respiratory centre, and may thus act as a pulmonary sedative; and, according to Lauder Brunton, the inhalation of the vapour of pyridine has been used in asthma with beneficial effect. Tobacco smoking has also been recommended in the treatment of asthma. Irrespective, therefore, of the products afforded by the hemp drugs, the tobacco smoke may be thus of value in both bronchitis and asthma. But long-continued smoking, whether of ganja or of any other substance, doubtless results in the deposition of finely divided carbonaceous matter in the lung tissues, and the presence of other irritating substances in the smoke ultimately causes local irritation of the bronchial mucous membrane, leading to increased secretion, and resulting in the condition which is described as chronic bronchitis in ganja smokers. Whether true asthma can be induced by hemp drug smoking, the Commission consider open to much doubt. It appears to them highly probable that the drugs are smoked in the first instance for the relief of that disease. On the other hand, it is well known that frequent asthmatic seizures result in emphysema of the lungs and attendant bronchitis; and possibly most cases of hemp drug bronchitis are associated with emphysema, induced partly by the strain mechanically thrown on the lungs in smoking, and partly as a result of the chronic bronchitis. So that in considering the œtiology of associated asthma and bronchitis in ganja smokers, they are inclined to the view that in the vast majority of cases the drug is not the cause. In many of the statements of witnesses regarding alleged experience there is no satisfactory evidence of even the co-existence of these diseases with the habit of using hemp drugs. And when that co-existence is reasonably established, there is often no good ground for accepting the relation of cause and effect. The drugs may have been used in many cases owing to the popular notion that they alleviate these diseases. At the same time there is some evidence that the drugs may cause bronchitis or bronchial catarrh as above described. There is no satisfactory evidence that they ever cause asthma.

Diuretic action.
464. The diuretic action of bhang is mentioned in connection with the treatment of gonorrhœa. The diuresis which is popularly supposed to be induced by administration of an infusion of bhang is in accord with Dr. Russell's experiments (Bengal witness No. 105) which are appended to his paper. In these experiments Dr. Russell found that the leaves both from mature and immature plants, whether fresh or dry, and used as a drink or smoked with tobacco, produced diuresis; but Dr. Russell does not appear to have noticed diuresis following the smoking of ganja. These experiments were made in 1883. Subsequently some supplementary experiments were conducted by Dr. Russell, which are embodied in Dr. Prain's Report on the "Cultivation and use of ganja." In the précis of his experiments, Dr. Russell states: " The only marked effect was diuresis from drinking infusions of fresh (not dried) leaves and stems." In his oral examination before the Commission, Dr. Russell repeated that the dried leaves had no marked diuretic effect. The diuresis was the most marked effect of the fresh leaves. The difference in the action of the fresh and dry leaves is no doubt due, as suggested by Dr. Russell, to the escape of a volatile principle, this volatile principle being, no doubt, a volatile oil. Many volatile oils are well known to possess diuretic properties. It is to the presence of the volatile oil of juniper that that well-known domestic diuretic gin owes its properties. The higher the temperature at which the leaves are dried, the smaller would be the amount of retained essential oil; but the practical point is the desirableness of using only fresh leaves when the diuretic effect of the drug is required. The flowering tops are known to contain a volatile oil, and the diuresis which follows the exhibition of the extract which is prepared from ganja has been specially noted by Prof. C. H. Wood. The volatile oil present in the flowers is probably a mixture of low and high boiling point oils; in preparing the extract the low boiling point oil escapes, the peculiar odour of the finished extract being due to the retention more or less of the high boiling point fraction. Some witnesses refer to the febrifuge properties of hemp drugs; and it is stated that bhang used as a drink cuts short the cold stage in fever. There appears to be but little doubt that when bhang is used by natives in fever, the benefit accrues on account of its diuretic action, and not because it possesses any real febrifuge properties. It is not known to possess the latter.

Tonic and other effects.
465. The tonic, digestive, stimulant, antispasmodic, astringent, and alterative effects of the drugs are mentioned by some witnesses. It is probably on account of the supposed hæmostatic effect that powdered charas is used as an application to cuts to check bleeding and induce healing, and possibly the use of the drugs in menorrhagia is based on similar reasoning. In this connection, however, it is interesting to note that Dr. R. L. Dey, a medical officer of the Eastern Bengal State Railway, in 1866 reported the successful treatment of a number of cases of obstinate menorrhagia with tincture of Indian hemp and liquid extract of ergot, although he could obtain no benefit from the use of ergot administered with sulphuric and gallic acids and other hæmostatics. The use of the drug as an ecbolic is also mentioned. According to Stillé and Maisch (National Dispensatory), there is evidence to show that Cannabis appears capable, directly or indirectly, of causing uterine contraction, as in many cases of uterine hæmorrhage, and it is also said to cause contraction in the pregnant uterus with as much energy as ergot, but with less persistent action. Some witnesses refer to the purgative action; it is quite possible that a chillum of ganja may act in the same way as the morning pipe does with many Europeans.
 
Aphrodisiac action.
466. The use of the drug in cases of impotency is, no doubt, based on its supposed aphrodisiac effects. The experiments of Prof. Wood indicate that the drug does not possess any aphrodisiac power; and Lauder Brunton remarks ("Text-book of Pharmacy, Therapeutics, and Pharmacology"): "Cannabis indica has been regarded as an aphrodisiac, but the trials of it made in this country seem to show that it does not, itself at least, have any such action, and merely induces a condition of partial delirium in which Easterns may possibly have visions of a sexual nature, and indeed they try to give a sexual direction to the mental disturbance which the Cannabis produces by mixing with it musk, ambergris, or cantharides." O'Shaughnessy, on the other hand, speaks of the drug acting on the "generative apparatus," and in experiments, which he tried on some of his pupils, he states that, "with scarcely any exception, great aphrodisia was experienced" from administration of the extract. Physiologically the active principle of hemp drugs has, so far as is known, no aphrodisiac power whatever; and, as a matter of fact, they are used by ascetics in this country with the ostensible object of destroying sexual appetite. But taken as a stimulant to assist in the execution of a specific purpose, its indirect effect is perfectly intelligible. Like alcohol it gives strength and free course to the predominant desires of the animal nature. This effect will be considered more fully later. Meanwhile it is enough to say that the alleged aphrodisiac action seems to be merely the indirect effect of the drug as a stimulant. This effect explains the use of these drugs in the houses of prostitutes, regarding which there is a good deal of evidence, just as alcohol in one form or another is used in similar houses in Europe. The following are some of the minor cases to which ganja is applied. Occasionally the drug is burnt as a disinfectant and used in lieu of carbolic acid. It is also applied to sores for healing, and ganja ash is used to stop ulceration. By singers the drugs are used to clear the throat; and they are also alleged to possess vermicide properties.

Cattle disease.
467. Regarding the use of hemp drugs in the treatment of cattle-disease, out of a total of 1,193 witnesses, one-half give no information; and of the rest rather over one-half speak to the use of bhang alone, while the remainder speak generally of the use of both ganja and bhang. A few witnesses speak only of the use of ganja, but that is mainly where bhang is not available. This use of the drugs is in evidence in all provinces, though naturally to a less extent in Bombay and Madras than elsewhere, and least of all in Burma. Among the diseases for which hemp drugs are prescribed in native veterinary practice for cattle, horses, sheep, and occasionally elephants may be mentioned colic, bowel-complaints, diarrhœa, sprains, constipation, cow-pox, foot-and-mouth diseases, hoof disease, pneumonia, affections of the throat, colds and coughs, quinsy, and rinderpest. Ganja is used to extract worms in foot-sore diseases of cattle and to remove intestinal worms, and is also burnt to disinfect sheepfolds. A very common use of the drugs is as a tonic to produce condition, to make oxen fleet of foot, to relieve fatigue, and to give staying power. Bhang is sometimes used to increase the flow of milk in cows, and also to stupefy them when they refuse to be milked. The drug is occasionally given to mares shortly before being covered, and it is also used after delivery. Bhang mixed with salt is given to cattle as preventive against purging, to which they are generally subject from feeding on the young shoots of grass sprouting during the early part of the monsoon. Hemp drugs when used for cattle disease are usually administered raw, but always admixed with other ingredients, spices, salt, or gur. Occasionally bhang is first cooked in a metal pot, then mixed with gur, when animals eat it readily, or it is forced down the throat mixed with salt. The use of hemp drugs for the treatment of cattle-diseases appears to be nearly equally prevalent throughout Northern India. Mr. Driberg, Excise Commissioner, Assam, in his oral evidence before the Commission said: "I have no feeling that the Circular No. 28 of 1882 was necessary. I think it was issued on insufficient information. I never push it forward. I have never seen the stuff used for cattle; nor have I heard of its being used, except when the use is thus pleaded in excuse." The Commission, while recognizing the necessity of the popular use of the hemp drugs in veterinary practice, do not find in the evidence any reason for thinking that the practice is more common in Assam than elsewhere in the north of India.

The Commission have said all that it is necessary to say regarding the strictly medicinal use of hemp drugs in the alleviation of human suffering and disease. This is to be carefully distinguished from the popular use of the drugs by the ordinary consumer, which it is now proposed to discuss. It is true that there are points where the two uses can hardly be separated by a hard-and-fast line. The medicinal use seems to merge sometimes into the popular use, where the drugs are used, ostensibly at least, for purposes akin to medical. The popular impression of the drugs also must be influenced by their uses in medicine.

Is moderate use beneficial?  
468. It is natural that the people generally should associate certain beneficial results with the use of hemp drugs, and that this recognition should tend to encourage, and should be urged in justification of, their moderate use. At the same time it is necessary to consider the popular use and its effects apart from the medicinal use. A drug may be a useful medicine, but a bad thing to allow into the market freely for general consumption. The evidence regarding the popular use has now to be considered. There are only about fifty witnesses who assert that no benefit whatever can be derived by consumers from the moderate use of any form of these drugs. The vast majority assert that in some one or other of their forms they may produce at least temporarily beneficial effects. Many even of those who regard the use of the drugs as on the whole baneful admit such temporary benefits. It is to be noted, however, that, with the very rarest exceptions, the evidence points to the use of the drugs by males only. Women would therefore appear either not to require or to be denied the benefits ascribed to the drugs.
 
Food accessory or digestive.
469. Among the beneficial effects attributed to the drugs is their effect as a food accessory or digestive. This effect is more generally attributed to bhang than to the other two forms. But there are a large number of witnesses who attribute it also to the smoking of ganja. The "cooling and refreshing" cup of bhang taken by the well-to-do, especially in the hot weather, to stimulate their energies and to create an appetite for food is frequently in evidence. There would seem to be a very general use of bhang in moderation as a stimulant and digestive by the middle classes, especially in advancing years. Some of the most intelligent and enterprising classes of the community are among those who thus use bhang. This use is generally spoken of without any marked condemnation, and often even with approval; for it is the practice of the respectable classes. But after all there seems quite equally good ground for believing that the chillum of ganja taken by the labouring man after his food with the object of allaying weariness and assisting digestion is no more harmful; and there are many witnesses whose evidence is in this sense. The use of bhang in the one case is sometimes compared to the glass of wine taken at meals by a moderate consumer of alcohol, and the use of ganja in the other case to the labouring man's glass of beer or even to his pipe of tobacco. It is possible also that the effects of hemp drugs in this respect may be to a certain extent comparable with those of tea. In connection with the most recent experiments on the subject, the action of tea is thus described by Dr. Edward Smith: "It increases the assimilation of food both of the flesh and heat forming kind, and with abundance of food must promote nutrition, whilst in the absence of sufficient food it increases the waste of the body." If there is anything in this comparison, Dr. Smith's remarks regarding tea may throw some light on the statements frequently found in the evidence regarding the necessity for sufficient or nourishing food to prevent injury to the constitution from the prolonged use of hemp drugs.

To give staying-power.
470. The use of these drugs to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue is very largely in evidence. Here it is ganja especially which is credited with these beneficial effects. For ganja is far more extensively used than bhang by the labouring classes. The latter is mainly used by persons like the Chaubes of Mathra, who are very frequently referred to, and professional wrestlers. Gymnasts, wrestlers and musicians, palki-bearers and porters, divers and postal runners, are examples of the classes who use the hemp drugs on occasions of especially severe exertion. Fishermen and boatmen, singhara cultivators working in tanks, dhobis and night watchmen, mendicants and pilgrims, are named as among those who use them under severe exposure. All classes of labourers, especially such as blacksmiths, miners, and coolies, are said more or less generally to use the drugs as a rule in moderation to alleviate fatigue. In this connection a reference to Dr. Cunningham's experiment described in Vol. III Appendices is interesting.
 
Febrifuge.
471. There is also a large body of evidence showing that hemp drugs, both as smoked and as drunk, are used as a febrifuge or preventive of the diseases common in malarious tracts or arising from the use of bad water. This is the justification alleged for the habitual use of these drugs in certain localities. Here, of course, the experience of the witnesses is more limited; but the evidence is very considerable. Labourers in malarious tracts and cultivators of wet and marshy lands, jungle tribes, and those who have to work or reside in jungle tracts, are among those who are said to use the drugs for these purposes. It is impossible also to shut the eyes to the evidence which often comes up unexpectedly, showing that respectable and intelligent people going on duty to such tracts, and sepoys sent on foreign service or garrisoning comparatively unhealthy districts, often take to these drugs for these purposes.

Other beneficial effects.
472. There are a few other effects of a beneficial character which are referred to by certain witnesses. They are, however, of a less important character and less generally contemplated than those which have been already considered. Thus the drugs are said to be used sometimes to prevent insomnia and to relieve anxiety, as the consumer of alcohol sometimes takes a "night cap before going to bed" or a glass of wine when he is of heavy heart. The drugs are said to be cheering in their effects, and to be prized by many on this account. An interesting illustration of this may perhaps be found in the popular belief existing in many parts that these drugs protect against cholera and other epidemic diseases. One very intelligent witness, who has seen much of this use, explains it as due to the stimulating and inspiriting nature of the drugs. The drugs are said to be used to produce concentration of attention not only by fakirs, but also by such tradesmen as jewellers doing very fine work. They are said to be used by the poor and on occasion by others to alleviate hunger when sufficient food is not obtainable. The alleged occasional use in this way by sepoys, who for any reason cannot devote a sufficient amount of their pay to procuring food, is interesting. One witness (Mr. E. J. Ebden, Collector of Ahmednagar) thus refers to this: "I am told on good authority that native soldiers who have gambled away their pay employ the ganja pipe as a cheap substitute for food until in funds again." Want of money from other causes might lead to the same practice; and the evidence shows that the practice is not confined to sepoys. It is especially found among wandering mendicants, and no doubt exists among other classes. The practice cannot result in permanent advantage, but the temporary relief is not to be overlooked.

Contrary evidence.
473. There are a few witnesses who stigmatize all such allegations of beneficial results as mere excuses made for a vicious indulgence. As some opium consumers attribute all manner of good effects to opium, liquor drinkers to alcohol, and tobacco smokers to tobacco, so do consumers of hemp attribute these beneficial effects to their favourite drug. It is, no doubt, true that there is a tendency to find excuse for an unnecessary indulgence. But the medicinal uses of these drugs lend at least some measure of support to the popular belief among consumers that some beneficial effects do follow from the moderate use. There are one or two witnesses who assert that the use of these drugs, far from being a protection against malaria, makes the consumer more liable to its influence. This may be true of the excessive use, which may injure the constitution and predispose to noxious influences. There is, however, no sufficient ground for believing that it is true of the moderate use. Other witnesses assert that the effect in alleviating fatigue is merely temporary, and results in the end in greater exhaustion. So far as the moderate use is concerned, this view would appear to be mainly theoretical; for, as has been already pointed out, there are very few witnesses who even profess to have any experience of evil effects resulting from moderate consumption. There are also a number of witnesses who attribute these good effects to bhang only, while some limit them to the occasional use of the drugs. These statements may perhaps be taken for practical purposes together. The occasional use of ganja or charas must be rare compared with the occasional use of bhang; for the smoking habit is more difficult to acquire, and there are therefore few who can with comfort indulge in it only occasionally. The truth seems to be that while, no doubt, these drugs are more commonly consumed merely as stimulants than from any clearly defined idea of their beneficial results, yet they are popularly believed to have (if moderately used) some such beneficial results as have been above described. Moderate consumers believe this, and would feel a sense of deprivation if they were unable to obtain what they regard as a beneficial stimulant. This deprivation would be more felt among the poorer classes than among the wealthier, whose tastes lead them to more expensive luxuries. It is the poorer people and the labouring classes who as a rule use these drugs for the purposes indicated. They are admittedly as a rule moderate consumers. They do not seem to exceed in the use of hemp so frequently as in the use of liquor. Those who seem, according to the statements of many witnesses, really to derive no benefit but only harm from the use of these drugs are those who, leading sedentary or idle lives, take the drugs from a merely vicious desire of nervous excitement, and have a strong tendency to excess.

491. Among the ancient physicians the evil effects of the drug are thus referred to by the author of the Makhzan-el-Adwiya: "Afterwards the sedative effects begin to preside, the spirits sink, the vision darkens and weakens, and madness, melancholy, fearfulness, dropsy, and such like distempers are the sequel, while the seminal secretions dry up." Alluding to its popular use, the author dwells on the eventual evil consequences of the indulgence: "Weakness of the digestive organs first ensues, followed by flatulency, indigestion, swellings of the limbs and face, change of complexion, diminution of sexual vigour, loss of teeth, heaviness, cowardice, depraved and wicked ideas, etc." Iban Beitar was the first to record its tendency to produce mental derangement, and he even states that it occasionally proves fatal. Taki-ed-din-Ahmad, commonly known as Makrizi, who wrote a number of treatises upon Egypt in the 14th century, states that in 780 Hijra very severe ordinances were passed in Egypt against the use of the drug; the famous garden in the valley of Dijoncina was rooted up, and all those convicted of the use of the drugs were subjected to the extraction of their teeth; but in 799 Hijra the custom re-established itself with more than original vigour. Makrizi states: "As its consequence, general corruption of sentiments and manners ensued, modesty disappeared, every base and evil passion was openly indulged in, and nobility of external form alone remained to these infatuated beings." Rumphius alludes doubtingly to the alleged aphrodisiac powers of the drug, and states that the kind of mental excitement it produces depends upon the temperament of the consumer. O'Shaughnessy in his introduction to certain experiments with hemp drugs remarks: "As to the evil sequelæ so unanimously dwelt on by all writers, these did not appear to us so numerous, so immediate, or so formidable as many which may be clearly traced to over-indulgence in other powerful stimulants or narcotics, viz., alcohol, opium, or tobacco." O'Shaughnessy also refers to insanity occasioned by continued hemp inebriation as follows: "Before quitting this subject, it is desirable to notice the singular form of insanity which the incautious use of hemp preparations often occasions, especially among young men who try it for the first time. Several such cases have presented themselves to our notice. They are as peculiar as the 'delirium tremens' which succeeds the prolonged abuse of spirituous liquors, but are quite distinct from any other species of madness with which we are acquainted. The state is at once recognized by the strange balancing gait of the patient, a constant rubbing of the hands, perpetual giggling, and a propensity to caress and chafe the feet of all bystanders of whatever rank. The eyes wear an expression of cunning and merriment which can scarcely be mistaken. In a few cases the patients are violent; in many highly aphrodisiac; in all that we have seen voraciously hungry. There is no increased heat or frequency of circulation or any appearance of inflammation or congestion, and the skin and general functions are in a natural state. A blister to the nape of the neck, leeches to the temples, and nauseating doses of tartar emetic with saline purgatives have rapidly dispelled the symptoms in all the cases we have met with, and have restored the patients to perfect health." This description of what O'Shaughnessy considered hemp drug insanity is of considerable interest. It is clear from his account that the symptoms were of short duration, almost typical, and that under treatment recovery was rapid. Such cases as those described by O'Shaughnessy are probably similar to the class of cases which have occasionally come before the Commission as having occurred while under observation of the certifying medical officer, and which on reaching the asylum were sane. They were probably more of the character of intoxication than of insanity. The curious point, however, in connection with O'Shaughnessy's account of hemp drug insanity is the absence of all information as to cases of longer duration, such as the class of cases now met with in asylums and attributed to hemp drugs. And this omission is all the more striking because O'Shaughnessy had devoted special attention to the subject of hemp drugs, and indeed was the first to draw the attention of European practitioners to the value of the drug as a remedial agent; and it is hardly possible that if in his day any large number of persons insane from the alleged use of the drug had been admitted into asylums, he would have been ignorant of the fact and omitted to notice it in his account of the effects of the drug.


NOTE BY MR. G. A. GRIERSON, C.I.E., MAGISTRATE AND COLLECTOR,. HOWRAH, ON REFERENCES TO THE HEMP PLANT OCCURRING IN SANSKRIT AND HINDI LITERATURE.
I have the honour to state that I have searched through all the Sanskrit and Hindi books accessible to me, and to forward the accompanying note on the references to the hemp plant occurring in the literatures of those languages. I have met the hemp plant in Sanskrit and Hindi literature under various names. The principal are— (1) Bhanga. (2) Indraçana. (3)Vijaya or Jaya. The earliest mention of the word ganja which I have noted is dated about the year 1300 A.D. Whenever the word vijaya is used, it is doubtful whether the hemp plant is meant, or the yellow myrobolan, as the word means both. The name bhanga occurs in the Atharvaveda (say, B.C. 1400). The hemp plant is there mentioned simply as a sacred grass. Panini (say, B.C. 300) mentions the pollen of the hemp flower( bhanga). In the commencement of the sixth century we find the first mention of vijaya which I have noted. It is a sacred grass, and probably means here the hemp plant. The first mention of bhanga as a medicine which I have noted is in the work of Suçruta (before the eighth century A.D.), where it is called an antiphlegmatic. During the next four centuries bhanga (feminine) frequently occurs in native Sanskrit dictionaries in the sense of hemp-plant. In the tenth century the intoxicating nature of bhang seems to have been known: and the name Indraçana, Indra's food, first appears, so far as I know, in literature. Its intoxicating power was certainly known in the beginning of the fourteenth century. In a play written in the beginning of the sixteenth century, it is mentioned as being consumed by jogis (Çaiva mendicants). It is there named "Indra's food." In later medical works it is frequently mentioned under various names. I append a more detailed account of the passages in which I have noted the uses of the Indian hemp. I may add that I have not traced in literature any difference between the uses of the word ganja and of the word bhanga, though modern kavirajas tell me that they are distinct plants. Cir. B.C. 1400. In the Atharraveda (cir. 1400 B. C.) the bhang plant is mentioned (11, 6, 15) once:— "We tell of the five kingdoms of herbs headed by Soma; may it and kuça grass, and bhanga and barley, and the herb saha release us from anxiety." Here reference is evidently made to the offering of these herbs in oblations. Cir. B. C. 300. The grammarian Panini (5,2 ,2 9) mentions bhangakata, the pollen of the hemp flower, as one of his examples. The fact that the pollen of this special flower was quoted is worth noting. A. D. 504. Varahamihira in his Brihatsamhita (XLVIII, 39) mentions vijaya as used with other grasses in the rites of the Pusya, bathing festival. Vijaya in this passage certainly means some plant or other. The word may mean either the Indian hemp-plant or be a synonym of haritaki (the yellow myrobolan). Dr. Hœrnle informs me that in the oldest medical works the word is explained by commentators in the latter sense. It is doubtful what meaning we are to adopt here. The word may mean the hemp-plant bhanga. In the passage from the Atharvaveda, already quoted, amongst the five plants special honoured as oblations, bhanga is closely connected with the herb saha. So also in the Brihatsamhita, vijaya is mentioned as one of a long list of plants to be used in the offering, and the very next plant mentioned is saha, which is apparently the same as saha. This would encourage the theory that the vijaya of the Brihatsamhita was more probably the same as the bhanga of the Atharvaveda. Before the eighth century. In Suçruta (Ut. XI, 3) Bhanga is recommended together with a number of other drugs as an antiphlegmatic. Vijaya is mentioned in the same work as a remedy for catarrh accompanied by diarrhœa (Ut. XXIV, 20, and Ut. 39, page 415, 20), as an ingredient in a prescription for fever arising from an excess of bile and phlegm. In these two passages, however, vijaya is probably an equivalent of haritaki, the yellow myrobolan, and does not mean hemp. Cir. A. D. 500. Tenth or eleventh century. Twelfth century. In the various kosas, or dictionaries, bhanga is frequently mentioned as meaning the hemp plant. Thus,— (1) Amarakosa, 2, 9, 20. (2) Trikandaçesa, 3, 364. (3) Hemacandra's Anekarthakosa, 2, 37. (4) Hemakandra's Abhidhanacintamani, 1179. Twelfth century. The Sarasundari (date not known to me), a commentary on the Amarakosa mentioned above, by Mathureça, and quoted in the Çabdakalpadruma, mentions that the seed of the bhanga plant is the size of that of millet (kalaya). Cir. 1050 A.D. Cakrapanidatta is said to have flourished under Nayapala, a prince who reigned in the eleventh century A.D. In his Çabdacandrika, a medical vocabulary, he gives the following Sanskrit names for bhang:— (1) Vijaya (victorious), (2) Trailokyavijaya (victorious in the three worlds), (3) bhanga, (4) Indraçana (Indra's food), (5) Jaya (victorious). These names seem to show that its use as an intoxicant was then known. A.D. 1300. The Rajanighantu of Narahari Pandita adds the following names to those given by Cakrapanidatta in the Çabdacandrika, above mentioned:— (6) Virapattra (hero-leaved or the leaf of heroes), (7) Ganja, (8) Capala (the light-hearted), (9) Ajaya (the unconquered), (10) Ánanda, (the joyful), (11) Harsini (the rejoicer), and adds that the plant possesses the following qualities:— (1) Katutva (acridity); (2) kasayatra (astringency); (3) Usnatva (heat); (4) tiktatva (pungency); (5) vatakaphapahatva (removing wind and phlegm); (6) samgrahitva (astringency); (7) vakpradatva (speech-giving); (8) balyatva (strengthgiving); (9) medhakaritva (inspiring of mental power); (10) çresthadipanatva (the property of a most excellent excitant). Say A.D. 1500. The Çarngadhrasamhita, a medical work by Çarngadhara, the date of which is unknown, but which must have been compiled during the Muhammadan period of Indian History, specially mentions (1,4,19)1 bhanga as an excitant (vyavayin). In the same passage it mentions opium. A. D. 1500. The Dhurtasamagama, or "Rogues' Congress," is the name of an amusing if coarsely written farce of about the year 1500 A.D., the author of which was one Jyotiriça. In the second act two Çaiva mendicants came before an unjust judge, and demand a decision on a quarrel which they have about a nymph of the bazar. The judge demands payment of a deposit before he will give any opinion. One of the litigants says— "Here is my ganja bag; let it be accepted as a deposit." THE JUDGE (taking it pompously, and then smelling it greedily):—"Let me try what it is like (takes a pinch). Ah! I have just now got by the merest chance some ganja which is I quote the MS. in the Library of the A. S. B. soporific and corrects derangements of the humours, which produces a healthy appetite, sharpens the wits, and acts as an aphrodisiac." The word used for ganja in the above is Indraçana (Indra's food). Cir. A.D. 1600. The Bhavaprakaça, another medical work written by Bhavadevamiçra (cir. A.D. 1600),1 has as follows:— Bhanga gañja matulani madini vijaya jaya | Bhanga kaphahari tikta grahini pacani laghuh | Tiksosna pittala moka- -mada-vag-vahni-vardhini || "Bhanga is also called gañja, matulani, madini( the intoxicating), vjjaya (the victorious) and jaya (the victorious). It is antiphlegmatic, pungent, astringent, digestive, easy of digestion, acid, bile-affecting; and increases infatuation, intoxication, the power of the voice, and the digestive faculty." 17th century. "The Rajavallabha, a materia medica, by Narayanadasa kaviraja, the date of which I do not know, but which is quoted in the Çabdakalpadruma, and is believed to be ancient, has the following:— Çakra-'çanam tu tiksno-'snam moha-krit kustha-naçanam | Bala-medha-'gni-krit-çlesma- -dosa-hari rasayanam || Jata mandara-manthanaj jala-nidhaup iyusa-rupap ura|  Trailokye vijaya-prade 'ti vijaya çri-devaraja-priya || Lokanam hita-kamyayak siti-tale-praptan araihk amada|  Sarva-"t anka-vinaça-harsa-jananiy aihs evitas arvada. || "Indra's food (i.e., ganja) is acid, produces infatuation, and destroys leprosy. It creates vital energy, the mental powers, and internal heat, corrects irregularities of the phlegmatic humour, and is an elixir vitæ. It was originally produced, like nectar, from the ocean by the churning with Mount Mandara,2 and inasmuch as it gives victory in the three worlds, it, the delight of the king of the gods, is called vijaya, the victorious. This desire-fulfilling drug was obtained by men on the earth, through desire for the welfare of all people. To those who regularly use it it begets joy and destroys every anxiety." ?Date. The Rasapradhipa, a work, the date of which is unknown to me, and which is quoted in the Çabdakalpadruma mentions jaya, as a remedy for indigestion:— Ksaratrayam sutagandhou pancakolam idamç ubham|  Sarvais tulya jaya bhrista tad-ardha çigruja jata || Natron, saltpetre and borax, mercury and sulphur, and the prosperous five spices (long pepper, its root, piper chaba, another pepper, and dry ginger). To these add an equal amount of parched jaya and half of that amount of horse-radish (moringa) and jata.3 It is not certain whether jaya here means bhang or Haritaki (yellow myrobolan). The word has both significations. The latter, perhaps, suits the formula best. ?Date. In the Rasaratna-samuccaya, a work written in the south of India, jaya is classified as a semi-poison,— Langoli visamustiç ca karaviro jaya tatha | Tilakahk anako' rkaçc a vargo hy upavisatmakah.|| Langali4 (Vanguiera spinosa), the root of the Nerium odorum, jaya( Symplocos racemosa) kanaka 5 and ak( a kind of Euphorbia), are semi-poisonous. 1According to Dutt "not before 1535 A.D." 2Nectar was produced in this fashion. 3The name of several plants; I do not know which is meant here. 4The name of several plants,—Jussisæa Repens, Hemionitis cordifolia, Rubia munjista, Hedysarum Lagopodioide. 5Said by a kaviraja to mean dhatura. 1400 A.D. Bhang is frequently mentioned by vernacular poets. The oldest instance with which I am acquainted is the well-known hymn by Vidyapati Thakur (1400 A.D.), in which he calls Çiva "Digambara bhanga," in reference to his habit of consuming that drug. According to an old Hindu poem, on which I cannot now lay my hands, Çiva himself brought down the bhang plant from the Himalayas and gave it to mankind. Jogis are well-known consumers of bhang and ganja, and they are worshippers of Çiva. In folk-songs, ganja or bhang (with or without opium) is the invariable drink of heroes before performing any great feat. At the village of Bauri in Gaya there is a huge hollow stone, which is said to be the bowl in which the famous hero Lorik mixed his ganja. Lorik was a very valiant general, and is the hero of numerous folk-songs. The epic poem of Alha and Rudal, of uncertain date, but undoubtedly based on very old materials (the heroes lived in the twelfth century A.D.), contains numerous references to ganja as a drink of warriors. For instance, the commencement of the canto dealing with Alha's marriage, describes the pestle and mortar with which the ganja was prepared, the amount of the intoxicating drink prepared from it (it is called sabzi) and the amount of opium (an absurdly exaggerated quantity) given to each warrior in his court. That the consumption of bhang is not considered disreputable among Rajputs may be gathered from the fact that Ajabes, who was court poet to the well-known Maharaja Bishwanath Singh of Riwa, wrote a poem praising bhang and comparing siddhi to the "success" which attends the worshipper of "Hari." Here there is an elaborate series of puns. The word siddhi means literally 'success,' and hari means not only the god Hari, but also bhang.

EXTRACT FROM THE MYSORE MEMORANDUM

"(8) The following are the preparations of ganja according to the British Pharmacopoeia with a brief summary giving the analysis, mode of preparation and doses, the medicinal properties of the drug, the antidotes applied in case of overdose, and the actions and uses thereof extracted from standard medical works. I have given at the end of this paper, under head VII, the results of two special experiments made, under my personal supervision, with the native drug and that obtained from the chemist, prepared according to the Pharmacopœia. *

Analysis.—

(a) Cannabin, a resin on which its properties depend and developed only in a warm country, a small quantity of volatile oil, extractive, &c. The resin is of a dark green colour, has a fragrant odour, a warm, acrid, and bitter taste, and is soluble in alcohol and in ether and in the fixed volatile oils. 

†(b) Extractum Cannabis Indica. - Indian hemp in coarse powder, 1; rectified spirit, 5: macerate seven days, press out the tincture, distill off the spirit, and evaporate to a soft extract. 6 of Indian hemp yield 1 of alcoholic extract. Dose — 1/4 to 1 grain in pill. 

† In delirium tremens, 2 grains of extract of Indian hemp given every hour for four times gave relief. L. M. R. '81, 192. † Extract of Indian hemp varies considerably in strength, consequently the dose should always be small to commence with; toxic symptoms have been produced with 1 grain. 

† (c) Tinctura Cannabis Indica. — Extract of Indian hemp, 1; rectified spirit, 20: dissolve = (1 in 20). 22 minims contain 1 grain of extract. Dose—5 to 20 minims with one dram of mucilage, adding 1 oz. of water. In prescribing the tincture it should be previously triturated with the mucilage, or the resin will be precipitated by the water. 

†(d) Cannabinae Tannas.— (Not official). — An amorphous yellowish powder, sparingly soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Soluble in acidulated alcohol. Dose. — 1 to 8 grains mixed with sugar and taken as a powder was introduced as a hypnotic, but its effects are very uncertain.—T. G.'85, 329, 379. 

† (e).—Cannabinon.—(Not official).—A soft resinous substance, generally found as a 10 p. c. trituration with sugar of milk, also introduced as a hypnotic, but the dose (11/2 grains) was followed by excitement, collapse, and cramps.—T. G. '85, 286; L. M. R. '86, 434. 

† Medicinal Properties.—Sedative, anodyne, and hypnotic, has been used with success in megrim and delirium, also in menorrhagia and dysmenorrhœa. It is combined with belladona in whooping cough, in tetanus, and hydrophobia. It does not produce constipation or loss of appetite, on the contrary it restores the appetite which has been lost by chronic opium and chloral drinking.—L. '89, i, 625.

 † Antidotes.—In case of over-dose, hot brandy and water may be given, vegetable acids, such as lemon-juice, vinegar, and the like, and the patient be allowed to sleep. A blister to the nape of the neck is recommended to control its violent action. 

† Actions and uses.—Narcotic, antispasmodic, intoxicant. Like alcohol it produces a variety of effects on different individuals: in one a dull heavy state of pleasant reverie, with a rapid succession of unconnected ideas; in another a cheerful activity with giddiness. Taken as an intoxicant in large doses Dr. Angus MacDonald says: "it quickens the circulation and exhilarates the spirits, producing a kind of mirthful or extravagant delirium, during which its victim alternately laughs, cries, sings, dances, or craves for food, all the while believing himself to be in a normal state of mind. Sometimes, however, it makes its victim ill-tempered, violent, and pugnacious. It usually produces an inordinate appetite for food, and acts powerfully as an aphrodisiac. In medicinal doses it acts upon the cerebro-spinal system, causing, in moderate doses, exhilaration of spirits, a kind of inebriation and hallucination followed by confusion of intellect and tendency to sleep; in large doses it causes stupor. After the primary effects of a full dose have passed off, the patient is said to be left in a state of catalepsy." Dr. Milne adds that, it alleviates pain and subdues spasm, and for this purpose it has been given, but with extremely variable results (it may be owing to inert specimens of it) in neuralgia, chronic rheumatism, painful menstruation, infantile convulsions, hydrophobia, and tetanus. In the latter disease a few striking cures have been achieved, but in other cases it has failed. Spasm and spasmodic coughs are frequently relieved by it; and some obtain sleep from it whoa red ebarred the more certain soporific opium, owing to its evil effects. "It differs from opium in its effects, chiefly in not contracting the pupil, and in not causing loss of appetite, dry tongue, or constipation." In uterine hæmorrhage it often arrests the flooding and it relieves the pain in dysmenorrhœa. Extract half a grain to a grain cautiously increased to 4 or 5 grains according to the purity of the drug and the condition of the patient. Of the tincture ten minims cautiously increased to a fluid drachm, repeated at short intervals until the desired effects are produced. When administered in an aqueous vehicle, it requires mucilage to suspend it. The effects must be carefully watched lest the patient should injure himself whilst mentally incapacitated by it, as sometimes happens. Antimonials, salines, a blister to the nape of the neck, &c., may be employed to control its violent action.

* From Dr. Angus Mac Donald's "Note Book of Materia Medica," pages 522 and 523. 

† Companion to the British Pharmacopœia, Fifteenth Edition, 1890, by Peter Squire" 

Individual witness responses.

Following are the individual witness statements in response to the questions regarding the medical uses of cannabis as listed at the start of this article.

40. I believe so; but the evidence of native doctors may be taken. 41. I should say yes to all questions. The boatmen of East Bengal use it largely and thrive on it. It is, like most other things, good when not taken in excess. I refer to moderate habitual use. As noted in reply to question 26, few use the drug occasionally. 42. See above - Evidence of the HON'BLE MR. D. R. LYALL, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue, Calcutta


40. (a) Decoction of bhang is often given, I believe, as a mild stimulant. It warms the circulation and brightens the eyes. (b) I don't know. 41. (a) I should think so. (b) I am certain of it. I have seen it again and again. (c) I certainly think so. (d) I don't know. I speak of moderate habitual smoking of ganja by laborious men past middle age living a life of exposure on a mud soil. 42. I think it beneficial under such conditions. With a lot of effeminate Babus who never exert themselves or use their muscles, it is neither beneficial nor harmless. - Evidence of MR. E. V. WESTMACOTT, Commissioner, Presidency Division; late Commissioner of Excise, Bengal


Ganja and charas are usually smoked. The former is said to be occasionally chewed or eaten and rarely used with spirits. When eaten or chewed, it is used as a medicine for colic or indigestion. It is also used with oil for the cure of itch. It is also given to horses as medicine; and in the work of Raj Bullub Kabiraj it is described as a tonic, as increasing animal heat, and as a cure for leprosy. Bhang is used as a beverage by all classes of people, specially in the hot season, and largely by up-country people. Its use is not confined to any particular locality. It is sometimes eaten with sweetmeats. It is also taken as a medicine for the cure of diarrhœa, dysentery, asthma, and rheumatism in the form of a pill, the leaves being finely ground and mixed with a little water and black-pepper. Sometimes it is taken as a drink by diluting it with mere water. In a Sanskrit work called "Modan Nirghanta," it is described as a cure for coughs and colds, as bitter to the taste, and an astringent. It is further said to increase the appetite and bodily heat, to generate bilious diseases, create nervousness, bewilder and derange the mind, and make a man unnecessarily talkative. Charas is not much in demand in Chota Nagpur. It is said to be used by rich Muhammadans. Ganja is used by all classes of people, but the majority of its consumers belong to the lower classes, such as day-labourers, cartmen, palkibearers, masons, ghasis, domes, bairagies, gosains, jogis, and sanyasis. It is believed to be used throughout the division...Native physicians use bhang as medicine for diarrhœa, dysentery, asthma, and dyspepsia. Both bhang and ganja are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. Ganja is also prescribed in cases of impotency. As an alleviator of sorrow and anxiety, a black-care-dispeller, a death-scarer, and devil-driver, it is held in high repute. Bhang is known to be beneficial when used moderately. It makes a person who has a long journey before him indifferent to hunger, thirst, or fatigue. Ganja in moderation is said to be a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Its use is said to help devotees in concentrating their minds. It is said to produce a state of ecstasy favourable to religious contemplation, hence its use among bairagies, gosains, and jogis. As a food accessory or digestive, bhang is used by people suffering from bowel-complaints or dyspepsia. As a staying-power ganja is used by the hardy sons of toil, such as fishermen, boatmen, blacksmiths, shell-cutters, weavers, potters, carpenters, masons, wrestlers, lattials, milkmen, day labourers, palki-bearers, runners and mendicants. As a preventive of disease, it is used by most people belonging to the lower classes. Ganja is also used by devotees and mendicants. The moderate habitual use is here referred to, and is, I believe, harmless, just as the moderate use of wine, spirits, opium, and tobacco is not injurious, but there is this difference, that the habit once formed of taking ganja, it is an easy step from moderation to excess. The moderate use is refreshing, though it may produce intoxication in a novice. It is said to allay hunger, while bhang is said to increase the appetite. The effects of ganja and charas last from two to three hours, and of bhang from three to six. The after-effects may be headache and giddiness, where the smoker is not well seasoned, and the deprivation of the narcotic occasions uneasiness to an habitual consumer  - Evidence* of MR. W. H. GRIMLEY, Commissioner of Chota Nagpur


40. I can't say beyond that hemp is said to be used by hakims as an aphrodisiac. I am infomed that siddhi enters into a variety of medical prescriptions which are esteemed as valuable. 41.(a) I don't know. (b) I have heard of ganja being so used. (c) I don't know. Palki-bearers thus use ganja moderately and habitually for purpose (b). 42. The effects of the moderate use of any or all of these drugs cannot be very bad, or more cases would come to light of their evil results. In the course of my service in India I do not think that I have seen half-a-dozen cases of the degrading results of these drugs. The few cases I have seen were doubtless cases of excessive use.  - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division


40. Not that I know of. 41. The moderate use of ganja in smoking is said to be beneficial, because (a) it promotes digestion and acts like a tonic; because (b) it gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and alleviates the sense of fatigue; because (c) it prevents and cures dysentery and bowel complaints. Only labouring men use ganja habitually in moderation in this way, and very few even of this class. Question 42. [oral evidence]—I do not discuss in my written answer the excessive use of ganja. I only deal with the moderate use. My reason is that I have never come across an instance of the effects of excessive use. I know, of course, that the asylum statistics show lunacy as due to ganja. But this has never come before me in my own experience. I have never seen any case in which evil effects on health or otherwise have been pointed out to me as due to ganja. I have never seen a social wreck whose ruin was attributed to ganja. It may seem an extraordinary thing to say; but I have never had a man pointed out to me with, "Look, there is a ganja-khor. See what the drug has done for him." I have seen evil effects of alcohol. I knew one man who cut his throat in delirium tremens. I have known several cases of the evil effects of alcohol, not many, but certainly some among natives. I cannot explain why my experience of ganja should differ from what is frequently asserted. It may be unique. But it is my experience. I have no doubt that disease and other evil things which have no sort of connection with ganja are often attributed to it. It is natural to cry down the poor man's stimulant. The rich men and leaders of society do not use it.  - Evidence of MR. J. C. PRICE, Magistrate and Collector, Rajshahi


40. Yes, very largely. All parts of the plants, the roots, the stem, the large leaves, the flowering tops and resin are all either alone, or mixed with other things, largely used for various diseases —gonorrhœa, diarrhœa, asthma, chronic skin diseases, fresh wounds and sores (to promote granulation), erysipelas, hydrocele and swelled tubes,  tetanus, hydrophohia, cholera, rheumatism, neuralgia, infantile convulsions, delirium tremens. It is also used as a powerful aphrodisiac, whether alone or in conjunction with other medicines in the form of madana modaka, or in that of majum, which is a much neater preparation. "With regard to the diseases of cattle, the hemp plant, particularly its leaves, are used externally for rheumatism, fresh wounds and sores, and internally for tetanus and hydrophobia; and the effects are more salutary in the case of Grassominivorous animals without any unpleasant after-consequence, as the intoxicating effect of the drug is less perceivable in them than in the carnivorous group. 41. Yes. (a) It gives ravenous appetite and enables consumer to digest what he eats. (b) It does, specially to those who have got to do continued hard physical work. It also alleviates fatigue after a long journey, as it is evident in the cases of palki-bearers, fakirs, who perform not only long journeys, but also expose themselves to the trying viscissitudes of weather. (c) I have also seen it largely used in malarious districts to counteract exposure to malarious influences and to evade attacks of fever or malarial rheumatism and neuralgia. During epidemic or endemic appearance of cholera it is not only used as an effective medicine mixed with other things, but also alone as a prophylactic by those who are accustomed to it. Siddhi and the resin are used generally by the better class of people, and owing to the cheapness and greater intoxicating power ganja is used by the commoner people. I consider both of them to be extremely useful. In long continued chronic cases of illness its habitual use does more good than harm. 42. Moderate use even for the sake of pleasure is harmless. The effects are exhilarating. They cause cheerfulness, colour to the complexion, excite imagination into the rapturous ideas, cheer intellect; the common saying goes: siddhi khélé buddhi baré. The hemp plant is being used from time immemorial, and in older times it is said even the gods used it specially before going to war, as it is called auspicious (bejoya).  - Evidence of MR. F. H. BARROW, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura.


40. Bhang is used in medicine by native physicians. Oil prepared from ganja is also used as a medicine by kavirajes. Bhang is given to cattle as medicine when suffering from cold. 41. Ganja and bhang in small doses may aid digestion. Both undoubtedly add to staying power. None of the intoxicants are otherwise beneficial. The upper classes, say one-tenth, use ganja for purpose (a). The lower classes, say nine-tenths, use it for purpose (b). I allude to the moderate use. 42. Its use works no serious mischief in the average human system.  - Evidence of MR. F. H. B. SKRINE, Magistrate and Collector of Bhagalpur.


40. Bhang is prescribed by the native school of physicians as medicine. Bhang is used as a treatment for cattle-disease. 41. (a) Bhang is a very digestive article of food. (b) Yes; for the time, to be followed by greater exhaustion. (c) Yes; for the relief of pain it is used as an intoxicant or narcotic. 42. Moderate use is harmless, but it may always lead to excess.  - Evidence of MR. A. C. TUTE, Magistrate and Collector of Dinajpur.


40. Bhang is used by the Vaids or the indigenous school of physicians. It is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. According to native materia medica the medicinal properties of bhang are:— (i) laxative, (ii) diuretic, (iii) hypnotic, (iv) aphrodisiac, (v) refrigerent, and (vi) anodyne. 41. The moderate use of bhang is said to be beneficial in its effects— (a) as a food accessory or digestive. (b) to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. (c) as a febrifuge. (d) as a cure for piles. All classes of Hindus. Moderate habitual as well as occasional use. 42. Yes. - Evidence of MR, C. R. MARINDIN, Magistrate and Collector of Shahabad.


40. Ganja and bhang have occupied a leading place in Hindu pharmacy from remote ages. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease— see Second Inspector's answer. 41. Moderate use of ganja appears to be beneficial to cultivators, labourers, boatmen, fishermen and palki-bearers under (b), and also as a preventive of diseases caused by exposure and inclement weather. Ganja is supposed to be a febrifuge (c), but opium is more efficacious in this respect. Bhang is good as a food accessory and also as helping digestion. It is generally taken before food. It is used by the higher and middle classes. Moderate habitual use is referred to; but in the case of bhang it is occasionally taken to relieve bowel complaints. Ganja is bad for dysentery and bronchitis. 42. Yes; no ill-effects are observable in moderate consumers. But with bhadro log and other idle people there is unfortunately a tendency towards excess.  - Evidence of MR. K. G. GUPTA, Commissioner of Excise, Bengal


40. In the cure of itches, sometimes, ganja is used mixed with oil. It is also used as preventive of damp. Rheumatic patients and persons suffering from ague are sometimes advised to smoke ganja. Only bhang is used in cattle disease. 41. (a) Yes, when used moderately. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) Not known. To those who are unaccustomed to it moderate occasional use of the drug is beneficial. To those accustomed moderate habitual use will also secure the desired end. Generally the cultivators and labourers use the drugs for the purpose noted above. 42. Many persons find the moderate use not only harmless but beneficial. Experience has proved so. 43 - Evidence of MR. L. HARE, Magistrate and Collector of Muzaffarpur.


40. Bhang and ganja are used by native doctors for medicinal purposes in chronic intermittent fevers. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate use of bhang (a) is beneficial as a digestive; (b) and acts as a stimulant after fatigue; (c) and both of them (bhang and ganja) are considered as a febrifuge or preventive to malaria; (d) and moderate doses of both of them stimulate virile power. Hindus of all classes, specially the upper ones, as Rajputs, Brahmins, etc., are addicted to ganja and bhang in the proportion of five in every thousand. This refers to the moderate habitual use of the drugs. 42. The moderate use of these drugs may be considered as harmless, as they are digestive and preventive to malaria, and curative to looseness of bowels and dyspepsia.  -  Evidence of MR. G. E. MANISTY, Magistrate and Collector of Saran


40. Bhang is prescribed for indigestion and heat apoplexy among cattle. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. As a preventive from sunstroke in a hot day. Well-to-do people use it as an accessory to food. Boatmen and fishermen and palki-bearers use it for its staying-power. Many use it occasionally as a febrifuge. 42. I consider the moderate use harmless, as out of the great number of ganja smokers I have known, I suppose in all my life I have only seen some twenty men injured by it, a much lower number than those I have seen injured by alcohol.  - Evidence of MR. J. KENNEDY, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad


40. Yes; the use of bhang is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by the kabirajes. Ganja is used in the preparation of oil by a certain class of native doctors. In cattle diseases bhang is used. 41. The moderate use of ganja or bhang may be beneficial in its effects of one or the other kind as described in (a), (b), and (c). Bhang is used as a food accessory or digestive by the bhadra lokes and up-country men, and also for the preservation of health. The labouring classes smoke ganja to obtain staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. Both ganja and bhang, but specially the latter, is used as a prophylactic for cholera.  - Evidence of MR. T. L. JENKINS, Magistrate and Collector of Dacca


42. Yes, I think it is harmless. I have not answered the last two questions because they are of a medical sort. But I have known people take ganja moderately without any harm. I remember meeting a barber once, about 9 A.M., having some ganja, and asked him 'but does not this make your hand shake?' and he replied 'but does it shake?' and then he said that he had taken so much ganja—not much—for many years, and found that it did him good.  -  Evidence of MR. H. F. T. MAGUIRE, Magistrate and Collector of Khulna


40. Both ganja and bhang are used by the Ayurvedic school of medicine for their medicinal qualities. Bhang is used as a medicine for cattle, but I do not know for what particular form of disease. 41. (a) Bhang is said to be astringent. (b) Yes, both ganja and bhang are used for the purpose. (c) This is said to be the case. Many of the higher classes in Behar use bhang as a household medicine. The labouring classes habitually use it to alleviate fatigue. 42. This is a question more for a medical expert.  - Evidence of MR. W. R. BRIGHT, Deputy Commissioner of Palámau


40. Yes; bhang is an invaluable medicine for all kinds of bowel complaints, specially dysentery; ganja for asthma, tetanus, etc. Kabirajes use it extensively. Both bhang and ganja are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. Moderate use of bhang is said to be beneficial as a digestive. Ganja is known to give a certain amount of staying power under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue. By far the best effect of it is considered to be its power of protection against all kinds of exposure, damp, and cold; and as such it has a decided effect against malaria. I refer to moderate habitual use of the drugs. I have no experience of charas. 42. Is beneficial when taken in moderation.  - Evidence of MR. N. K. BOSE, Officiating Magistrate and Colle ctor of Noakhali.


40. Bhang is used here as a cure for dyspepsia. I have known it used as a charm to cast the devil out of a lunatic. It proved unsuccessful. 41. (a) See above. (b) It is used by people who undergo great exertion, but whether there is any causal connection between the two I cannot say. (c) and (d) I do not know. 42. I should define immoderate use as one which was hurtful, and I should therefore answer this question in the affirmative - Evidence of MR. L. P. SHIRRES, Magistrate and Collector of Midnapur


40. Siddhi is used as a drug in the case of bowel-complaints by native doctors. 41. Siddhi is considered to be— (a) a digestive; (b) it certainly gives staying power and alleviates fatigue, as shown in the case of palki bearers; (c) it is believed to be a febrifuge; (d) is believed to be good for old people on account of its being digestive. 42. Siddhi in moderation would seem to be harmless, as the consumers of it are not prevented by it from doing their ordinary duties, nor are they looked down upon. As regards ganja smoking, I am not in a position to give a reliable opinion. -  Evidence of MR. E. H. C. WALSH,* Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Cuttack


40. Not as far as I am aware. Siddhi is used for cattle disease. 41. (a) Moderate use promotes appetite. (b) Gives staying power after severe exertion or exposure. The lower classes of people use the drug for the above purposes. I refer to the moderate occasional and moderate habitual use. 42. I believe an adult is not harmed by smoking ganja provided he gets proper nourishment, because the moderate use of it increases the appetite and gives much relief after a hard work.  - Evidence of MR. J. H. BERNARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Nadia


40. Ganja and bhang are both made use of by kabirajes. Bhang is frequently used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) Both ganja and bhang are said to cause a temporary increase of appetite, but their use in this direction can hardly be said to be beneficial. (b) Ganja undoubtedly has the effect of alleviating fatigue. Bhang also has, I believe, the same effect; they are both reputed to give staying power under severe exertion. It is a fact that a large proportion of ganja smokers are found among those classes of labourers (such as palki-bearers) whose work involves severe exertion, and these men often display remarkable staying power, but whether the ganja gives them the staying power I cannot say. Such men are generally habitual moderate consumers. 42. The occasional moderate use of bhang  appears to be absolutely harmless. The habitual moderate use of bhang does not appear to cause any noticeable ill effect. The occasional use of ganja causes unpleasant effects at the time, and is therefore rare. The habitual moderate use of ganja does not appear to cause any noticeable injurious effects in men who lead an active life. I do not think that the use of ganja can be said to be entirely harmless under any circumstances.  - Evidence of MR. A. E. HARWARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Bogra


40. Yes, ganja and bhang are used for medicinal purposes by the kabirajes, but not charas. Bhang is used for the treatment of cattle. 41. (a) We do not know that ganja and charas are beneficial on this head, but bhang is. (b) Yes (for all the three). (c) Ganja is used as a preventive of malarial diseases. (d) The use of ganja is considered by devotees particularly to help in the concentration of minds. Cultivators in marshy tracts use it for purposes referred to in clause (c). Postal runners and other people who have constantly to go long distances use it for the (b) property, and professional fakirs use it for properties mentioned above under clause (d). The proportion is, we think, cent. per cent. We refer both to moderate and occasional use of the drug. 42. We consider the moderate use of charas and bhang to be harmless, as we have never come across any consumers who have been injuriously affected - Evidence of COLONEL C. H. GARBETT, Deputy Commissioner of Hazaribagh


40. Kabirajes use the drug (Bejaya bhang) for sleeplessness, loss of appetite, indigestion, chronic diarrhœa, dyspepsia and also for the purpose of exciting the passions. The powder of the dried leaves is given and also compound preparations, such as jotiphalodya churna, Ivanerala rasa, kameshwar modak, beleya sukra soner modak, etc. 41. (a) Not as food accessory, but as a digestive. (b) To give staying power under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue. (c) I do not think it has any antimalarial effect. 42. Moderate occasional use is beneficial; so I am informed by the Civil Surgeon.  - Evidence of Mr. C. A. S. BEDFORD,* Deputy Commissioner of Manbhum


41. Beneficial only to those addicted to it - Evidence of Mr. R. H. RENNY, Deputy Commissioner of Singbhum


40. Bhang is prescribed. It is not used for cattle disease. 41. I know nothing of charas. Both ganja and bhang are digestive. Ganja is believed to give staying-power. In malarious tracts ganja is considered as febrifuge. Bhangi sc onsidered a tonic and aphrodisiac. Agricultural labourers use ganja on account of its staying-power. They are occasional moderate smokers. 42. I cannot say - Evidence of RAI NANDAKISORE DAS, BAHADUR,* District Officer of Angul, Cuttack


40. Bhang and ganja are prescribed for chronic dysentery. Ganja pills are given to old people for impotency. 41. Native practitioners told me that— (a) they cause an appetite; (b) they are used under these circumstances with good effect; (c) they are not so used here; (d) ganja is used for impotency. The moderate habitual use is referred to. Coolies, syces, boatmen, and ticca garhi drivers are the classes who use the drugs for these purposes. 42. The use of ganja is comparatively, not absolutely, harmless. It makes the consumer nervous when he happens to be deprived of it for a time. There is always a danger of the moderate developing into the excessive use.   - Evidence of MR. W. MAXWELL, Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhenidah, District Jessore


40. All native physicians use hemp in the preparation of mudak, carminative digestive tonics. The use of ganja, etc., does not appear to be known here in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a). Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) Also as a sedative. All classes. I cannot give any figures, and I only refer to the very moderate use of these drugs. 42. Included in 41.  - Evidence of MR. W.C. TAYLOR, Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, East Coast Railway, and Pensioned Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Khurda, Orissa


40. Bhang is often an ingredient in medicine prescribed by the native kabirajes. I do not know if any of these drugs, i.e., ganja and bhang, is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Bhang is sometimes used, either alone or mixed with other articles, as an aid to appetite and digestion. I think it often answers this purpose, especially when taken under medical advice in the prescribed quantity. I have no experience of the beneficial effect of ganja as a food accessory, or as a febrifuge, or in any other way. Its use is deprecated by enlightened society. 42. I think the moderate use of bhang is harmless both in its effect on the consumer him¬ self as well as in relation to society. I have seen moderate consumers of this drug not only retaining unimpaired health, but perfectly sober and sensible, and not in the least obnoxious. In fact, it would be difficult, or more correctly speaking, impossible, to know that the moderate consumer had drunk the drug unless he were either seen or admitted to have done so.  - Evidence of CHUNDER NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Deputy Collector, at present employed as Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of the Bhagalpur Division.


40. Bhang is admixed with other ingredients, and drugs are prepared by native physicians. The
drug is used for healing complaints of the stomach. I have known of no form in which this is administered in cattle disease except its use in administration with molasses to horses and ponies to remove stomach complaints and refresh them after hard labour. 41. (a) and (b) Bhang is used as a drink to sharpen appetite or as an accessory to digestion. Moderate use of bhang removes complaints of the stomach. Moderate use of ganja is said to remove dullness and ennui in case of people used to hard manual labour and great bodily exertions and exposures. (c) Ganja and bhang are said to have a preventive effect in keeping off malarial influences. I have known of no use of charas for above purposes. The fakirs and sanyasis use ganja to induce concentration of the mind and helping devotional purposes. I mean of course the moderate use of the drug. The classes by whom ganja and bhang are used have been adverted to by me in replies to other questions. 42. I say moderate use of bhang is harmless and beneficial; so the moderate use of ganja by sanyasis and fakir classes. The experience of the habit and mode of life of these classes of the people induce me to say so. - Evidence of BABU RAM CHARAN BOSE, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Alipur, 24-Parganas.


40. [The answers from No. 40 refer to ganja and not to bhang or charas, which are not used here.] Ganja is not used here for medicine for human beings or cattle. 41. (a) Ganja is not used as food for digestion, nor does it help digestion. (b) To the habitual smoker ganja may give power of endurance for a time, but when the effects wear off the reaction causes distress. (c) Ganja smokers as a rule say they use it as a preventive of disease, though when they commenced the habit, it was not with this object. After acquiring the habit they continued it, believing themselves more liable to be attacked by sickness if they gave it up. (d) In no way as regards ganja. No class really uses it for any of the purposes mentioned in this question. Not known about charas and bhang. 42. Ganja is not beneficial. Moderate use is not harmless. Long use of the drug, though commenced in small quantities, is harmful to the constitution.  - Evidence of MR. E. MCL. SMITH, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.


40. Bhang is prescribed by native kavirajes in cases of diarrhœa and indigestion, Ganja is used in diseases of cattle. 41. Yes; in malarious places bhang is used by some respectable people, ganja always by the low classes—moderately by the former, excessively by the latter, who use it to give staying power under severe exertion or to alleviate fatigue. 42. Moderate use of bhang beneficial in cases of diarrhœa. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL CHUNDER MOOKERJEE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Diamond Harbour


41. (a) Bhang is believed to be digestive. (b) and (c) Ganja. Moderate habitual use.
42. Bhang and charas may be harmless, but ganja not so. Ganja-smokers generally fall a prey to dysentery and bronchial complaints.  - Evidence of BABU NAVIN KRISHNA BANERJI, Brahman, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, District Manbhum.


40. Siddhi is used as a medicine for bowel complaints and to improve digestion. I have seen kabirajes using it. In fact, it is not properly considered as an intoxicating exciseable article. Bhang is also given to cattle. Ganja is used with cocoanut oil as a medicine for itch and fresh sores. Ganja is smoked for gonorrhœa, asthma, and hydrocele. 41. Charas is not considered beneficial, but the consumers said it enables them to endure fatigue and hunger longer. Ganja is said to give enduring power and to alleviate fatigue. It is also considered efficacious to withstand malarial effects and damp climate and exposure. My ganja-smoking servants had less malarious fever, and they said it alleviated pain. But it is said to produce diarrhœa or dysentery. One of our cooks, a confirmed ganja smoker, died of dysentery. One of my old servants, a habitual ganja smoker, suffers often from diarrhœa with a tendency to dysentery. He is a moderate smoker. I believe that only a small number take ganja for medicinal purposes. They get into the habit by example of others and by mixing in the company of its smokers. 42. I find even moderate use after some years is not entirely harmless. Ganja specially affects the intellect and vitality. I have not heard of bhang used moderately producing any evil effect.  - Evidence of BABU PRAN KUMAR DAS, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Burdwan.


40. Bhang is used for medicinal purposes by kabirajes and Tantriks. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang is used as a digestive. (b) Ganja is used under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue and as a staying power under severe exertion. (c) Ganja is used as a preventive of disease in malarious tracts. (d) Nil. Low-class people use ganja. Middle and upper classes, especially up-country men, use bhang. The moderate habitual use is referred to. 42. The moderate use of bhang is harmless. Ganja is not harmless. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA BASAK, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Brahmanbaria, Tippera District.


40. (a) No. (b) Wild siddhi is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41 (a). Yes. (b) Yes. (c) No. It is said, however, that ganja smokers do not suffer much from fever. The lower class of people. I refer to moderate habitual and moderate occasional use. 42. Yes. My reasons are— (1) It makes a man work harder. (2) It makes a man digest his food. (3) It is said malarious diseases do not so much approach him. (4) It improves the general health. (5) Ganja smoking helps concentration of the mind for jog (meditation).  - Evidence of BABU DINA NATH DÉ, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Nadia.


40. I am not aware of these drugs being prescribed on account of their medicinal qualities by any school of native doctors. They are not used, so far as I know, in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang may, in my opinion, be beneficial in its effects as a food digestive. The moderate use of ganja undoubtedly gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviates fatigue. Its use acts as febrifuge and preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. It is said that the use of ganja helps in concentrating thoughts. The few of the upper class who use ganja smoke it as digestive. All consumers of the lower class use it to give staying-power or to alleviate fatigue. Among the consumers whose ordinary pursuits make them liable to exposure, work in water or colliery, use it as preventive. Under advice of native doctors, some people are seen to get rid of chronic fever by smoking ganja. Seventy-five per cent. of these smokers use ganja for the above purposes. In the above, I only refer to the moderate occasional use of the drug. 42. The occasional moderate use of ganja is not only beneficial but also harmless,  - Evidence of BABU GANENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Naogaon.


40. Kabirajes (native physicians) use ganja and bhang in the preparation of medicines for loose-bowels, dyspepsia, diarrhœa, skin diseases, dysentery, pain and impotency. They are also used in tonic medicines. I am told that a medicinal preparation made up of ganja, bhang, and several other ingredients are administered to cattle when suffering from loose-bowels. 41. (a) Ganja and bhang are beneficial in their effects as digestives. (b) They give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviate fatigue. (c) and (d). Not known. Fishermen, Haris, kahars, coolies, bearers, use ganja for the purposes mentioned in (b). I refer to moderate habitual use. 42. Notwithstanding the beneficial effects of ganja and bhang, as stated in answer to Question 41, the use of them cannot be pronounced to be harmless. Those that smoke ganja even moderately for pleasure's sake lose their memory more or less and become incapable of sustained mental labour. They also become weak, peevish, and sickly. Moderate bhang-drinkers also suffer from impaired memory, though they preserve good health.  - Evidence of BABU GANGANATH ROY, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong.


40. Siddhi is used in preparation of some native Ayurvedic medicines, viz., kameswar madak, madanda ras, etc., in cases of impotence, sexual debility and the like. It is also said to be used in the treatment of cattle diseases. Ganja seeds are also used for like purposes. 41. (a) The moderate use of ganja or bhang gives much benefit to the digestive function of their respective consumers. (b) It affords staying-power under severe exertion, or exposure, and alleviates fatigue. (c) It proves a prevention of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 42. Moderate use of these drugs is both beneficial and harmless, as their use lessens fatigue and thirst, and at the same time increases appetite and improves digestion. - Evidence of BABU BHAIRAB NATH PALIT, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Birbhum.


40. Native doctors sometimes prescribe bhang as medicine. Ganja is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Yes. (a) Digestive. (b) Gives staying-power under servere exertion or exposure and also alleviates fatigue. (c) Preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. The agricultural people and the ascetic classes use the drug for the above purposes. I refer to the moderate habitual use of the drug. 42. Yes; for the reason stated in Answer 41.  - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRO NATH BANDYOPADHYA, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jalpaiguri.


40. (a) I am not aware of ganja being used by native doctors. In dysentery bhang is prescribed. (b) In East Bengal bhang is also used in treating the bovine species, and in Burdwan it was habitually given to the Raj Bari elephants as a tonic. 41. (a) Bhang is used as a digestive, or at least an appetiser. (b) and (c) Ganja is so used. Well-to-do Beharis use bhang in the way indicated, and fishermen, boatmen, palki-bearers, and coolies in the way indicated in (b) and (c). (Vide my note to question 35, which shows that we find it beneficial in the circumstances. —W. O.) 42. Apparently harmless, because consumers of this class look quite healthy and robust. But medical experts only can tell whether moderate, but habitual, use ultimately tells upon the constitution. - Evidence of BABU JAGA MOHAN BHATTACHARJYA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to Commissioner, Chittagong


40. Yes; a horse, after a bath, is sometimes given a pill consisting of patti, turmeric and molasses. 41. (a) Bhang in moderate quantities is digestive, acting as a cooling beverage in summer (b) Both bhang and ganja-smoking alleviate fatigue; ganja-smoking generally deadens the sensibilities, and thus enables a man to bear cold or heat, or to do hard continuous work for a time. (c) In Puri and the adjoining saliferous tracts bhang is believed to prevent the formation of mucus and dysentery. For the reasons (a) and (c) the Sebak Brahmins drink bhang. For the reasons in (b), bearers, boatmen and agriculturists smoke ganja. I refer to moderate occasional use, except that in (c) moderate habitual use is believed to act as preventive of dysentery and diarrhœa. Appendix paper A - The earliest mention of ganja as a drug is to be found in the Tantrik works. Ganja is there known as samvidya or vijaya. The Tantras prescribe two ceremonies, samvidya prakarana and vijaya-dhuma-panam. While describing them, the works give several details about the preparations and effects of ganja which may prove interesting to outsiders. Translation— Flowers (of hemp) are of four kinds: white, blood red, black and yellow. The white flower is the Brahmin woman; red, Kshattriya woman; yellow, Vaisya woman; and black, the Sudra woman. Gather the leaves (of ganja) carefully with seeds, fry them in ghi (clarified butter), powder the same on stones; then take trikatu (sunth, peepulli and marich), triphala (haritaki, bayera and amalaki), sringgi, kudha, dhane, saindhab salt, sati, the leaf of talis, katuka, nageswar, two kinds of juani (juani and agamoda), methi and two kinds of jira (jira and black jira); all these in equal quantities take, dry in the sun, and then powder; mix the powder of the ganja with this powder in a golden vessel, and then holding the hands over the mixture, consecrate the same with the following four mantras. (Here follow the mantras). For the effects of the drug when taken in mixture, the following will suffice:— Translation— With milk, water, ghi, honey products (such as honey, wine, etc.), saindhab salt, sugar or molasses, or with ripe sweet fruits, such as plantains, mangoes, jacks, etc., vijaya (ganja) can give power to do all acts. Taken with milk, vijaya gives all sorts of pleasures, is strongly stimulating, and prevents eye diseases. Taken with water, it removes indigestion. Taken with ghi (clarified butter), it strengthens memory, helps in subduing the goddess of speech, raises the fallen, and clears the intellect. Taken with honey, it cures all sorts of bodily illnesses. Taken with saindhab salt, it increases the fire of appetite. Taken with sugar or molasses; it removes stomachic spasms springing from acid-bile (amlapitta) humour, allays diarrhcea, puts a stop to cough and asthma, and prevents chronic dysentery rising from ambat. etc., etc., etc., etc., etc. For ganja-smoking, the only reference found is quoted below:— Translation— Or in another way the pangs of hunger may be stopped. The Joga master and mantra-knower, who daily smokes ganja through his brahmarandhra (higher orifice), is sure to get his hunger stopped. For other references in the tantras, see Mahanirvana tantra, fifth ullasa, and Mundamala tantra. The dates of these tantric works are not known. Tantric worship is a development of Sivaism and yoga and is a very late phase of Hinduism. It became prevalent after the Pauranic worship, and the tenth century A.D. would be rather an early date. From the composition and contents of these Tantras, I would put their probable dates at eleventh and twelfth centuries A.D. The extant writing about the use of ganja as an intoxicating drug might therefore be put at the eleventh century A.D. The next authentic mention is in Bhabaprakash. This medical treatise was composed by one Bhaba Missra, a physician of North-Western Provinces, who flourished probably in the beginning of Akbar's reign. He says:— Translation— (The other synonyms of) bhanga (are) ganja, matulani, madini, vijaya and jaya, Bhanga removes cough, is bitter, astringent, digestive, light, sharp, hot, secretes biles, creates insensibility, intoxicates and increases appetite. In the later medical works, ganja and patti are often mentioned. The most detailed description is given in Binod Lal Sen Gupta's Ayurveda bijnan, drabyasthan, page 67.  - Evidence of BABU MANMOHAN CHAKRAVARTI, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jajpur, Cuttack, Orissa.


40. Bhang is prescribed by kabirajes and quacks for its medicinal qualities. It forms one of the ingredients in many kinds of medicines prepared on Ayurvedic system. No mention is made, I hear, of ganja in that ancient work, "Ayurved"; the drug mentioned is siddhi. Probably siddhi was not then developed into ganja by cultivation. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. I am not aware of any instance in which charas or ganja is ever used— (a) as a food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue; (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts; or (d) in any other way. But bhang is said to be used for digestive purposes; and in villages where medical aid is not easily available or ready at hand, it is administered in cases of cholera after the first or second loose motion. I speak of moderate habitual use of bhang as digestive. 42. To my knowledge and in my experience, the use of these three drugs is neither beneficial nor harmless - Evidence of BABU NAVAKUMAR CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, Deputy Magis¬ trate and Deputy Collector, Jangipur, Murshidabad.


40. Bhang is prescribed in cases of (1) diarrhœa, (2) piles, (3) cattle-disease. After a day's hard work given to a horse, it is not unusual to give it some siddhi and molasses mixed up together as a sedative. 42. Moderate use of ganja amongst the cultivating and labouring classes and mendicants is harmless if sufficient food is available. Bhang in moderate quantities is supposed to be beneficial.  - Evidence of BABU HIRA LALL BANERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Monghyr.


40. (a) Bhang is used by native doctors in the preparation of medicines for dysentery, leprosy and other diseases. (b) Not known. 41. Moderate use of bhang, but none other may be beneficial in its effects. (a) As a food accessory or digestive. Charas may, and ganja does prove beneficial in its effects. (b) To give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. (c) Charas and ganja in moderation may serve as febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. For purposes mentioned in (a), people generally having bowel complaints occasionally use bhang. For purposes mentioned in (b) and (c), people of the labouring classess use ganja habitually in moderate quantities. 42. Beneficial as stated above.  - Evidence of MAULAVI ABDUS SAMAD, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum.


40. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. 41. (a) Believed to be both. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) The use of ganja is supposed to enable a man to concentrate his mind on a subject. Labouring class, 75 per cent. of them. The moderate use is referred to. 42. The moderate use is harmless as it has no after-effect on the system.  - Evidence of BABU GUNGADHAR GHOSE, Excise Deputy Collector, 24-Pargana


40. Old bhang is often used by hakims and baids for diseases of the stomach Bhang is often used for cattle diseases. Ganja is sometimes used as a medicine for skin diseases, but majum and charas are never used as medicines. 41. (a) Moderate use of ganja and bhang after meals is said to be beneficial as a digestive to those who have made it a habit. (b) Moderate use is considered by the consumer to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and also to alleviate fatigue. (c) Ganja is said to be a preventive of fever in marshy places. (d) Bhang is often used as a preventive of diarrhœa. Bhang is used as a digestive by all classes who use it either habitually or occasionally after a meal. Ganja is considered a febrifuge both by the occasional and habitual smoker. 42. Moderate use of these drugs has never to my knowledge produced any harm. I have seen persons who were ganja smokers from their child¬ hood to their old age to use it without any visible harm.  - Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna.


40. Ganja is prescribed in the following diseases:—(1) Rheumatism. (2) Female organic diseases. (3) To prevent damp and malarious fevers. Bhang.—(1) In diarrhœa. (2) In cattle disease. Bhang mixed with gur is given to horses and animals to allay fatigue and effects of overstrengthening of nerves. 41. (a) Moderate. Charas, ganja, and bhang. —They are thought so, and I think it is true to some extent. (b) Ganja.—Yes. Unanimous opinion of labouring classes on the subject. (c) Ganja.—There is no general opinion, but North Gangetic people living in damp and malarious tracts think so. The people of Purnea around the Kosi banks use ganja largely for this purpose. I got fever once in the interior. On the next occasion on taking ganja I did not get any fever. This may be accidental, because I have seen people getting fever who take ganja. I only refer to moderate occasional use. They are all labouring classes; and, I think, 50 per cent. of the male adult population in particular tracts of this class use ganja. Bhang is also considered when habitually, but moderately, used as suppressing cravings for lust. In this way it is used by darwans, sepoys, and constables, who are bachelors, or, being married men, do not meet their wives often. 42. Ganja and bhang.—Moderate use is harmless if proper food is available. I found habitual moderate smokers of the cultivating class strong, healthy and possessing normal mental faculties. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRANATH MOZOOMDAR, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr


40. Yes, vide reply to question 19. 41. (a) Yes, as regards all three drugs. (b) Yes. (c) Ganja alone has this property. (d) Ganja-smoking has been known to nip an attack of cholera in the bud. I have heard an old planter say that where no other medicine was available the moderate smoking of ganja cured no less than 60 per cent. of the men attacked with cholera. The moderate habitual use is referred to in case of (a) and (b); the moderate occasional use in (c) and (d).  - Evidence of BABU A. K. RAY, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bangaon, Jessore District.


40. I do not know whether the smoking of ganja is ever prescribed as a medicine by the native doctors. As regards siddhi, it is generally used among the people in various bowel complaints. Bhâba Prakâs, a Hindu medical treatise, adopted by eminent native doctors, embodies the results of the Tantras (scientific treatises) and of the Charaka, Sustruta, and Bhagbata. It describes the effects of siddhi in following terms:— (Sanskrit sloka, romanized):— "Bhangá kafaharí tiktá gráhiní páchaní laghuh. "Tikshnoshná pittalá mohamada-bágbanhi bardhiní." The sloka may be thus rendered:— Bhanga or siddhi is expectorant, bitter astringent, digestive, refreshing, stimulant, bile-forming, intoxicant, produces loquaciousness of inebriates, and appetizing. I do not know whether any of the preparations is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Ganja and bhang are beneficial— (a) As digestive. (b) Are believed to give staying-power under exertion and exposure and to allevia te fatigue. (c) As regards ganja, I cannot say. As regards patti, its moderate habitual use is considered a febrifuge and antimalarious. (d) In advanced years of life, patti in moderate doses is calculated to promote good digestion and keep health. Generally speaking, the higher classes prefer patti and the lower classes ganja. The proportion cannot be given. Moderate habitual use is referred to in replies (b), (c), and (d), and moderate occasional use in reply to (a). 42. The moderate use of both ganja and patti is harmless. The consumers appear to be as useful members of society as those not addicted to them.   - Evidence of BABU KANTI BHUSHAN SEN, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector of Cuttack


40. Ganja and bhang are prescribed on account of their medicinal properties by native doctors in the affections of the urinary organs, nervous diseases, dyspepsia, diarrhœa, asthma, hysteria, gonorrhœa (second stage), hysteria, and it is a household medicine for scabies. Ganja— (1) In scabies ganja is fried in mustard oil, and the oil is applied to the sores. Healing oil for ulcers is generally prepared from ganja in every household. (2) In asthma ganja is smoked. (3) In cases of neuralgia, rheumatism, and gout, oil prepared with ganja (mustard oil and ganja) is used with much benefit. Bhang— (1) In bowel-complaints and in strengthening and invigorating the system. (2) In Mymensingh, where there are no karbirajes, wild bhang is used as a medicine for cholera by the people themselves. It is smashed and made into boluses. No other ingredients are mixed with it. A bolus of bhang weighs one to one and a half tolas. (3) To allay pain in the chest, sides, and also in hemorrhoids (piles), bhang leaves are put inside a cloth and warmed in slow fire, and used for dry fomentation. (4) In the Dacca District people drink bhang as a preventive in the cholera season, or when cases of cholera appear. Bhang is smashed with water collected by washing atabchaul (rice). The Cannabis sativa (Sanskrit Bijaya or Indrasan—food of Indra—bhang, ganja) has been in use from a very remote period, both as a medicine and as an intoxicating agent in India. A mythological origin has been ascribed to it. It is said to have been produced in the shape of nectar while the gods were churning the ocean with the mountain called Mandara. It is the favourite drink of Indra, the king of gods, and is called Bijaya, because it gives success to its votaries. The gods through compassion on the human race, sent it to this earth, so that mankind by using it habitually may attain delight, lose all fear, and have their sexual desires excited, The leaves of the Cannabis sativa are purified by being boiled in milk before use. They are regarded as heating, digestive, astringent, and narcotic. The intoxication produced by bhang is said to be of a pleasant description, and to promote talkativeness. In sleeplessness, the powder of the fried leaves is given in suitable doses for inducing sleep and removing pain (vide Darpana). Jati phaladya churna.—Take of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, tejapatra leaves, flowers of naga kesara (Mesua ferrea), camphor, sandal wood, sesamum seeds, hamboo manna, flowers of tagora (Tabernœ montana coronaria), chebulic and emblic myrobalans, long pepper, black pepper, ginger, leaves of talisa (Pinus webbiana, plumbago root), cummin seeds, and the seeds of viranga (Embelia Ribes), equal parts, purified bhang equal in weight to all the above ingredients, and sugar twice as much as the bhang. Powder and mix. Dose about 20 to 40 grains. This preparation is given in diarrhœa, indigestion, and loss of appetite (vide Saranga Dhara). Jvalanala Rasa.—Take of Yavakshara and Sarjikakshara (impure carbonates of potash and soda), borax, mercury, sulphur, long pepper, black pepper, piper chaba (Chavya) and ginger equal parts, fried leaves of bhang equal to all the above ingredients, root of Moringa pterygosperma half the weight of bhang; powder the ingredients, mix and soak the mixed powder for three days in each of the following fluids, namely, a decoction of fresh juice of the leaves of Cannabis indica, the roots of Moringa pterygosperma and plumbago rosea, and dry in the sun. Then roast the mass lightly, and make into a pill mass with the juice of the leaves of Wedelia Calendulacea (Bhringa Raja). Dose, about half a dram with honey. This medicine is given in indigestion and loss of appetite with nausea and vomiting (vide Bhaba Prakas). Numerous confections of bhang; such as kamesvara modaka, madana modaka, balyasakrasana modaka, etc., are described in Sanskrit medical works. These, as their names imply, are considered aphrodisiac, and are used in chronic bowel complaints and nervous debility. Most of them are prepared with equal parts of a number of supposed tonic and aphrodisiac substances in small quantities, and bhang equal in weight to all the other ingredients, together with sugar, honey, and the usual aromatics.
Madana Modalca— Take of the three myrobalans, ginger, long pepper, black pepper, Rhus succedanea (Sringi), Pachak root, coriander, rock salt, zedoary root, leaves of Pinus webbiana (talisa), bark of Myrica sapida (katphala), flowers of Mesua ferrea (Naga kesara), ajowan, seeds of Seseli Indicum (vana ya mani), liquorice root, seeds of Trigonella fœnumgrœcum (methi), cumin and nigella seeds, equal parts; bhang leaves with flowers and seeds fried in clarified butter, equal in weight to all the other ingredients; sugar equal in weight to the bhang. Prepare a syrup with the sugar, then add the other substances in fine powder, and make into a confection. Lastly, add clarified butter, honey, powdered sesamum seeds, cardamoms, cinnamon, tejapatra leaves, and camphor, each two tolas, and make into boluses of about 80 grains each. This confection is used in cough, chronic bowel-complaints, and impotence (vide Sara Kaumudi). Ganja and charas are not used as medicine in cattle diseases. Wild bhang is so used— bhang is given to cows in the form of balls in cases of diarrhœa and dysentery. (2) Green or dry bhang is mixed with molasses or gur, and is given to horses in the cold season. The appetite and general health improves and the animal fattens. 41. Ganja— The moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial in its effects. Ganja— Per cent. (a) Bhadralok 5 (a) Ganja both accessory and disgestive, save in cases in which the habit is contracted in company. (b) Cultivators, boatmen, coolies, mali, mistri, fishermen, blacksmiths and other labouring classes whose occupation compels them to work in the sun, water, rain, or before strong fire 50 (b) Yes; ganja smoker does not feel hunger after smoking ganja. Labouring and poorer classes can work for a long time without any food after smoking ganja. (c) Cultivators, fishermen, etc., who work in malarial and unhealthy damp watery places 60 Bhadralok 5 (c) Yes; as a preventive against malaria, rheumatism, etc. (d) Religious by sanyasis, etc. 70 Bhadralok 5 Bhang— (d) For religious purposes, as in Trinath Puja, etc. (a) Bhadralok 30 High caste up-country people 50 (a) Yes. Increases appetite, and improves the health and the digestive power. (b) Cultivators, cooks, labouring classes, etc. 40 (b) Yes; can stand fatigue. Brahmin cooks can prepare and distribute food the whole day, and can work very hard after drinking bhang. (c) Bhadralok and by all classes 50 (c) In cholera seasons bhang is drunk in small quantities as a preventive against cholera. (d) Bhadralok and by all classes 40 (d) It is used as an aphrodisiac and in religious and social ceremonies, and as a medicine, etc. Charas is used by a very limited class of consumers for intoxicating purposes. I refer to moderate habitual consumers of the drug. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is beneficial, and it is harmless too. Veteran ganja smokers can live up to the ripe old age of 80 years, and they do not complain of its harmful effects. I have seen boatmen and others who smoke ganja and bhadralok who drink bhang habitually can endure any amount of fatigue and exposure, can eat food with good appetite, can sleep soundly, and work hard and cheerfully. They also keep good health. Many people who had suffered from dyspepsia have been cured of the disease by the moderate and habitual use of bhang. Those who smoke in excess become irritable.  -  Evidence of BABU ABHILAS CHANDRA MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal


40. Bhang and also ganja enter into the com¬ position of many medicines recognised by the Ayurvedic system. Bhang in small doses is taken as a household medicine in case of indigestion brought on by over-eating or any similar cause. I am unable to say whether any of these drugs is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. I think none of these virtues really exist in any of these drugs. It is, however, a fact that a man who had become a slave to any of these drugs will not be able to (a) digest his food, or (b) to bear exertion, exposure or fatigue, or (c) to withstand the effects of an unhealthy climate, without these drugs. But then the virtues in that case do not exist in the drug, but are created for it by its votary. A ganja-smoker will not be able to take his food unless he takes before his usual chillum of ganja. Boatmen, particularly those of East Bengal, pretend that they cannot bear the exposure and fatigue without taking ganja. But I know boatmen who manage to do without ganja, and yet do not fear to expose themselves, when necessary, to rain and sun. In East Bengal it is only the Sudra boatmen who are pre-eminent in their praise of ganja. But the Namasudra and Muhammadan boatmen, who are, as a rule, more robust than the Sudras, very rarely take ganja. The Sudras take ganja because they have the vicious propensity for it, and not because it has any inherent virtues in it. In the same way the Raj Bangsis and Koches of Dinajpur, Rajshahi, and Malda extol ganja as a preventive of malarious fever. But malaria is there all the same, and hundreds of people are dying every month whether they smoke ganja or not. In these tracts the women, who do not smoke ganja, are healthier than the men. 42. Far from considering it harmless, whether taken in moderation or excess, I consider ganja to be the most injurious form of intoxicant used by any people on earth. Until quite recently, I have never heard anybody saying a word in favour of this drug. On the contrary, sweeping denunciation has always been made as to the effects of ganja-smoking by persons most competent to give an opinion on the subject. I think it worth while to quote some of these opinions. Mr. Grant, Collector of Balasore, observes (see Bengal Excise Administration Report for 188384):— "I can only regard this rapid increase in the use of ganja as altogether lamentable. It is the only exciseable article in favour of which nothing can be said. It seems to have absolutely no virtue, and to do harm the very first time it is used. In shorter time than any other intoxicant, it establishes a craving habit, and is more irresistible than that created by any other. I cannot believe that the dearness of opium has done much to increase the consumption of ganja, and most unfortunately the price of ganja, which was very cheap before, has fallen during the year." " I said last year that I thought it regretable that the price of opium has been raised. I can only repeat my opinions; at all events as far as Orissa is concerned, the measure is a bad one as regards the morality of the districts and as regards the revenue. For the past two years the local consumption of opium (a dear drug yielding a high revenue, a medical drug, hurtful only if abused) has greatly decreased, and its place has been supplied by a cheap drug that has nothing but the most seriously bad result from any use of it at all." "Under ordinary circumstances, it is desirable to discourage the use of ganja by making its price as high as it can safely be made; but, under the circumstances of Orissa, it seems to me to be very unwise to do what amounts to forcing people to the extended use of most pernicious and cheap and accessible drug by putting what becomes a prohibitive price on the use of a very dear, comparatively harmless and often useful drug. If the thing is possible, I would reduce the price of opium in Orissa to what it was in 1879-80, and I would also raise the duty on ganja from R4 to R5." Though there would be few to agree with Mr. Grant for lowering the price of opium, I think everyone would endorse his views on the effects of ganja-smoking. In fact, in the next line we find. "The Commissioner agrees with Mr. Grant in his condemnation of ganja, and is in favour of the duty being raised." In the preceding year Mr. Grant had delivered himself as follows on the subject:— "I am afraid that this (increase in the consumption of ganja and decrease in that of opium) is something very like an unmixed evil. It means that people are substituting ganja,— a cheaper and infinitely more mischievous and deleterious drug. Instead of consuming maunds 3—11 of comparatively harmless opium the people consumed maunds 3—27—11½ of ganja, which is, beyond all comparison, the drug which has least to be said in its favour and most to be against it. I strongly advocate a return to the old rate for opium, not because the new rate has so materially decreased the revenue, but because it is fast driving the people of Balasore to that resort to ganja which we know to be the root of the evils in the Uriya character." Extreme views on a subject of this kind should no doubt be accepted with caution. But when we find that there has, for a long series of years, always been a consensus of opinion amongst persons who had the best opportunities to study the question, I think that opinion cannot be thrown aside easily. Elsewhere I have quoted from several published reports of Government how Government, the Board, and the subordinate officials have always spoken against ganja, and how they considered that it would be a blessing for the people if they were to substitute alcohol for ganja. Here I shall content myself with two or three more quotations in support of my views, Let us see what His Honour the LieutenantGovernor says so long ago as 1874. Reviewing the excise administration of 1873-74, His Honour says as follows (vide page 3 of the resolution appended to the report):— "The Member in charge does not think that the time has yet arrived for any further increase of the duty. It appears, however, to the LieutenantGovernor that, of all excisable articles, the imposition of an almost prohibitive duty on ganja admits of the best justification upon both moral and economical grounds. It is generally agreed that even the moderate consumption of ganja is deleterious, and that its use leads to crime, to insanity, and other dreadful consequences. The conditions of its production are such that surreptitious cultivation appears scarcely to be possible. The cultivation of the ganja plant is not, like that of the poppy, spread over an extensive area. The whole of Bengal is supplied with ganja from a tract not exceeding 800 acres in Rajshahi. Supervision is consequently easy, and the imposition of a higher duty, if it resulted in a loss of revenue, would do so only by diminishing consumption. For the sake of the people, the Lieutenant-Governor earnestly commends this subject to the consideration of the Board." Let us now see what the Bengal Excise Commission says on this subject— "It is to be regretted, however, that this is due to some extent to the use of the pernicious drug ganja in these tracts." Let us again see what the Government of India says— "Ganja is a drug which is far more injurious in its effects than spirit or any other drug commonly consumed."—(Despatch to the Secretary of State, No. 29 of 1890, dated Calcutta, the 4th February 1890.) Question 42.[oral evidence]—My view that ganja is the most injurious form of intoxicant used by any people on earth is based on the official opinions I have quoted, which are confirmed by my own experience. I have seen people who smoke ganja in my travels in the districts, and I have always found it did them harm. But I have not made special enquiries into any particular case. My general observation is that ganja smokers are haggard, afflicted with asthma and bronchitis, and generally of evil repute. I cannot pick out a ganja smoker from his appearance. I cannot distinguish between a ganja smoker and a drinker of liquor. In the above statement of effects I am speaking of people whom I know personally. There must be one hundred of them, and I could name many. Most of them are excessive smokers, but there are also moderate smokers among them who have the diseases I have described. I cannot tell whether these diseases are more or less common here than elsewhere, but there are many who suffer from them without being ganja smokers. Some of the hundred, as many as half, are people whom I have seen frequently, residents of my own and adjoining villages, and places I visit frequently. I left my home two years ago. I cannot say that ganja and these diseases were related as cause and effect in any particular case, but the fact that the two are frequently found together leads one to entertain that belief. I should say generally that ganja is more harmful than spirit. Spirit drinking, if kept within moderation, does not do any harm, whereas ganja does, even taken moderately. I have seen injury result from excess in liquor, such as physical and domestic ruin. I have seen actually more cases of ruin from liquor than from ganja, but as the consumers of liquor are far more numerous the proportionate injury would tell against ganja. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda.


40. I have often seen siddhi given to the horse as medicine. - Evidence of BABU BRAJA DURLABH HAZARA, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Howrah.


40. Bhang is used in medicine by kabirajes. Oil prepared from ganja is also used as medicine by kabirajes. Bhang is given to cattle as medicine when suffering from cold. 41. (a) Bhang. (b) Both ganja and bhang. (c) Ganja, especially in damp climate. (d) No other effect known. As regards (a), it is the moderate and occasional use. As regards (b), moderate habitual use. As regards (c), moderate regular and not habitual use. 42. Moderate use has not been known to work any serious mischief in the system. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CHANDRA KAR, Excise Deputy Collector, Bhagalpur


40. Ganja is prescribed by Kabirajes for external application in cases of certain skin diseases. Bhang is prescribed for all sorts of bowel complaints and for debility. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate habitual use. of ganja is beneficial in its effects, as it gives (b) staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviates fatigue. (c) It also acts as a preventive of fever and other diseases. It has the effect of alleviating pain due to rheumatism and leprosy. Ganja does not act as a food accessory or digestive. About 25 per cent. of boatmen, 10 per cent. of chandals, 10 per cent. of labourers, and almost cent. per cent. of sanyasis use the drug for some one or other of the purposes enumerated under head (b). No special classes can be mentioned who use the drug for any of the other purposes. Moderate habitual use of bhang is beneficial in its effects— (a) As a digestive. (b) Nil. (c) As a preventive of bowel complaints. (d) Nil. Bhang is used as a digestive (a) by about 2 per cent. of the Bhadralok classes, and as a preventive of bowel complaints by men of all classes who happen to be subject to the malady. 42. Habitual moderate consumption of ganja produces cough and dysentery, so it cannot be pronounced harmless. I agree. A. E.  - Evidence of BABU RAJANI PRASAD NEOGY, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh.


40. The kabirajes sometimes use bhang in the preparation of their medicines. Bhang is also used as medicine for cattle. - Evidence of GHULAM LILLAHI, Excise Deputy Collector, Ranchi, District Lohardaga.


40. Bhang is often prescribed by kabirajes and doctors. The qualities of bhang are mentioned in Hindu books of medicines. But there is no mention of ganja or charas in those books. I have never heard of any of these drugs being used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) The moderate use of bhang may be beneficial in its effects as a digestive. (b) Said to be so by the habitual consumers. (c) I have never heard of this. (d) Not known. The lower classes who have to work hard and the religious mendicants who have often to bear fatigue and exposure, use the hemp drugs for the purposes indicated above. A beneficial effect can only be produced by a moderate occasional use. 42. The moderate use of these drugs (ganja and charas) is not harmless. The health of the consumers suffer considerably as compared with the health of the people who do not touch the drugs. - Evidence of BABU SURESH CHUNDRA BAL, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Howrah


40. In Bháo Prakásh and other books on therapeutics, the hemp plant (bhang) is prescribed as a remedy for several diseases, of which some are mentioned below:— Piles, chronic diseases, gleet, phlegm, dysentery. Yes; bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle. 41. Yes, it is said so. I do not know anything about the effect of charas; but as regards bhang and ganja, it is stated in Bháo Prakásh and other books on therapeutics, and also by the people, that they are beneficial in their effects— (a) as a food accessory and digestive; (b) to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure, and alleviate fatigue, and ganja alone is said to be beneficial in its effects; (c) as a febrifuge and preventive of diseases in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Higher classes of the people use ganja or bhang or both for the purpose (a); labouring classes for (b); and by both living in malarious and unhealthy tracts for (c).
What have been stated above refer mostly to habitual moderate use of the drug. 42. It is stated in a materia medica in Persian that ultimately the drug does harm. But in Bháo Prakásh it is stated that the moderate use of the drug does no harm. It is observed, however, that the use of the drug does no harm (specially bhang) when the consumer lives upon nutritious and rich food. For example, the Chowbays of Mathra, who live on such food, and who, notwithstanding that they are excessive bhang drinkers and noted for such drinking, are always seen healthy and robust. On the contrary such people, addicted to the use of these drugs, as have no means to live, or who do not live upon good food, are generally seen emaciated. - Evidence of BABU ROY BRAHMA DUTT, * Kayasth, Excise Deputy Collector, Darbhanga.


40. Bhang is sometimes used by native school of doctors as a digestive article. 41. (a) The moderate uses of bhang and ganja are food accessory and digestive. (b) The use of ganja gives a staying-power under exertion and exposure to the ganja smokers. The boatmen use ganja for the purpose (b). (The moderate habitual use of ganja I am referring to). In case (a) moderate occasional and habitual use of bhang I am referring to, and moderate habitual use of ganja. 42. The moderate use of bhang appears harmless, as most of the up-country porters use it and still keep good health.  - Evidence of BABU BANKU BEHARI DUTT, Excise Deputy Collector, Backergunge


40. Native physicians sometimes prescribe bhang as medicine in certain diseases. It is also used in the treatment of cattle. It is also given to cattle to shake off fatigue. 41. (a), (b) and (c). Yes. The agricultural and labouring classes mostly. I refer to the moderate habitual use. 42. Vide answer to question 41. - Evidence of BABU WOOMA CHARAN BOSE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector; Manager, Raj Banaili, District Bhagalpur.


40. Bhang is used in cattle diseases. 41. It is said that the moderate use of ganja and bhang does not injure health, but rather exhilarates the tired and the depressed low class people of labouring classes. (a), (b) and (c) Yes: they are reported to be so. A habitual ganja-smoker may use the drug for the above purposes, but not one who is not accustomed to it. 42. It is said that the moderate use of ganja and bhang is harmless, as it keeps up one's spirit and makes him more active and capable of undergoing much fatigue and troubles generally.  - Evidence of BABU RASIK LAL GHOSE, Court of Wards' Manager, Dinajpur


40. Ganja is used by native doctors in the preparation of medicinal oils. Bhang is administered medicinally in cases of bowel complaints: it is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. It is occasionally given to horses when fagged up by overwork. 41. Yes; in (a), (b), (c),—all classes; moderate use, of course, I refer to. Ganja and bhang possess valuable properties. Both are aphrodisiac. Bhang is specially beneficial in chronic diarrhœa; both afford refreshment under severe exertion, exposure and fatigue; all the three drugs have the staying-powers. In malarious diseases a native kabiraj of repute tells me bhang has been prescribed in fever cases with success. 42. It is beneficial. Moderate use is never harmful. - Evidence of BABU GOUR DAS BYSACK, Retired Deputy Collector, Calcutta.


40. I have heard of ganja being administered to cows for certain diseases. 41. To a ganja- smoker the use of ganja is beneficial to keep him in health. 42. It is beneficial.  - Evidence of MR. W. SARSON, retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, formerly Abkari Superintendent, Chittagong.


40, Bhang is recommended by native physicians to persons suffering from long protracted chronic diarrhœa, who find it very efficacious in checking their complaints. I do not know whether these drugs are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Yes; moderate habitual use may be so to the classes who cannot afford for alcoholic drinks, but yet require some such substance to aid their functions of the stomach. (b) Yes; moderate habitual use is considered to exert such an effect on the labouring classes who consume them. (c) Yes; moderate occasional use. They are believed to be efficacious in such cases to some extent to the people of the poorest classes in districts in which such diseases prevail. (d) It is also used by the mendicant class to control the passions and sensibilities to which human flesh is subject.  - Evidence of BABU HEM CHUNDER KERR, Kayasth, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sub-Registrar of Sealdah


40. Ganja is used as a medicine for itches and in treating cattle diseases. Bhang leaves for treating eye diseases. The Nepalese use bhang extensively for the treatment of their cattle. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Not known. (d) Not known. Occasional use is referred to. 42. The moderate use of bhang is not injurious though not altogether harmless. The other forms are certainly injurious. Even in bhang the habitual moderate drinker may be singled out from a company on account of a certain vacancy in his demeanour - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA NATH MOZUMDAR, Brahmin, Deputy Inspector of Excise, Darjeeling.


40. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. 41. (a) Believed to be both. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) Concentration. Labouring class, 75 per cent. of them. The moderate use is referred. 42. The moderate use is harmless, as it has no after-effect on the system. - Evidence of BABU DIGENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Inspector of Excise, 24-Parganas.


40. Bhang is used on account of its medicinal qualities by native doctors. Both bhang and ganja are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. I myself used ganja as an ingredient in preparing certain medicine for my pony. 41. The moderate use of ganja may be beneficial in its effects— (a) As a food accessory or digestive; (b) to giving staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue; (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts; (d) as a means of bringing in concentration of mind. The few of upper and middle men who use ganja, use it as a food accessory or digestive. The ascetics and day labourers use it to have stayingpower under severe exertion or exposure. Persons suffering from malarious fever use ganja or its extract as a febrifuge. These are moderate occasional smokers, while the above are moderate habitual consumers. 42. The moderate use of ganja in the above cases is beneficial and at the same time harmless. - Evidence of BABU SIR CHUNDER SOOR, Satgope, 1st Assistant Supervisor of Ganja Cultivation, Naogaon, Rajshahi.


40. It is prescribed by Kabirajes and also in cattle disease. 41. The use of ganja is said to be beneficial: (a) in moderate use as a digestive; (b) in habitual use to support severe fatigue or exposure; (c) and in both cases as a febrifuge and preventive of gout; (d) it is also said to produce a fleeting kind of courage when occasionally used. It is not said that constant increase of the daily amount is required for these results. 42. It appears to be harmless in all cases when the consumption is moderate and when the effects are worked off by legitimate labour, etc.  - Evidence of MR. W. C. FASSON, District Superintendent of Police, Bogra.


40. Bhang is prescribed to arrest the progress of diarrhœa. It is also used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) Moderate use of bhang helps digestion. (b) Ganja gives staying-power and alleviates fatigue. (c) Nil. (d) Nil. Middle class men of declining years, who ail from indigestion, use bhang habitually, their proportion being one in a thousand. Lower classes of people, such as fishermen, boatmen, palanquinbearers and others, who are constantly exposed to weather, smoke ganja to give staying-power or to alleviate fatigue, their proportion being ·25. Moderate habitual use is only referred to. 42. Moderate use of bhang is harmless, if not wholly beneficial. Bhang relieves a sufferer from a malady without causing proportionate harm as an intoxicant; whilst ganja stimulates a poor labourer to earn a better livelihood by overcoming fatigue and sustaining staying-power.  - Evidence of MR. F. H. TUCKER, District Superintendent of Police, Dinajpur.


40. Bhang is sometimes prescribed by the kabiraj for both external plaster and internal use in rheumatic pains, and also in case of diarrhœa. The oil prepared from the seeds of ganja is often used for rheumatic pain. I have also seen ganja boiled in mustard oil, and this oil applied to itch on children. I am not aware that ganja or bhang is used in treating cattle disease. But I have used it for mules and horses suffering from asthma and cold. Camel-drivers also use it, I believe, as medicine. 41. (a) The moderate occasional use of ganja or bhang is beneficial as a digestive. (b) Habitual moderate use of ganja is beneficial for the prevention of exposure and alleviation of fatigue. (c) I certainly think that it is beneficial as a febribuge or preventive of disease in malarious tracts. I saw it used with marked effect in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and in Naogaon. It is also said that, owing to cultivation of ganja, there is much less malaria than in adjoining places. About 25 per cent. of the labouring class, I believe, use ganja to alleviate fatigue, and nearly 75 or 80 per cent, of the ascetics use ganja to counteract exposure, and the rest use bhang for the same purpose. I am not aware what particular class use ganja for digestive purposes. 42. The moderate use of bhang appears to be harmless. Those who use bhang are never violent like ganja smokers.  - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.


41. May not. 42. The use of ganja and bhang always produces injurious effects. The ganja smokers often become hot-tempered, and cannot have control over their passions, They often get dysentery which ceases their existence. - Evidence of BABU MATHURA MOHAN SIRKAR, Inspector of Police, Jhenida, District Jessore.


40. Yes; both ganja and bhang. The latter is supposed to contain cooling properties, and is occasionally given medicinally to women. 41. The question is one for a medical man. I am not prepared to give any opinion. 42. The bhang drinking, if not carried to excess, appears to me as harmless as the moderate consumption of opium. This is only an opinion. Ganja smoking stands on a different footing, and I am doubtful if the habit once acquired could even be moderately indulged in.  - Evidence of MR. H. P. WYLLY,* Government Agent at Keonjhar, Orissa.


40. Both ganja and bhang are administered internally as a stomachic by native doctors (kabirajes), but I should think with doubtful effect. Locally bhang is used internally for cattle suffering from stomach disorders, and is believed to have a cooling effect. Externally a solution or paste of either ganja or bhang is used for rinderpest, destroying cattle insects and allaying irritation of the skin. 41. (a) Neither ganja nor bhang are accessories to food, but act as a digestive on certain constitutions. The majority of ganja and bhang consumers have large appetites and eat a great quantity. (b) Ganja gives staying power to a certain extent; for instance, Hindu religious mendicants after excessive smoking will expose themselves to rain for days without any evil result, and also walk long distances; but this effect is only on habitual smokers. The drug also alleviates fatigue in those accustomed to take it. (c) Neither ganja nor bhang are considered a febrifuge, but the lower classes believe it to be a preventive of malaria; but I don't think this is the case. (d) It is commonly believed that ganja or bhang drives away snakes, but this I consider to be pure fiction. My above remarks refer to habitual consumers, but I don't think they use ganja or bhang for these purposes; they generally contract the habit and it grows on them. 42. I don't believe even the moderate use of ganja and bhang to be harmless; they both cause a gradual failure of health and strength, and they certainly weaken the brains. This I have noticed in those who take the drugs, and who may be recognized by the redness and dilation of the eyes, and their veins invariably stand out prominently.  - Evidence of Mr. W. R. RICKETTS,* Manager, Nilgiri State, Tributary Mahals, Orissa.


40. Yes, siddhi is often prescribed for men and horses. One of its effects is that it stimulates appetite. It has many other medicinal properties. In prescribing siddhi other drugs are also prescribed along with it. 41. (a) Siddhi is believed to be such. Ganja may temporarily serve to have a staying power against exposure, etc.; but I believe it has very bad effects also upon the system. I have already given it as my opinion that sanyasis may have taken to the practice of smoking ganja as a preventive against the effects of cold, rain and privations. The Tantras require the Tantriks to have some sort of intoxicating drug or other. Question 41.[oral evidence]—I cannot say that most of the respectable class of Hindus in Bengal, but certainly many of them, are followers of the Tantrik religion. - Evidence of MAHAMAHOPADHYA MAHESA CHANDRA NYAYARATNA, C. I. E., Brahmin, Principal, Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.


40. Ganja and siddhi are prescribed by some schools of native doctors in the treatment of certain diseases, such as chronic dysentery, skin diseases, etc. 41. They are digestive and give staying-power in severe exertions or exposure, to alleviate fatigue; also as a febrifuge in malarious, damp, and unhealthy tracts. It is the moderate habitual use. 42. I do not know.  - Evidence of BABU JADUB CHANDRA CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar.


40. Yes; bhang is prescribed by Hindu physicians for its medicinal qualities. I do not know whether any of these drugs is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. Yes; accessory and digestive too. Gives staying-power under severe exertion and exposure, and alleviates fatigue. Yes; it (ganja) is preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts of Bengal. Moderate occasional use of the drugs is beneficial. 42. Yes; beneficial, as well as harmless. I have never seen a moderate consumer of any of these drugs harmful.  - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.


40. Ganja and bhang are both so prescribed. 41. Ganja is beneficial— (a) As food accessory. (b) To give staying-power under severe exertion. (c) and (d) Nil. Bhang is beneficial— (a) As a digestive. (b) To give staying-power under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue. (c) Nil. (d) As nourishing the body. 42. The moderate use of ganja produces cough and dysentery. The moderate use of bhang is harmless. Bhang must be drunk in order to be beneficial.  - Evidence of BABU HARA GOPAL DUTTA, Kayasth, Retired Excise Daroga, Mymensingh.


40. Yes. Bhang enters into the preparation of several native medicines, and is frequently used in veterinary treatment. Ganja-smoking is prescribed in asthmatic complaints. 41. (a) Bhang is frequently used in small doses as a food accessory and digestive, and it has been seen to cure certain dyspeptic and diarrhœtic complaints. (b) Ganja is generally used for this purpose. (c) Ganja has been seen to be used as a protection against exposure to rain and night dews. Bhang has been seen to alleviate fatigue when taken on the last day of the Durga Puja. I refer to moderate occasional use when the conveniences are occasional, and to moderate habitual use when the exposure and fatigue are constant. - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.


40. Siddhi or bhang is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by native physicians or kabirajes, and it is mixed with some of the important medicines in cases of diarrhœa, etc. 41. As far as I know siddhi or bhang has some digestive quality, and a moderate occasional use of it does good to those who suffer from bowel complaints and some moderate consumers take it on occasion of festivals, &c., for the sake of pleasure and for taking more quantity of food than usual. This practice is followed more by some of the young men of the upper class chiefly, and not by men of advanced ages unless they be habitual moderate consumers of the siddhi drug or suffering from some bowel complaints. The number of these men is not very great. - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.


40. Yes. Bhang is used for piles and to relieve pain; it is also given to cattle, especially for colic. 41. Bhang has the effect of (a) increasing the appetite temporarily. (b) I believe the Nagas and other sturdy hill races consume ganja; but that their power of endurance is increased by using the drug I should very much doubt. (c) I should say not. 42. I am inclined to think that the use of these drugs is much like the use of tobacco or spirits. When taken very moderately, and when a man takes plenty of good food and otherwise lives in accordance with the laws of health, it would appear to be practically harmless, if we may judge by the number who indulge in the habit and compare their physique with those who do not. I append herewith the statements of those prisoners in Arrah Jail, who allow that they smoke ganja. Ganja-Smoking. Ramlal Bari.—Aged 69 years, smoked ganja twice a day. Achhai Lal.—Has smoked ganja for twelve years. Piles relieved by it. Sahadeo Dusadh.—Smoked from four years twice daily, suffered from dyspepsia, but got cured by smoking. Kaval Mehter.—Smoked six years, twice daily; suffered from pain in the chest, but is relieved by the smoking. Never felt the worse for it. Ram Charan Dass.—Smoked five years, has always felt better every way of it. Bujhawan.—Two pipes daily; felt much better and can work better with it. Santo.—Smoked ganja as much as he could get; also took bhang and charas. Felt strong at the time of intoxication but weaker afterwards. If a man gets good food and takes only one or two pipes a day, he is no worse for it. I began smoking at the age of about 16 years. I am now 32 years. There is difficulty in giving it up, but after three or four weeks a man does not think any more about it. When I go out of jail I will begin it again, if I feel the desire for it. Ram Kishen.—Fourteen years and could work better with it. Smoked three times a day. Ram Lal.—Smoked for three years, twice a day, felt the better for it. Ghisa Khan.—Three years twice a day; felt all the better for it. Digestion better. Raghunandan.—Four years; found his appetite improved and worked better with it; never suffered in the slightest from it. Gopi Sing.—Sixty years of age, smoked ganja twice daily for three years : so long as he took good food was no worse. His digestion was improved. Jogeshwar Dome.—For five years three times a day; found his appetite improved. Never exceeded this quantity, never cared for more. Candabir.—For four years; appetite increased. Sanker Kahar.—For ten years; was at first smoking one or two pipes a day, but by and by habit grew stronger; now he can smoke as much as he can get. Before smoking he was stronger and more healthy than what he is at the present. Its smoke when inhaled by force goes up to the brain of man and turns mad. It is more injurious in summer than in winter. It makes senseless if smoked without taking any food. Rupa.—For two years; appetite increased. Rijan.—For one year, twice a day; appetite increased health improved. Growing daily weak as he does not get ganja in jail. Can do more work if he be allowed to smoke. Halu Ahir.—For two years; makes man of mild temper; does not get angry; is growing weaker as he is not getting ganja. It makes a man happy when intoxicated; appetite increased. Evidence of 17 ganja smokers taken on the 12th November, Jail population on that day being 255.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. FLOOD MURRAY, Civil Surgeon, Shahabad


42. Except as a medicine, I consider their use, even in moderate doses, to be harmful. [oral evidence] I never examined any brains of ganja-smokers at the College while Professor of Pathology. That is, I have never, as far as my recollection serves me, examined the body of any man who died of any disease in hospital and of whom it was brought to my notice at the time that he had been a ganjasmoker. I am the author of a catalogue of pathological preparations in the museum of the Medical College, Calcutta. There is no mention of any ganja-smoker's brain. I am familiar with the physiological action of the hemp drugs. From its known physiological action, I should expect to find no effect on the brain of a person using the drug in moderation. It is impossible to say whether any effects would follow the continued use of the drug in excess. I have no personal experience. But speaking from the analogy of certain drugs which have similar physiological effects, when used excessively, I would expect to find a condition of what is termed hyperæmia of the brain and membranes. The other drugs I refer to are drugs like dhatura, belladonna, hyoscyamus, etc. Such a condition of hyperæmia could not, I think, last a very long time—I cannot positively say how long, without giving rise to structural changes. I think that. probably there would be changes in the nerve cells and fibres of the brain and alterations in the way of thickening, opacity, and so on, in the membranes. Those conditions would be permanent. This would be from long-continued hyperæmia. Hyperæmia with intervals of rest might also give rise to structural changes I think. These pathological changes would not, I think, be coarse changes that you could detect from naked eye inspection of the brain. They would have to be specially sought for with the microscope. Microscopic examination would be essential for the detection of these changes. Except that both alcohol and hemp drugs are exhilarants or inebriants, these two intoxicants are not analogous. It is in the objective symptoms they produce that they are analogous. I understand that I am being examined exclusively about the medicinal and pathological effects of the drugs. I consider that physiologically they act in a different way. In the smaller doses both hemp and alcohol are exhilarant. The effects of larger doses of hemp are distinctly narcotic, whereas alcohol is not a narcotic, but induces a condition of coma when taken in large quantities. This condition is one from which an individual would be aroused with much difficulty, whereas the narcotic effects of Indian hemp are transient and of short duration. Here I speak of the medicinal use of the drug as a narcotic, not of the use of the drug otherwise. I am discussing solely medicinal effects. Alcohol would produce hyperæmia of the brain. This condition, if allowed to continue, gives rise to structural changes. Hyperæmia from any cause, if allowed to continue, will give rise to structural changes. I do not experimentally know what the structural changes produced by hyperæmia through hemp drugs are; but assuming that they are produced, I should say that it would not be possible to distinguish them from those produced by alcohol.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. F. P. MCCONNELL, Professor of Materia Medica, etc., Medical College, Calcutta.


40. Yes; preparations of ganja are much used in the treatment of dysentery and asthmatic affections. 41. (a) and (b) These are the purposes for which it is habitually used. (c) I am not aware that it has any preventive or febrifuge properties. 42. In the vast majority of cases the habitual use of ganja produces no appreciable bad effect either bodily or intellectually. A ganja-smoker is not distinguishable from a non-smoker. - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A. CROMBIE, M.D., SurgeonSuperintendent, General Hospital, Calcutta


41. (a) Ganja—Yes. (b) Ganja—Yes; is ordinarily used for this purpose. (c) Ganja—Yes. (d) Moderate use, while undergoing great physical exertion under exposure; by carriers of weights, coolies, palki and duli bearers, etc. 42. (1) Occasional moderate use of ganja harmless. (2) Habitual moderate use of ganja comparatively harmless. I have known men in good health and in full exercise of mental and physical faculties who have so used ganja for from fourteen to sixteen years.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. G. RUSSELL, Civil Surgeon, Darjeeling.


40. Kabirajes and hakims use the drugs extensively in the treatment of human diseases. I know nothing of its use in cattle diseases, 41, Medicinal use is admissible only. (a), (b), (c). No. As an intoxicant it can hardly be said to be beneficial. 42. Its use is always harmful, as it tends to increased consumption,  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RUSSICK LALL DUTT,* Officiating Civil Surgeon, 24-Parganas.


40. Bhang is prescribed by some for bowel and chest complaints. I do not know of any being used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (b) The smoking of ganja does give staying power under severe exertion. Babu Lolit Mohun Rai tells me of a chaprassi of his, who, after a couple of pipes of ganja, can run the whole distance between Burdwan and Chogdighee (twenty-five miles) in an unusually short time. 42. I do not look upon the use of any of these drugs as harmless. I think the tendency is for the habit once commenced to become excessive and harmful.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. PRICE, Civil Surgeon, Burdwan.


40. I hear that bhang is given in some cases of intermittent fever by vaids. Bhang is very commonly given to cattle when they are tired or overworked. Some people give it at regular intervals, once or twice a week. It is supposed to keep oxen in good condition, 41. (a) Bhang increases the appetite. (b) Bhang and ganja are both taken for this purpose. (c) As above. Bhang is sometimes given in malarious fever. Soldiers, constables, kahars, field labourers, boatmen and others who work hard whilst exposed to vicissitudes of weather take bhang, or if ganja smokers, ganja. This refers both to moderate occasional smokers and habitual users of the drug. Bhang is the recognised native remedy for fatigue in men and animals. 42. Bhang taken habitually in moderation is harmless; but it is said that ganja taken habitually, even in small quantities, is apt to cause dyspepsia and weakness. Habitual smokers become emaciated and bad tempered. I can give no reasons. - Evidence* of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. BOVILL, Officiating Civil Surgeon of Patna and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.


40. Kabirajes use bhang in bowel complaints especially. The preparations of Cannabis indica are largely used by native doctors, generally in the treatment of dysentery, chronic diarrhœa, etc. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease and in the form of condition powders. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) I have no experience of their use as a preventive of malaria. (d) I have found the moderate use of Cannabis indica very useful in the prevention and treatment of attacks of chronic dysentery. I refer to the moderate use. 42. I consider the moderate use of these drugs to be harmless, and in many cases beneficial, for the reasons I have given in paragraphs 41, 44, and 57a. Question 41.[oral evidence]—Under my answer (d), I refer to the medicinal use. I have allowed patients to take the drug when they have been suffering from dysentery. Medicinally I use the "extract" of the pharmacopœia, and sometimes prescribe it as a preventive to patients liable to dysentery, though they may not have the disease upon them. I should think the smoking of ganja might have a somewhat similar action on the nervous system. The drug acts, I believe, through the nervous system, producing a sedative effect.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. COBB, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Dacca.


40. (a) I do not know. (b) I do not know. I have seen the fresh hemp plant used as a medicine for cattle in Assam and in Bengal. 41. (a) Not directly, but indirectly by acting so as to allay fatigue and enable the natural digestive powers to act. (b) Yes. (c) I am unable to say. 42. Yes; I commenced my enquiry into the use of the plant with a preconceived idea, derived from copious assertion, that ganja was a pernicious drug, and that charas and bhang were harmless. I have found that charas and ganja are the same thing in reality, used in the same way, and that, therefore, general opinion was absolutely unreliable. I have been unable to find a single instance during three months' enquiry of any evil effects arising from the use of any of the three products of hemp.  - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN D. PRAIN, Curator of the Herbarium, and Librarian, Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta.


42. Three persons, ganja and bhang consumers, lately examined with the following results:— No. 1 has been consumer for 15 or 16 years. Uses Mohrbhunj ganja or bhang as it is cheaper than Government ganja, but is much weaker than the latter. Smokes twice daily morning and evening. Is in good health. Has had no bad effect. The use causes excitement or intoxication followed by drowsiness and lassitude. Effect lasts 2 or 3 hours. Discontinuation causes eyes and nose to water and has pains all over the body. No. 2 uses Keonjhar ganja as it is cheaper, but is much weaker than Government ganja. Habit of several years' standing. Smokes with tobacco once a day in the morning. Good health. No bad effects. No 3 uses Keonjhar ganja as it is cheaper, but not so strong as Government ganja. Habit 10 years. Smokes with tobacco 4 times a day. In good health. No bad effect. - Evidence of DR. S. J MANOOK, Civil Medical Officer, Singhbhum.


40. Siddhi is used by kabirajes in native medical practice. It is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. Ganja is also said to be used for the latter purpose. 41. (a) Siddhi is used medicinally for digestive disorders. It notably increases the appetite. Ganja also does the same. (b) Like other narcotics, moderate use of ganja is said to give a staying-power under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue. (c) Ganja is said to give immunity from attacks of miasmatic diseases. For medicinal purposes siddhi is used by both the rich and the poor; ganja and charas by labouring classes only. I refer to the moderate habitual use of the drug. 42. The moderate occasional use of the drugs is harmless. The moderate habitual use of the drugs is not known to produce evil effects. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon RAI TARAPROSANNA RAI BAHADUR, Baidya, Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta.


40. Bhang and ganja are prescribed by native doctors in bowel complaints and are recommended as appetisers. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Bhang and ganja are nervous stimulants and give great staying-power under severe exertion, exposure and fatigue. They are great appetisers. Hemp is acknowledged in British Pharmacopœia as a good febrifuge, and is reputed to be prophylactic of malaria in the steamy swamps of Lower Bengal. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is certainly harmless because they are nervine.  - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KANNY LOLL DEY, C.I.E., late Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta.


40. Siddhi or bhang is prescribed by native physicians in atonic dyspepsia, diarrhœa, and as a nervine tonic, and also as anodyne and hypnotic where opium is contra-indicated. Externally as a poultice in local inflammations and external hæmorrhoids, and ganja boiled in mustard oil is used in certain form of skin diseases, such as scabies, pruritus, etc. 41. Ganja is used to give staying-power under exposure and alleviate fatigue by boatmen, cartdrivers, and religious mendicants.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON UPENDRA NATH SEN, Officiating Civil Medical Officer, Malda.


40. Both ganja and bhang are used by kabirajes for medicinal purpose in bowel complaints. Yes, bhang is used in cattle diseases. 41. (a) Ganja and bhang are not parts of food, but undoubtedly they increase the appetite. (b) Ganja and bhang do so. (c) I have no experience of their action as febrifuge or preventive of malaria. (d) They produce sound sleep and relieve pain and anxiety. 42. Moderate use of bhang and ganja do not seem to produce any serious organic mischief - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON BOSONTO KUMAR SEN, in Civil Medical Charge, Bogra.


40. Yes; bhang and ganja are prescribed by the kabirajes for medicinal purposes. Yes; bhang is used for the disease of the cattle. 41. The moderate use of bhang and ganja is beneficial to health to a certain extent: (a) as a digestive; (b) to alleviate fatigue under severe exertion and exposure; (c) as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy districts; (d) as aphrodisiac. This drug is generally used by the low classes of people such as palki-bearers, Domes, dhobies, Bedias, Chamars, fishermen, etc., in order to escape from the influences of malarial diseases and from the effect of fatigue. I refer the above to habitual moderate consumers of ganja and occasional moderate consumers of bhang. Higher classes of people occasionally use ganja and bhang for their aphrodisiac properties. 42. The moderate use of the drugs, ganja and bhang, is beneficial to health.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON NORENDRA NATH GUPTA, Baidya, in Civil Medical charge, Rangpur.


40. Kabirajes prescribe bhang for its medicinal qualities, and ganja for external application. Bhang is used for the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate use of ganja and bhang may be beneficial in their effects. (a), (b) and (c) Yes. (d) Many up-country people take ganja and bhang as a febrifuge. 42. Moderate use of bhang nourishes the body that is, makes it fat, eases pain when present, and it has a cooling effect. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon CHOONEY LALL DASS, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence and Therapeutics, Medical School, Dacca.


40. Medicinally bhang is used internally; ganja, only in external applications. 41. (a) Yes, all three are so used by consumers from all classes. (b) Yes, all three so used by labourers and fishermen. (c) Yes, all three so used mostly by up-countrymen who come for work here. It is the moderate habitual use which is referred to here.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON PREONATH BOSE, Teacher of Materia Medica and Practical Pharmacy, Dacca.


40. In ancient Sanskrit books on medicine bhang is only mentioned. Its synonyms are siddhi, ganja, matulani, madini, bijaya, and jaya. It is used by kabirajes for its medical properties. Ganja is not mentioned in Charaka or Shusrata. In Tantrik books it is mentioned. There it is called ugra and not ganja. It is used by kabirajes as a medicine. Charas is not mentioned in any of these books. I do not know of any of these drugs used for cattle disease, but bhang mixed with turmeric and treacle is given to horses and bullocks after fatiguing journeys. 41. Habitual moderate use. (a) Bhang is digestive, but not food accessory. (b) Ganja is considered to give more stayingpower, and alleviates fatigue than bhang. Both have similar properties. (c) None of the hemp drugs is considered as such. (d) They are stimulants, hence used as such by people living in unhealthy places as well. All classes of people, rich and low, use bhang and ganja for purposes indicated under (a) and (d). Only the poor, who have to undergo severe bodily labour to earn their livelihood, use for purposes indicated under (b). 42. I do not consider it harmless because it affects the brain. Any agent which causes derangement of it by stupefying it cannot be harmless when such condition is produced habitually.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON DEVENDRANATH ROY, Brahmin, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence, Campbell Medical School, Calcutta.


40. Preparations, such as tincture and extract of Cannabis indica, are prescribed on account of their medicinal properties. Bhang is sometimes used for its soothing effect in the form of poultice and fomentation in piles. Ganja and bhang are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang is supposed to be beneficial in its effects— (a) as digestive; (b) as refreshing after fatigue and exposure; (c) as a febrifuge to some extent; (d) as a producer of excitement in doing works promptly and willingly. 42. I consider the moderate use of any of these drugs to be harmless for reasons described in 41 - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON AKBAR KHAN, Teacher, Temple Medical School, Patna.


40. Native physicians, hakims and kabirajes use preparations of hemp plant (Cannabis indica) in the treatment of various diseases. Siddhi is used in the treatment of diarrhœa, dyspepsia, gonorrhœa and seminal debility, also as a diuretic. Externally its powder is applied to fresh wounds and sores to cause granulation. A poultice of the boiled root and leaves is applied for discussing inflammation and cure of erysipelas and for allaying neuralgic pains. It is also considered a very useful remedy in the European system of medicine. It has been used in the treatment of tetanus in horses and proved useful. It is sometimes used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) The moderate habitual use of bhang does increase the appetite, and the consumers seem to thrive well, for instance, the Brajobasis of Mathura and many of the up-country Hindus. Such use of ganja or charas also increases the desire for food in many, although the consumers can seldom take much food. In fact ganja or charas ultimately extinguishes appetite. The appetising effect of bhang also is an abnormal one. (b) All the preparations of the drug, if moderately used, serve to alleviate fatigue, as also give staying power under severe exertion or exposure. The sanyasis, fakirs and poor working classes use the drug for this purpose. (c) It is not an established fact that any of these drugs act as a febrifuge, but persons using them are seen to a certain extent escape the effects of malaria and of damp unhealthy tracts—such as boatmen, fishermen, cultivators of marshy land, etc. (d) Bhang is occasionally used in moderate doses by all classes of Indian people in diarrhœa, dyspepsia, gonorrhœa, and various other diseases. 42. Although its effects may appear to be beneficial for a time and under certain circumstances, the habitual moderate use of the drug cannot be said to be altogether harmless, especially in the dissipated. The consumers of ganja and charas generally look thin and ill-nourished and they often become crosstempered dull and inactive. Moderate use often leads to excessive, especially with the dissipated.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SOORJEE NARAIN SINGH, Kayasth, Bankipur.


40. Ganja and bhang in their naked form are very rarely prescribed by the kabirajes of Bengal, but are occasionally used by the Missers of these places in certain diseases. They are, however, largely used in the composition of several native medicines both in Bengal and in Behar. 41. Those who smoke ganja or drink bhang say that these drugs are digestive, and they alleviate fatigue and give staying-power under exertion and exposure. Boatmen and people in East Bengal smoke ganja to prevent the consequences of damp and vicissitudes of climate. 42. I have not seen any bad effects produced by the moderate use of ganja or bhang, and hence I think that the moderate use of these drugs is harmless. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon NEMAI CHURN CHATTERJI, Brahmin, Bhagalpur.


41. (a) and (b) I believe so. (c) I have no personal knowledge. (d) Not known. Moderate habitual use is referred to.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon BEHARI LAL PAL, Sadgop, Krishnagar, Nadia.


40. Ganja and siddhi are used by the kabirajes as medicines in bowel complaints. 41. (a) (b) (c) No. (d) Yes, medicinally otherwise than as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts, or a febrifuge. The fishermen, the boatmen, the dâk-runners, the palki-bearers and the sweepers consume ganja under the idea that it gives them staying-power under severe exertions or exposure, and alleviates fatigue. It is a mistaken idea. It simply deadens the feelings and sensibilities. While under its influence a man may bring into use all the strength in him without feeling bad till all his strength is drained away and lie is left a complete wreck; just as a man with a paralysed hand (the sensibility only being affected) would handle a piece of live charcoal till the hand is charred and dead and useless, he never feeling at any moment what had been coming on. This is the case with the insufficiently fed poor hard-working men. Those who can afford to eat up to the standard may keep off the injurious effects of the drug for a time, but ultimately they do succumb as well. I refer to the habitual use of the drug.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon HARI MOHAN SEN, Baidya, Chittagong.


41. (a) Siddhi in moderate use is digestive - Evidence of Civil Hospital Assistant TRAILAKYANATH BANERJI, 24-Parganas.


40. Bhang and ganja are prescribed by kabirajes or baidyas on account of their medicinal properties. Bhang is, as far as I know, used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate use of bhang or ganja may be beneficial in its effects—(a) as a food accessory or digestive, and improving appetite; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertions or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue; (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 42. Moderate use of bhang is in my opinion harmless in curing dyspepsia, diarrhœa, etc.  - Evidence of Civil Hospital Assistant MEER KOOMAR ALLY, Municipal Dispensary, Cuttack.


40. Yes; bhang and ganja frequently used by the kabiraj for medical purposes. Yes; bhang is used for the diseases of the cattle. 41. The moderate use of bhang and ganja is beneficial to a certain extent: (a) as a digestive, (b) to alleviate fatigue and exposure, (c) as a preventive of diseases in malarious and unhealthy districts. (d) It is a powerful aphrodisiac. The drug is generally used by the low classes of people, such as palki-bearers, Domes, Chamars, etc. I refer the above to habitual moderate consumers. Higher classes of people occasionally use the drug for its aphrodisiac effect. 42. The moderate use of the drug is beneficial to health to a certain extent.  - Evidence of BABU DURGA DASS LAHIRI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Rangpur.


40. I have never heard of ganja being used by the kabiraj. It is mentioned in the Hindu pharmacopœia, and in various forms enters into the composition of some medicines used for diarrhœa and indigestion; but I think it is rarely so used now. I am not aware that it is ever given to cattle in this district. 41. The moderate use of ganja is not beneficial in any way whatever— (a) It over-stimulates the appetite, causing the smoker to gorge himself with food which he cannot digest, and thus leading to indigestion. (b) It does give staying-power, but the reaction is severe. It demands the stimulant again or the smoker is quite helpless and useless. (c) It is never used as a febrifuge; indeed, if a ganja-smoker has an attack of fever, he dare not indulge in his usual pipe, as it aggravates his condition. The ganja-smoker is as liable to fever as others. It has no prophylactic power in malarious districts. 42. I do not consider the smoking of ganja harmless even in moderation. - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia


40. Bhang is used by kabirajes as medicine. It is also used in homœopathy as Cannabis sativa. It is also used in cattle diseases. Ganja is used in European medicine as tincture and extract of Cannabis indica; but its effects are confined to a small group of diseases. I do not know the use of charas as medicine. 41. Even moderate use of these articles is not beneficial. (a) It first produces ravenous appetite appeased by no food. Subsequently it impairs appetite. It has no power of digestion like alcohol, nor is, like it, a part of food. The diarrhœa and dysentery produced by it shows that it is rather the opposite of digestive. (b) It alleviates fatigue, and gives staying power under exertion; but many drugs less injurious have also the same power, as tobacco or tea. (c) It has no power of preventing fever, or any febrifuge power, as people taking it are equally its victim. (d) Sanyasis allege that their object of using it is to acclimatise them to every climate and to inure them to bear the inclemency of weather. I have seen it stated that ganja is useful during famine and distress, as it acts the part of food and makes up for its deficiency. But I cannot believe that such a statement was ever seriously made. Voracious appetite produced by its use is not economy, nor does it give staying-power under starvation. Among ganja-smokers those are known to keep good health who take milk and other nutritious articles of diet. But men living on sparing diet soon die of bloody dysentery, asthma or phthisis. So its economic or health-keeping power is unauthenticated. 42. It is neither harmless. (1) It is not a necessity to the system, and nature does not tolerate any abuse; so what is unnecessary must be injurious. (2) It is expensive. People are generally halfstarved, and even one pice a day is not a trifling sum for many families. (3) Moderate habit cannot be kept. (4) Even moderate smoking is injurious.  - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra


40. Bhang is often used by the kabirajes and hakims in the treatment of chronic diarrhœa and dysentery; it is also used in dyspepsia. Kamashwar modak, Gangadhar churna, are made from the dried leaves of fresh siddhi. Bhang is considered as a powerful stomachic tonic and astringent. Ganja boiled in mustard oil forms an application for scabies and itches. 41. Yes; in small doses. Bhang in small doses acts as digestive. Ganja-smokers say that it does alleviate fatigue. Extract of ganja sometimes acts as antiperiodic and febrifuge. 42. I cannot call it harmless, but its moderate use is not more injurious than tobacco-smoking.  - Evidence of KAILAS CHUNDRA BOSE, Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.


40. Bhang is used by the native physicians (kabirajes) in several of their medicines, but ganja and charas are never so used. Bhang also forms an ingredient in some of the medicines used in the treatment of cattle. 41. (a) The moderate use of one or other of these drugs may excite cravings for food, especially sweets, which, if satisfied unchecked, often bring on indigestion. (b) They give staying-power, etc., to those only who are habituated to their use. (c) I do not believe they act as febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts. 42. I consider moderate use of any of these drugs (excepting perhaps bhang) to be harmful, inasmuch as moderate use often ultimately culminates into excessive use.  - Evidence of MOHIM CHUNDER, ROY, BRAHMIN, Medical Practitioner, Nator, Rajshahi.


40. Kavirajes prescribe old bhang fried in ghee and mixed generally with carminatives, in cases of chronic diarrhœa and dysentery. The use, however, is mainly confined to this class of disease only, but occasionally used as a nervine tonic. In diarrhœa of cattle bhang is given. 41 and 42. Neither ganja, charas nor bhang is a food accessory; neither of them has any virtue to appease hunger. On the contrary, ganja and bhang intoxication alike creates a desire for food, and people when so intoxicated eat more than they do otherwise; both are digestive to a certain extent. Moderate use of ganja or bhang doubtless gives a staying-power in works of extraordinary physical exertion, such as those of palki-bearers and blacksmiths. These two classes of people, as a rule, smoke ganja, and evidently they derive some help in carrying on their trade. Ganja and bhang appear to exert some influence—a preventive of malarial fever. Ganja-smokers appear to be less liable to malarial attacks than other people. Sanyasis say that ganja-smoking protects them from the evil effects of bad water. This appears to be significant. As a febrifuge, I know one instance in which bhang stopped an attack of tertian ague which formerly resisted treatment. - Evidence of KEDARESWAR ACHARJYA, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Rampur Boalia.


40. Bhang is much used among native doctors, especially housewives, as a corrective of dyspepsia and as a remedy to remove tendency to looseness of the bowels, and doctors of the western system of medicine do not discountenance its use on account of their observation of its good effects in some cases. Hemp is used in the treatment of gonorrhœa, tetanus, and other allied affections. I am not aware of hemp being used in the treatment of cattle diseases. Consumers of hemp enjoy some immunity from diseases in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 41. Bhang may be used safely as a help for weak digestion, and the natives of the up-country provinces are generally in the habit of so using it daily. Charas and ganja smoking has the effect of renovating the system after great bodily exertion and fatigue, and is in use by the labouring classes before or after a day's laborious work. It also diminishes for a time a desire for food, and enables persons accustomed to its use to stand a longer privation of it. I am not aware, from my personal experience, of hemp being used as a febrifuge or preventive of diseases. 42. Moderate use of bhang is beneficial in cases of weak digestion. Charas and ganja smoked in moderation are not baneful. They give tone to the wearied muscular system, and enable the poor labouring classes to withstand privations with greater alacrity than they otherwise would do. - Evidence of MOHES CHUNDER GHOSE, G.M.C.B., Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Ramnagar, 24-Parganas.


40. I do not know any trained medical man ever prescribed ganja or charas for smoking. Cattle are never treated by these drugs. 41. The use of any of these preparations has always been injurious. (a) None of these is ever used as an accessory or digestive food. (b) It does not produce staying-power, nor does it alleviate fatigue. (c) They are never used as febrifuge. 42. The use of these drugs is never without any harm.  - Evidence of DR. MOHAMMAD SADRUL HAQ, Medical Practitioner, Patna City


40. Both ganja and bhang are used for their medicinal properties. Do not know whether they are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. So far as is known to me, (a) Bhang, used moderately, is digestive if drunk. (b) It does. (c) No personal knowledge; but it is said that, in malarious districts, people using ganja are, comparatively speaking, more free from malarious poison. - Evidence of TRAILOKYA NATH MAJUMDAR,* Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Bankipur.


40. Yes, ganja and bhang are used on account of their medicinal qualities. Bhang is used in cattle disease. 41. Yes. (a) The consumption of bhang sharpens the appetite and helps the process of digestion; hence is often prescribed in the form of tincture in dyspepsia. Ganja acts as a food accessory in religious mendicants and beggars who have their meals at irregular hours, and who, during their period of starvation, resort to ganja-smoking, which has the effect of preventing hunger. (b) Ganja-smoking gives staying-power under severe exertion to bearers and boatmen, fishermen, etc., prevents the evil effects of exposure, and alleviates fatigue. (c) Ganja-smoking may act as a febrifuge in malarious and unhealthy tracts. (d) In the form of tincture ganja is very often prescribed successfully in the treatment of tetanus, delirium tremens, sleeplessness, dyspepsia, to relieve pain and spasm. I refer to the moderate occasional use of the drug. 42. The moderate occasional use is harmless, except to those who are predisposed to insanity. The moderate habitual use, as a rule, does not bring on insanity, except in those who are predisposed to it. - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.


40. Ganja and bhang are used as medicine by kabirajes. I have seen ganja used in cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang and ganja are digestive if taken internally in medicinal doses. (b) Yes; to some extent. (c) Yes; may be used in a very mild form. The labouring class mostly use for the purpose. (d) I refer to moderate occasional use. 42. I think moderate use is not injurious, if taken internally for medical purposes.  - Evidence of NIMAI CHARAN DAS,* Vaidya, Medical Practitioner, Chittagong


40. If the native doctors are meant for kabirajes, I know that they use bhang for medicinal purposes in cases of chronic diarrhœa and as an aphrodisiac in the form of kameshar batika, but I am not aware that they ever use charas or ganja medicinally. As I am not a veterinary doctor, I am not aware of any of these drugs being ever used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. I don't think so. (a) Not necessary for a man in good state of health. (b) Yes. (c) I don't believe. (d) No. 42. I don't believe that continuous moderate use of any of these drugs is quite harmless. Every drug or medicine, whether narcotic or non-narcotic, has some action, whether used moderately or excessively, on some particular organ or organs of a human being, whether it be alcohol, bhang, ganja, or charas, or any other drug, and I am inclined to believe that continuous use of any of them is apt to induce some organic or functional mischief upon those who take them, as digitalis and strychnia are apt to induce cumulative action upon the heart and brain or the spinal cord respectively if even continued medicinally for a long time. - Evidence of TARA NATH BAL, Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Mymensingh.


40. Yes; native doctors or kabirajes use ganja or bhang in the several diseases of human beings, and also in several diseases of the cattle, such as loss of appetite and diarrhœa. 41. Yes; the moderate consumption of ganja or bhang primarily gives more appetite and proves digestive. It gives a staying-power under exposure or exertion, and alleviates fatigue. It might be used as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy climates. This is never used as accessory to food. 42. Moderate use is beneficial under such conditions, but through the continued use it becomes harmful. There is another danger, as from the moderate use it leads to excessive consumption, and is thus productive of the pathogenetic effects of the drugs - Evidence of NOCOOR CHANDER BANERJI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bhagalpur.


40. The native physicians generally use siddhi and hemp, etc., for medicinal purposes, simply for the evil desires. The medicine is called madak, which is used by those rajas and zamindars who are addicted to pleasing thoughts and desires. Though the hemp has the power of allaying pains, yet as far as my experience goes, I think that the power of allaying pains is indirect and temporary, i.e., for a few minutes after the madak being taken. 41. (a) None of these drugs are beneficial as a digestive. (b) These alleviate fatigue to some extent, only those who are habituated with these. (c) It has no preventive power to the malarious poisons. 42. It is not at all beneficial, on the contrary harmful, as it disturbs the proper actions and disorganizes the proper functions of some useful organs. - Evidence of LUCKHMY NARAIN NAIK, Mahanyak, Medical Practitioner, Cuttack


40. Yes, bhang is used by kabirajes for their astringent pills for digestion. Tincture of Indian hemp is used for several diseases in the old school of medicines. 41. (a) Bhang is used as a digestive, and under certain circumstances of fatigue to overcome the exhaustion. (c) As a febrifuge and digestive bhang is used by kabirajes. Tincture of Indian hemp is also said to possess anti-periodic properties, but is less used than opium.  - Evidence of BASSUNTO KUMAR ROY, Zamindar and Medical Practitioner, 24-Parganas.


40. (a) Yes. (b) I have no experience in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Yes. (a) As a food accessory or digestive. (b) Yes. (c) Yes; as a febrifuge and preventive.   - Evidence of GURU CHARAN GHOSH, Medical Practitioner, Monghyr.


40. Bhang is prescribed by kabirajes and hakims. 41. (a) Bhang to some extent. (b) Smoking of ganja is said to do so. (c) These drugs are not known to have any direct febrifuge or anti-malarious property, though Cannabis indica is sometimes used for its indirect effect in cases of chronic fever. (d) The labouring classes use ganja for its so-called sustaining power; this effect is produced when the drug is used to a moderate extent. 42. Apart from any other evil effects, the moderate use may lead to the excessive use, and prove injurious in this way. - Evidence of ANNADA PRASANNA GHATAK, M.B., Private Medical Practitioner, Arrah.


Bhang or siddhi is a household remedy of the natives of Bengal for various complaints, especially indigestion. I have seen persons suffering very badly from dyspepsia materially benefited by the moderate use of bhang, combined with aromatics, before food. For its benefit in indigestion, stomach-ache, loss of appetite, and other complaints, it enjoys a good repute amongst the orthodox Hindus, who never forget to put the name of siddhi (signifying success) at the head of the list of articles intended to be bought for any social or religious ceremonies. Now as to the question whether ganja or bhang is always used for purposes of intexication, revelry or dissipation, my answer is in the negative. In countries like Bengal, Orissa and Assam, where poor inhabitants in their daily life are constantly exposed to all vicissitudes of temperature, now burning under a scorching sun, at the next moment being drenched by a heavy shower, it cannot be gainsaid that all sorts of tropical diseases are rampant. Malarious fevers, diarrhœa, dysentery, cholera, influenza, eruptive fevers, are all endemic, and it is a wonder how the people of such places could survive the dire ravages of these diseases. Though thousands of men succumb annually to these maladies, still a large percentage is left to prevent the countries being made deserts. How this large per cent. of people escape the jaws of death amidst such insanitary surroundings? The poor sufferers who cannot either afford to have medical help or medicines, or to travel miles to avail themselves of the benefit of the charitable dispensaries, are saved from their untimely deaths by the use of those drugs which are now the subjects of two Government Commissions. It is a fact beyond dispute, that those who moderately use ganja or opium can tide over or pull through an epidemic better than those who do not. Tetanus, rheumatism,  ague, diarrhœa, dysentery, cholera, dyspepsia and many painful disorders of the urinary or generative organs yield to the anodyne, soporific, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, and other properties of ganja or opium. Aided by these remedies the inhabitants combat for life and death. - Evidence * of RAKHAL DAS GHOSH, Private Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.


40. Yes; bhang is generally used to check diarrhœa and dyspepsia, to produce sleep, and is said to be aphrodisiac by the native physicians. It has really some power to check diarrhœa and dyspepsia. It produces sleep. 41. (a) Ganja and bhang both in small quantities assist digestion. (b) Yes; they give power of endurance to fatigue and exertion. (c) They do not escape malaria. It being a malarial place, I have many opportunities to get patients suffering from malaria among ganja smokers, etc. (d) Ganja smokers are generally muscular, and so much that ganja smokers can be made out from common men. 42. I do not think their moderate use to be beneficial and necessary. They are not essential for the sustenance of our health and life. We have enough of harmless articles in our food to bear us up under fatigue. Their use should be restricted medicinally only - Evidence of DURGA NATH CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, in charge of Tangail Dispensary, Mymensingh.


40. Only siddhi is used for medicinal purposes by kavirajes. 41. Bhang, if taken in small quantity, creates appetite and increases digestive power. All these (bhang, ganja and charas) give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviate fatigue. I believe siddhi is preventive of disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts. Monks, peasants, cultivators, and native sailors, etc., use ganja and charas to obtain staying-power under exposure and to alleviate fatigue. This remark is applicable to moderate consumers only. 42. The moderate use of siddhi is rather harmless. It increases the intellect of the man and does improve the health. - Evidence of BIJOYA RATNA SEN*, Kaviranjan, Kabiraj, Calcutta.


40. Siddhi is often prescribed by native doctors of the Ayurvedic system of treatment for its medicinal properties. Siddhi only is used in cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang, when moderately used, is beneficial in its effects as a food digestive. (b) It is also beneficial as a food, giving staying-power, etc. (c) In some malarious localities, bhang has been moderately and successfully used as a febrifuge or preventive of disease. (d) It is also found useful in cases of chronic diarrhœa and impotency. Ganja and charas, when moderately used, have not been found beneficial as digestive, but they have been found beneficial in respect to severe exertion, exposure or fatigue. 42. The moderate use of ganja and charas, even where not beneficial, does no particular harm, because it does not create any organic disorder, mental derangement, or impair the nervous system and the vigour of the body. - Evidence of GOPEZE MOHUN ROY, Baidya, Kabiraj, Calcutta.


40. Yes, vide my answer to question 37. I do not know if any of them are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. I have already stated that I have no particular experience of ganja and charas, but I have heard that their smoking gives stimulus to work and alleviates fatigue. But I know that drinking bhang and the medicines prepared with it remove looseness of the bowels and impotency. I do not know whether they are febrifuge or preventive of diseases in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 42. I do not think the moderate use of ganja and charas to be harmless, because it causes costiveness giddiness and affects the brain. But siddhi and its seed being admixed in an atomic quantity with other ingredients in the Aurvedic medicine, is beneficial. - Evidence of PIYARI MOHAN KAVIRAJ, Vaidya, Native Physician, Calcutta.


40. As regards the efficacies of bhang, ganja and charas, as written in shastras, certain slokas are quoted. Siddhi is also used in the preparation of tonic balls for horses, and for cough in cattle. 41. The moderate use of the drugs in cold and malarious countries and marshes and unhealthy tracts is rather beneficial in its effects. (a) It sharpens the appetite and is digestive. (b) It alleviates fatigue after exertion. (c) It is rather preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts, but not as a febrifuge. 42. Under certain circumstances, the occasional moderate use of any of these drugs is rather harmless in its effect, - Evidence of BINOD LAL SEN,† Baidya, Kaviraj, Calcutta.


40. The drug designated as bhang is used by the native physicians in preparing their pills, modak pills (digestive pills) and oil, etc. I have never read any treatise on cattle disease, but have heard that bhang is sometimes used in treatment of cattle diseases. 41. I am not acquainted with the use of charas. The qualities of bhang as prescribed in the Ayurveda-Sastra are given below:—Curer of phlegm, it tastes bitter and is retentive, increases appetite, pungent, light, i.e., easily digested, and intoxicating. (From Bhab Prokash) Bhang is pungent and increases appetite, cures leprosy, restorer of vigour and intellect, curer of phlegm, possesses properties of bettering the general health, is received for human benefit, equivalent to nectar of ancient time produced by the churning of the ocean with Mount Mandara, giver of victory, and is favourite of Indra, the King of gods, destroyer of fear, giver of pleasure, and generator of carnal appetites. (From Rajaballava.) Though these qualities are written in Sastra, bhang produces good effects when used according to the instructions of the experienced physician conversant with the principles of Sastra; otherwise not. Consequently I think that bhang has digestive power as it increases appetite, and it relieves fatigue as it gives pleasure when taken. 42. The moderate use of bhang as prescribed in the Sastra may be harmless.  - Evidence* of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District.


40. Native doctors (hakims and vaidyas) prescribe (but in rare cases) bhang in piles cases and sometimes also in fomentation. Sometimes it is used in pasting when the pain is in bones of the several joints of the body. Ganja is often given to the cattle along with gur (raw sugar), dry ginger in aphra disease (a kind of stomach disease common among the cattle). 41. Bhang produces a sort of— (a) false appetite in those who are its new devotees, but after a lapse of time the digestive power becomes weakened and the consumer loses his appetite. (b) while the consumer is in intoxicated state he will feel very little fatigue in exertions. (c) it is not preventive of any disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts. (d) except in the diseases mentioned in 40 it is not beneficial in any other way. Ganja and charas are very injurious drugs, and are never beneficial in any way to human beings. 42. The ganja cannot be beneficial even if moderately used. It dries the blood, and the consumer becomes weak and languid, and he is always in danger of being attacked by asthma, bronchitis, and insanity. Bhang is not as injurious as the ganja; still it is injurious, inasmuch as it produces bowel diseases. Charas dries the blood even if moderately taken and weakens the appetite. - Evidence of BRAHAM DEO NARAIN MISRA, Vaid, Arrah.


40. Siddhi and ganja are prescribed for their medicinal properties by native doctors. Siddhi in small doses is used for diarrhœa. In hot weather siddhi is administered to horses as a refrigerent. 41. To persons addicted to the use of these drugs— (a) it may be of use as a food accessory or digestive; (b) it may give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or may alleviate fatigue; (c) but it is doubtful whether it is a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts; 42. I do not consider the moderate use of these drugs to be harmless. Moderate use may engender a habit.  - Evidence of MADHAB K. DAS, Kayasth, Private Practitioner, Calcutta.


40. Yes, sometimes. 41. It is the popular belief that it is so. - Evidence of the HON'BLE THE MAHARAJA OF GIDHOUR.


40. Both bhang and ganja are prescribed on account of their medicinal qualities. They form ingredients of several well-known and standard medicines in Hindu pharmacy. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Both bhang and ganja possess valuable properties. Both of them are appetisers; bhang is beneficial in cases of chronic diarrhœa; both afford refreshment under severe exertion, exposure, and fatigue; and all the three drugs are used as valuable aphrodisiacs. The classes of men who usually use ganja and bhang for getting staying-power are mentioned in answer 20. For medicinal purposes bhang and ganja are used by men of all classes of the community. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is not only harmless, but positively beneficial to the classes of men mentioned in answer 20.  - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.


40. Bhang is used extensively in the treatment of cattle, horses, and elephants. Ganja and bhang are used by the kabirajes in their medicines. They even ascribe to bhang the following qualities:— (1) Sourness, (2) mawkishness, (3) pungency, (4) bitterness, (5) digestiveness, (6) intoxicating. It is used in relieving rheumo-phlegmatic affections, vitiated blood, impotency, etc. 41. (a) Ganja and bhang are digestive, and alleviate acidity, etc. (b) They give staying-power and alleviate fatigue. (c) An occasional consumer of ganja is found to become moderately habitual consumer when he goes to malarious and unhealthy tracts. Labouring classes (among whom I include also Brahmin cooks, confectioners, and the professional musicians) use ganja for purposes mentioned under the headings (b) and (c), and old and dyspeptic people use it to facilitate digestion. I refer to moderate habitual and occasional use. The benefit derived from indulgence in such drugs counterbalances the harm caused by it. 42. The use of intoxicating drugs, whether moderate or excessive, like intoxicating liquors and other exciting causes, undermines the constitution by giving the system an artificial, and consequently unnatural stimulus. The effect, however, of moderate use is too slow and small to be easily perceivable to any appreciable extent. - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.


40. In some diseases bhang ganja is prescribed by the native physicians. This is also used for the treatment of cattle. 41. The moderate use of bhang (ghata) keeps up the digestive power. The moderate use of ganja gives temporary relief after hard bodily labour. Some of the labouring classes of people use ganja to get refreshed after hard labour. 42. To say the truth the use of these drugs is not beneficial to health.  - Evidence of RAJA MAHIMA RANJAN ROY CHOWDHRY, Zamindar, Kakina, Rangpur.


Moderate indulgence acts, it is believed, as a prophylactic against diseases incidental to the low lying parts of the country which are subject to damp and moisture. Its cheapness recommends it to the poor people who require a stimulant to sustain them in their physical labours, and in its effects is less injurious on the whole than alcoholic drinks. Bhang is a more innocent narcotic. It is generally drunk and is medicinal to some extent in helping digestion. It is largely used in the preparations of the medicines administered by the Kabirajes (native physicians) and is considered both as an appetiser and aphrodisiac. Its use is more extensive among the people of the North-West Provinces, many of whom take it regularly as a stimulating and refreshing beverage every evening, and some even twice a day; nor is the drink, as far as I know, considered reprehensible from a social point of view, for almost every male member of a family uses it freely and openly, and does not look upon its use in the light of a moral delinquency. When used in moderate and regulated doses, it has seldom been known to have any injurious effect.   - Evidence of MAHARAJA BAHADOOR SIR JOTEENDRA MOHUN TAGORE, K.C.S.I., Calcutta.


I believe native kabirajes prescribe ganja as an ingredient in aphrodisiac medicines, and bhang is sometimes used as digestive. A moderate use of ganja is said to help the appetite, but of course I can speak only from hearsay. I certainly believe that it gives staying-power and recuperates a tired man by assisting his repose as I have previously mentioned. - Evidence of RAJA SURJYA KANTA ACHARJYA, BAHADUR, Zamindar, Mooktagacha, Mymensingh.


40. Bhang is prescribed for its medicinal qualities by the native kabirajes It is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate use of bhang is— (a) digestive. (b) Moderate use of ganja gives staying power under severe exertions or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. (c) It is, they say, febrifuge to prevent disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. They also say that moderate habitual use is preventive of the above evils. 42. Use of these drugs is not harmless. They injure the constitution otherwise.  - Evidence of RAI RADHA GOVINDA RAI, SAHIB BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.


40. The bhang is used by kavirajes (Indian doctors) as medicine. I do not know about ganja. Neither ganja nor bhang is used in the treatment of cattle-diseases. 41. (a) The moderate use of bhang is beneficial in its effects as a full accessory to digestion. (b) Ganja is used by the lower classes of the people, which gives them a staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and to alleviate fatigue. I have dealt with the preparation of the consuming people in question No 26. I refer to moderate occasional use of the drug here. 42. Yes, I consider the moderate use of ganja and bhang to be harmless. I never heard of any such moderate consumers to have suffered from its effect. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RADHA BALLAV CHOWDHURI, BAIDYA, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sherpur Town, Mymensingh District.


41. Fakirs smoke ganja for the purpose of preventing the accumulation of phlegm, since they have to travel on pilgrimages in different climates. Palki-bearers and coolies smoke ganja to find relief from fatigue. Bhang is used by many as medicine, and by some as an intoxicant. It is difficult to say how much pleasure is felt by those who use either ganja or bhang or both.  - Evidence of RAI TARA PERSAD MUKERJEE BAHADUR, Brahman, Zamindar, Pleader, Saran Bar, Chairman of Municipal Board, Revelganj, and of Local Board, Chapra, President, Bench of Magistrates, Chapra and Revelganj.


40. The use of ganja and siddhi is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by kavirajes. Both ganja and siddhi are used in the treatment of some cattle diseases. 41. The moderate occasional use of ganja and siddhi is beneficial in its effects— (a) as a digestive; (b) to give staying-power under exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue; (c) as a febrifuge in malarious tracts; (d) in curing impotency. 42. I think the moderate use of these drugs to be harmless. - Evidence of BABU HARI KRISHNA MAZUMDAR, Baidya, Zamindar, Islampur, District Murshidabad.


41. Ganja is smoked to counteract the evil influences of the climate and also for purposes of intoxication. Bhang is used as a stimulant and also as a provocative of appetite. It keeps the system cool. The use of ganja enables one to concentrate his attention to any subject that one takes up. The pleasure consists in the narcotic effects produced by the consumption of the drugs.  - Evidence of FAZL RUNBBEE, Dewan to His Highness the Nawab Bahadur of Murshidabad, Murshidabad.


40. All the schools of native doctors prescribe invariably bhang-taking on account of its medicinal properties, and bhang is widely used in the treatment of cattle disease. Bhang is a sovereign remedy for the poor in sit-jvara (periodical fever). 41. Ganja may in cases of (b) and (c), and bhang may in (a) and (b), but not charas. Sadhus (ascetics) generally use bhang for purposes mentioned in (a) and (b), and ganja for (b) and (c), and also for the purpose of averting the injurious effects of bad climate of several places when they go on pilgrimage. There is a certain class of sadhus called "tapasvi" and "naga," large in number, who do not live in houses even in the winter season, but in open place, and moreover do not keep cloths upon their bodies, and to them ganja-smoking is a matter of necessity in order to warm them. I refer to the moderate habitual use of ganja, because moderate occasional use thereof generally ends in moderate habitual use. In case of bhang I refer to the moderate occasional use. 42. Yes, harmless. Moderate use of ganja acts as a stimulant and prevents the injurious effects of cold upon constitution, climatic or otherwise. The use of bhang prevents and cures many diseases, such as piles, indigestion, and fever, and also has refreshing effect. - Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur


40. Yes, only bhang is largely prescribed and used in some way or other for its medical qualities by the Hindu school of medical science or Ayurveda. Ganja is used by European doctors, of course mixed with some other ingredients. I am not aware of their use in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) The moderate use of bhang is beneficial, as it tends to help digestion. The use is not confined to any special class. (b) Ganja gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and tends to alleviate fatigue. It is used by the industrial classes as such, and in moderate quantities. (c) It is said to be a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Moderately used by the industrial classes. (d) Bhang with sugar is sometimes consumed moderately by songsters to make their voice sweet. 42. Yes. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRA NATH PAL CHOWDHURY, Zamindar, Ranaghat, District Nadia.


41. (a) Bhang and ganja help digestion. (b) Bhang and ganja make men indefatigiable. (c) Not known. Labouring classes generally use them for those purposes, and we generally give bhang and gur to our horses when overworked. 42. Moderate use of bhang is harmless, since it gives necessary stimulation. - Evidence of BABU GIRJAPAT SAHAI, Kayasth, Zamindar, Patna.


40. I have stated about the medicinal properties of bhang and ganja that I know of in my answers to some of the foregoing questions. 41. (a) Bhang is used by some as a food accessory.
(b) Ganja is smoked to give staying power, etc., etc., etc. (c) Supposed to safeguard against the influence of climate. Moderate habitual use is supposed to attain these objects. - Evidence of BABU RADHIKA CHURN SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar, Berhampur.


40. Bhang is used in the preparation of several Ayurvedic medicines; it is also frequently drunk alone or in combination with suitable drugs for the removal of hæmorrhoids and constipation. In the treatment of cattle diseases it is also used largely. Ganja is used by Ayurvedic physicians in the preparation of several kinds of oils for external application. 41. The moderate use of bhang may be beneficial in its effects— (a) As a food accessory or digestive. Under the influence of bhang a larger quantity of food, especially of a saccharine and starchy kind, can be consumed and digested, and this effect is popularly well-known. (b) Moderate use of ganja may be beneficial in its effects to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. The immunity of sadhus from the evil effects of exposure to which they are extremely liable is attributed to the use of ganja. I have known members of this class to sit all night on the bank of the Ganges or any equally exposed place in the coldest month of the year without any shelter over their heads or any cloth to cover their bodies except a narrow strip of loin cloth, and to bear this extraordinary exposure with impunity by taking chillum after chillum of ganja. Dhobies, boatmen, and fishermen, who have constantly to be out in all sorts of weather, and to be always coming in contact with water, attribute to the use of ganja their escape from the evil effects of the exposure. As an alleviation of fatigue I have seen palki-bearers tramp for ten miles with their unsightly machine and its occupants in the hottest sun, and at a brief break perspire like horses and look utterly exhausted, but after a chillum or two of ganja had been passed round they would tramp for another ten miles like a relay of fresh animals. The latter part of this question is answered by what has been stated above. I refer to moderate habitual use for the purposes of (a) and (d), and to moderate occasional use for the purposes of (b) and (c). (c) As a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious tract, it is well known that sometimes a draught of bhang taken a few hours before the "paroxysm in tertian quotidian" and other kinds of malarial fever cuts short the attack, and it is not uncommonly used for this purpose. (d) In any other way, as stated elsewhere, sufferers from hæmorrhoids and habitual constipation find a daily use of a moderate quantity of bhang extremely beneficial in alleviating and even curing their complaints. Question 42.[oral evidence]—It is the opinion of Hindu physicians that fever and ague are beneficially treated with bhang. I have seen cases in which it was given, but I have never taken it myself  - Evidence of BABU RUGHU NANDAN PRASADHA, Zamindar, Patna.


40. The kabirajes or native doctors use ganja and bhang in the preparation of some of their medicines. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate use of ganja and bhang is beneficial as giving staying power under severe exertion or exposure, as alleviating fatigue, and as febrifuge; they possess also medicinal virtues. Bhang is believed to be beneficial in cases of chronic diarrhœa. 42. I consider the moderate use of these drugs to be harmless for the reasons stated in my answer No. 41.  - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore.


40. Not known. The bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) The moderate use of ganja, bhang and charas is beneficial in effects as digestive and as a remedy against cold. (b) To give a staying power under severe exertion and exposure, and alleviate fatigue. Lower order of people generally use these drugs for the above purposes, but their proportion is not known. The moderate habitual use of these drugs is referred to here. 42. Not necessary.  - Evidence of GOSSAIN MOHENDRA GIR, Sanyasi, Zamindar, English Bazar, Malda.


41. I am informed that the moderate use of bhang may be beneficial in its effect(a) as food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. (c) The moderate use of ganja, I am also informed, serves as a preventive of disease in unhealthy places like Ranpur, etc. (d) I do not know in any other way. I am informed that 20 per cent. higher class of people use bhang for the above purposes and 90 per cent. of lower class of people smoke ganja in unhealthy places. I refer to moderate occasional use in regard to bhang and to moderate habitual use in regard to ganja. 42. Nil. -  Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore


40. I know that native kabirajes make some sort of aphrodisiac medicine, rather confections, in which ganja is one of the ingredients. Bhang is used sometimes as a digestive medicine. I have never seen ganja to be used for cattle diseases. 41. Moderate use of ganja, as I said before, gives staying power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. As for other matters referred in this question, I have no better knowledge. 42. I cannot say that use of ganja in any shape and form is harmless in the long run.  - Evidence of BABU JAGAT KISHOR ACHARJEA CHAUDHURI, Brahmin, Zamindar, Muktagacha, District Mymensingh


40. Only bhang is used medicinal purposes. Ganja and bhang are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of bhang may be beneficial in its effects. 42. The moderate use of charas and ganja will not do much harm.  - Evidence of BABU KAMALESWARI PERSAD, Zamindar, Monghyr.


40. The use of bhang is sometimes prescribed by native doctors (Hindu kabirajes) in cases of chronic looseness and in other bowel complaints. Bhang leaves dried are used in fomentation in cases of rheumatism. Ganja is used in medicine for paralysis. Those whom I consulted cannot say if these drugs are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. My remarks apply only to ganja and bhang and not to charas. There is a division in the opinion of the smokers. Some say that a moderate use of ganja is digestive, whilst others deny this. It is relieving (and this fact is admitted by many) after severe exertion or exposure. It does not serve as a febrifuge or preventive of diseases in malarious tracts. Its use is admitted, even by the smokers themselves sometimes, as bad in effect. Moderate use in bhang is admitted by many as beneficial in all cases of (a), (b), (c), and (d). There is no special class of people to whom the above remarks apply, except those who are known amongst the Hindus as "religious mendicants"; they use exclusively bhang. My remarks apply to both moderate habitual use as well as to moderate occasional use of the drug. 42. I have mentioned above that moderate use of bhang is beneficial. Moderate use of ganja may not be beneficial, but it is harmless, because it is not very expensive, nor the smokers are in any way troublesome to the neighbours.  - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar,  District Dacca.


40. No drug is ever prescribed by the native doctors for medicinal purposes, except in rare instances the kabirajes do so in diarrhœa and dysentery to drink bhang only. 41. (a) Bhang to a certain extent for increasing digestion. (b) Bhang to a certain extent for increasing digestion. (c) No. (d) No. The middle class (bhadralok) use bhang for promoting digestion. They use in moderation generally. 42. I do not believe harmless at all.  - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore


40. Bhang is used for medicinal purposes by kabiraj. It is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. Ganja is also used for medicinal purposes, to cure rheumatic and paralytic pains, which I have personally experienced. 41. (a) Bhang is used as a digestive. (b) Ganja is used under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue, and as a staying power under severe exertion. (c) Ganja is used as a preventive of disease in malarious tracts. Low class people use ganja. Middle and high classes, especially up-country men, use bhang. The moderate habitual use is referred to. 42. The moderate use of bhang is harmless, because it fattens the body and increases the strength, whereas this is not the case with ganja rather it spoils blood and reduces men to skeletons. - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.


41. (a), (b), (c), (d) No. The ordinary labourers, such as coolies, use the drugs for giving staying-power in severe toil or to alleviate fatigue. The moderate habitual use is what is referred to here. 42. No, I do not think them to be harmless. For the use of the drugs demoralizes the character of people. The more injurious I consider these drugs to use, as people cannot be moderate in it. Though few people may be moderate for a short time, their moderation by and bye reaches excess. A man, who by using the drugs, loses his self-independence and self-control, cannot stick to moderation.  - Evidence of SYAD ABDUL JABBAR, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.


40. Bhang is used in several medicines of the Hindu Pharmacopœia. 41. Yes; as above written. 42. I think moderate occasional use of these drugs is harmless. I cannot tell whether habitual consumption is so. Probably it is not, for all sorts of intoxication affect the vital organs, brain and liver, and have thus a tendency to impair general health, and, when the habit is confirmed, to produce dulness of intellect at the same time,  - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA KISHORE RAI CHAUDHURI, Zamindar, Ramgopalpur, District Mymensingh.


40. Bhang only is used in treatment of cattle disease. 42. Excessive use of ganja makes the man insane, and of bhang stupid.  - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.


41. The bhang consists of digestive power. 42. The use of bhang is not beneficial. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL SINGH, Zamindar, Kumarsar, Bhagalpur.


40. Very seldom bhang is prescribed as a febrifuge. Bhang mixed with "sattu" (ground gram) is sometimes given to fatigued cattle after extraordinary exertions with very good effect. 41. (a) Bhang acts as a fillip to the appetite, not so the others. (b) Bhang is taken more to comfort the system as it were than to give staying-power or alleviate fatigue. (c) Occasionally used as a febrifuge. The moderate habitual use of the drug is referred to above. 42. The consensus of opinion available near me is that the moderate use of these drugs, especially bhang, is not harmful. - Evidence of MR. L. H. MYLNE, Zamindar and Indigo-planter, Justice of the Peace, President of Independent Bench of Honorary Magistrates, Chairman of Jugdispur Municipality, District Shahabad.


41. I believe it helps a man to sustain greater fatigue, especially during wet or cold weather.  - Evidence of MR. F. G. GIBSON, Indigo Planter, Jessore.


40. The native doctors of the old school are in the habit of prescribing this drug on account of its medicinal effects. It is used in the treatment of cattle-diseases. 41. The moderate use of these drugs seems to do no harm. The people who consume them state they act as a food accessory; that they do give staying-powers and alleviate fatigue; that they are also of use in unhealthy tracts of country, and there is decidedly a certain amount of truth in these statements. 42. The moderate use of these drugs seems to be beneficial to some people, and they state the drug acts as a stimulant.  - Evidence of MR. JOHN D. GWILT, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling.


41. I do not think so. 42. Certainly not harmless - Evidence, of MR. JNO. RUDD RAINEY, Proprietor of "Khulna Estate," Khulna.


40. Ganja.—In cases of pain in the stomach. Bhang is at times administered to cattle as a medicine.  - Evidence of Mr. A. G. M. WODSCHOW, Assistant Manager, Indigo and Zamindari, Dumur Factory, Purnea.


41. The object and the pleasures of these drugs may be thus described:— Bhang.—The object is twofold—(1) medicinal, and (2) pleasure-giving. Medicinally, bhang is reported to be eradicative or at least palliative of constipation, and to alleviate the pains of piles. It is used in many other cases of other ailments. (b) Used as a drug in a moderate measure to give pleasure, it is considered to be less injurious to health than the country grog. The pleasure derived from its use is different from that enjoyed by taking spirituous liquors. It is difficult to propound the difference. Mainly, however, while the former enlivens, the latter stupefies. While the former brightens up memory and aids the conversational powers of the user for the time being, the latter invariably dulls them. Ganja.—Medicinally ganja is reported to cure cold and all complaints arising out of cold in the human system. It reduces fat and corpulence. As an intoxicant, it is notorious for its rapid action and effect. One pull or two suffices the novice for hours. One or two pulls is considered enough for a couple of hours for a hardened user. Compared with bhang, ganja is more stupefying and dulling than even bhang. To draw now a parallel between the two drugs. Bhang (siddhi) acts slowly; ganja (as its other name "Turita" signifies) acts instantaneously. Unless an occasional dose of an antidote (roving mendicants use such antidotes) is taken, the excess use of the latter affects the brain more rapidly than an excess use of the former. Both produce nervous debility.  -  Evidence of BABU GAURI SHANKAR, Manager, Bachour, Darbhanga.


40. The native school of medicine makes very extensive use of bhang or siddhi for internal use in such diseases as indigestion, diarrhœa, dysentery, etc. But I am aware of no disease in which ganja is used internally by the native school of medicine. My answer to question 19 gives the cases of the external use of ganja. I have no knowledge as to whether any of these drugs is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) I have obtained the testimony of several hemp smokers, and it is evident from that that these drugs are neither food accessory nor digestive. (b) It is said by the smokers that the smoking of these drugs alleviates fatigue. They also say that these drugs enable them to work hard patiently. (c) I don't think that these drugs have any antimalarious properties. The people belonging to labouring class use these drugs for the above purposes. The effects, I speak of, have reference to the moderate habitual use of the drugs. 42. In my opinion the moderate use of ganja and bhang under certain circumstances is harmless, inasmuch as such use is prescribed at times by medical advisers.  - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.


40. Yes, bhang is often prescribed by kabirajes, but I do not think ganja or charas is. I have heard that ganja is applied to extract worms in foot-sore disease of cattle. 41. The moderate use of ganja, charas and bhang is not harmful. People say that it is digestive, gives staying-power, and keeps off fever. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless, but it is very difficult to draw the line where the harm begins. It is said that one chillum of ganja is happiness, two heavenly, three intoxicating, and the fourth madness. Another saying is one chillum is so-and-so, two is refreshing, three is prime minister, and the fourth is kingly.  - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera.


41. Coolies and palki-bearers use ganja only to enable them to labour hard. Bhang is used more for medicinal purposes. Ganja and bhang make men jolly.  - Evidence of BABU SASHI BHUSHAN ROY, Chairman, Satkhira Municipality, District Khulna.


Extracts and tinctures of Cannabis indica are now and then prescribed for its medicinal qualities by native doctors. Ganja boiled with oil is used for the cure of itches and other allied skin affections. Powdered siddhi with other ingredients are often used by native kabirajes for the cure of many diseases of the digestive tract and many nervous disorders. 41. The moderate smoking of ganja and charas increases, no doubt, appetite and is digestive to some extent. I admit that they act beneficially in this wise, but act injuriously in many ways. First.—It brings on bronchitis and some other chest diseases. Second.— It blunts the memory, produces giddiness of the brain and makes temper irritable. Moderate use brings on in many cases excessive use, and thus it makes the fruitful cause of insanity so notoriously known to every medical man. It is the cause of almost all cases of insanity. I have seen many people have become mad by the excessive smoking of ganja, but as charas-smokers are only few, so insanity from charas-smoking I have never seen. I admit that moderate use of ganja and charas gives staying power under severe exertion and exposure, and to alleviate fatigue; but these effects last for some time after the smoking. After smoking ganja or charas the smoker feels little easiness of mind and body from his fatigue, exposure or exertions, but that lasts not long, stays a few hours and goes off leaving a reaction which is very sedative to the system. So taking the good and bad qualities of ganja and charas smoking into consideration, I am of opinion that the people of our country will be highly benefited if Government be graciously inclined to stop altogether the sale of ganja and charas, for our people can well comfortably live without them. As for the moderate use of siddhi, I am of opinion that this substance, so largely used by our people, is very useful and beneficial to the health either as a food or medicine, so largely prescribed by the native kabirajes. There shall, I think, be a general murmur and dissatisfaction of the people who use it if the sale of this drug is stopped altogether. The above answer includes my answer to questions 48 and 50. I have treated many cases of ganja-smokers attacked with fever. I met with considerable difficulty in curing them with medicines. Whenever I have administered medicines to check their fevers, they make no action, but rather aggravate the sufferings of the patient; consequently I was obliged to stop all medicines, and cured their fevers only with the application of ice to their heads and cooling drinks. 42. Not altogether harmless. It has some injurious qualities which I have explained in my other answers. - Evidence of BABU AGHORE NATH BANERJI,* Vice-Chairman, Serampore Municipality, District 40, Hughli.


40. Bhang is used by some native doctors as a medicine, and is also used in some cattle diseases. 41. (a) No; it is not a digestive. (b) No; on the contrary, it weakens and unfits those who take any of these drugs to do much physical or mental labour. Little exertion exhausts them. (c) Sometimes it is used in ague. (d) No. I refer to both. 42. The use of none of these drugs is harmless, but decidedly injurious to health. I have seen several moderate consumers and they lose flesh. Question 41[oral evidence].—-My father used to keep a farm, and our labourers, who were ganja consumers, never used to work properly. I used to help my father in the farm till I left Monghyr, 12 years ago. It is on this experience that I state that little exertion exhausts ganja-smokers. Dooly-bearers do not smoke ganja. I have never seen them in possession of the sort of chillum which is used for ganja-smoking, nor noticed the smell peculiar to the habit, nor the blackened lips. I speak of the dooly-bearers of Monghyr.  - Evidence of the REV. PREM CHAND, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya.


42. No. The moderate use has an aphrodisiacal effect, which must be very harmful. And it is next to impossible for men to keep on moderately always with substances of this kind. Usually lack of means is the main argument for moderation. Consumers wish to enjoy the intoxicating effects.  - Evidence of the REVD. W. B. PHILLIPS, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Calcutta.


40. The native doctors mix ganja and other drugs with oil, and this preparation is prescribed for skin diseases. Siddhi is generally prescribed in chronic dysentery and diarrhœa and in some forms of chest diseases. 41. (a) The moderate use of bhang only may aid digestion. (b) I have no experience. (c) No. I refer to moderate occasional use of siddhi, which aids digestion. 42. The moderate use of ganja is not harmless. The unnecessary irritation and excitement of the brain and nervous system in consequence of ganjasmoking impairs the vitality, and it often produces dysentery and even consumption in advanced age, especially amongst the lower classes, for want of proper nourishment.  - Evidence of the REVD. G. C. DUTT, Missionary, Khulna


40. Bhang is prescribed for diarrhœa and indigestion by kavirajes. It is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 42. I consider the moderate use of bhang to be harmless, as far as physical health is concerned. I have seen hundreds of moderate consumers of bhang keeping good health and good temper. Excesses only lead to forgetfulness. But I condemn intoxication in any form, however slight, as injurious to a man's spiritual development. - Evidence of BABU PURNENDU NARAYAN SINHA, Kayasth, Pleader and Zamindar, Bankipur, District Patna.


40. Yes, bhang and ganja form ingredients for standard medicines of the kabiraji system. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. I can speak of ganja and bhang only. An aged labourer is enabled to carry on his vocation without feeling any sense of fatigue. Dyspeptic persons have their appetites stimulated and day-labourers earn greater wages from the invigorating virtues of the drug. Boatmen ward off cold and stand in a better frame of body to work in all weathers. Mendicants feel the same advantages in their nomad condition. Bad characters feel more venturesome in committing misdeeds, and immoral persons to enjoy the pleasures of licentious habits. Men with religious tendencies devote themselves to the contemplation of the higher concerns of life, and for these objects and benefits and pleasures, the use of the drug is so widely diffused. Ganja has a famous name Turitanand which the consumers have given it in their affectionate regard for its virtues. It gives delight in a moment. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (d) Read answer 20. I am informed men of all classes of the community make use of bhang and ganja for medicinal purposes. 42. The use of bhang and ganja is not only harmless, but beneficial to the people, as explained in answer 20 - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA CHANDRA MITRA, Kayasth, Pleader, Honorary Magistrate, and Municipal Chairman, Naihati, 24-Parganas.


40. Bhang is prescribed by native physicians in some diseases. I have heard that ganja-smoking is also prescribed in cases of asthmatic fits, but I have no personal knowledge. Wild hemp plants are used for cattle disease. 41. I think the moderate use of bhang is beneficial as a digestive in some cases. I do not know if the other two drugs are in any way beneficial. (b), (c) and (d) I do not know anything further. I do not know what classes consume the drug. 42. I cannot say if the moderate use of any of these drugs is harmless, but I have seen many moderate consumers of bhang disclose no visible signs of injury to their system, though the habitual consumers of it have very often displayed what I consider to be temporary dullness.  - Evidence of BABU MADHAVA CHANDRA CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Dinajpur.


40. Bhang is used by the kabirajes for medicinal purposes. The hemp is indigenously used for external application in itches, humours, etc. 41. The moderate use of bhang for a limited time is known to be digestive, but it is injurious, if continued for a length of time. The moderate occasional use of ganja (but not bhang) is said to have alleviated fatigue and given staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, but there is always a reaction and depression afterwards. As to (c), there is no medical opinion in its favour, but the ganja-smokers are heard to extol the drug in such a manner, which, I think, they are, as a rule, bound to do. The drug is never used for sale purposes mentioned in (a), (b), and (c), for we have never seen any one, who is not a ganjasmoker, to smoke ganja for those purposes, but the ganja-smokers are reported to have said that. 42. The occasional moderate use of the drug may be harmless, but to be temperate in these intoxicating drugs is next to impossible.  - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra


40. Kabirajes prescribe bhang for acidity and indigestion. Bhang is also used in treatment of cattle disease. 41. Their moderate use is not beneficial. By this I mean that their use by a man of healthy constitution is not beneficial. But the use of bhang by a dyspeptic is digestive. Use of ganja alleviates fatigue. It is also used as a preventive in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Labouring classes, more specially palki-bearers, use ganja for the purposes described in (b) and (c). 42. I don't consider moderate use ever to be harmless. It makes the consumer peevish.  - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.


40. (a) Yes, bhang only. (b) Yes. 41. Yes, it is generally known as "turitananda." (a) Yes, digestive. (b) and (c) Yes. (d) Not known. Respectable class of people use bhang as a preventive for looseness of stomach, and in small quantity in the last day of Durga Puja. Amongst low and other classes the use of both ganja and bhang is almost always habitual and in most cases in moderate quantity. 42. Yes; it is harmless. It is used to prevent exposure by the religious mendicants who resort to it for concentrating their mind to God. The lower class of people are known also to use it for the bad purpose, as well as to enable them to work hard.  - Evidence of PUNDIT RAKHAL CHUNDER TEWARY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Diamond Harbour, 24-Parganas.


40. Yes, bhang is given by the kabiraj in diarrhœa, dysentery and other bowel complaints; ganja in cholera cases sometimes, and also in asthma and bronchitis. I don't know that any of them are given in cattle disease. I have omitted charas from consideration. 41. I omit charas from consideration. (a) They are; as a food accessory but not as a digestive; and they are so, only in the first stages of consumption before one forms the habit. After that they impair digestion. (b) They are beneficial in the way stated in the question; but only for the time being. (c) I do not know, and I have never heard of that before; though I fully expect I should have heard so from people, if that were a fact. As regards (b), the cooks, domestic servants, and palki-bearers or load-carriers, handicraftsmen, are the people I have in mind. I have had in view only the case of moderate occasional consumers. 42. Of course, it is too much to say harmless of any intoxicating drug; but I certainly think that ganja or bhang consumption, if moderate, does not produce any appreciable harm from any point of view here relevant. Because moderate consumers, as I have said, do not generally develop into excessive consumers, nor do they neglect their own legitimate work; nor in the vast majority of cases do they do much harm to their own body. - Evidence of BABU SASADHAR ROY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Rajshahi


40. I am not in a position to answer this question. I have heard, however, that the drugs are used for medicinal purposes. I do not know whether they are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) It is believed by some that siddhi sharpens appetite and also digests food. Some men drink siddhi in a moderate quantity, so as to be able to eat much in a feast. I do not believe that siddhi or the other drugs have any such effect. (b) The drugs do not give staying-power under severe exertion. Ganja smoking appears to produce beneficial effect in the case of those who are constantly exposed to the weather, such as fishermen and religious mendicants. Moderate occasional use may do good to the former and moderate habitual use to the latter. The use of the drugs in a moderate degree may alleviate fatigue by bringing on sleep and insensibility but with bad after-effect. (c) I believe not. There are different opinions on the point. Ganja smokers are generally of weak constitution. 42. I do not consider the moderate use of any of the three drugs harmless, specially in the case of those who are engaged in the intellectual pursuit of life. Those who wish to have their head cool and hands steady should not use any of the drugs. The use may he harmless, nay necessary in the case of those who would otherwise catch cold by exposure. In such cases the use may be regarded in the same light as the use of any medicine.  - Evidence of BABU JADUNATH KANJILAL, Brahmin, Pleader, Judge's Court, Hughli.


40. Bhang is given to horses and horned cattle when sick. A preparation of ganja is used by kabirajes in asthma and some female diseases. Hakims occasionally use bhang and ganja. Horses of the best kind are given bhang even in European houses. Madak is a ball of the size of a big plum. It has bhang in it. It is a nerve tonic; has digestive properties. For old people it is highly beneficial. It is often used as aphrodisiac (kameshwar madak). As such it is superior to arsenic, strychnine, and even many preparations of iron. The habit of eating opium can go by taking these balls. It is one of the best medicines in our pharmacopœia. Hakims also use bhang in this way. 41. Yes. Before a feast, you will see all ganja smokers having a pull. It gives appetite and is digestive too. Bhang is well-known for this effect. Many hawkers sell hajmi guli (digestive pills). It contains a little bhang, and is most extensively used. Mr. Forbes Mitchell in his Reminiscences of the Mutiny, speaks in raptures of a pill of opium after a terrible march in summer. The effect of opium is slow. But ganja or a cup of bhang works wonders on the sons of toil. A man works the more if he can have a smoke whilst working. The staying-power is great. Alcohol makes man lose control over his muscles; but opium, ganja, and bhang have a contrary effect. As a preventive of diseases one has only to look at the sadhus, who have to remain on mountains, travel through jungles and marshes. Bhairavis ( female ascetics ) use ganja and bhang. People have a notion that these people possess wonderful medicines. Most medicines they give contain opium and bhang, though mercury is used too. In malarious places opium is extensively consumed. It is a remarkable fact that ganja smokers were free from attacks of fever when malaria appeared in Baraset, etc. In cases of diarrhœa bhang is used by all classes of the people and with effect. The higher classes do not ordinarily use ganja in unhealthy places, but bhang and opium are used by all, even by females. Of course bhang is taken occasionally, but charas and ganja are daily used. 42. "The immoderate use of amrita (nectar) leads to evil," says the great Siva. The reports of our lunatic asylums shew that 95 per cent. of insane people are ganja smokers. "Smoke ganja moderately and you may live for three hundred years," says another ancient physician. Bhang cannot be taken to excess as well as opium. A drunkard's craving increases with each glass. But unless the habit be gradually acquired, he cannot take more bhang or opium than he is accustomed to. The punishment is instant. Moderate use of opium and bhang leads to longevity. This is seen and known throughout the country. The tone of the system remains the same. There is good appetite, good digestion, good sleep, and no after-effect. An opium eater or a ganja smoker is be-ara (out of sorts) when the time comes for its use. But after he has it, he becomes fit for business.  - Evidence of BABU BEPRODAS BANERJEE,* Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality.


40. These drugs are used by native doctors for medicinal purposes. I have never heard of its ever being beneficial to cattle disease. 41. (a) Yes, I have already stated before. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. I know nothing about ganja. The coolies come from Hazaribag, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, to Burdwan and Hughli, for menial service or cultivation purposes. Up-country men such as panka-puller, palki-bearer, watercarrier, darwan, constable come to Burdwan, Hughli, after those districts turned to be malarious; also low classes, Bagdi, Hari, and Chandáls, use ganja as preventive of fever. The number of up-country men, who consume ganja is greater than that of the natives. 42. Yes, if not beneficial, moderate use of this drug is harmless. Moderate use is refreshing, and does create appetite, and bad climate can't injure health; the exposure would not make ill such, as constables in winter season are required to patrol in the night. They, I hear from several persons, keep health for the moderate use of ganja. They don't use excessively for the fear of being detected; so it is harmless - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District.


40. Ganja is used in a preparation of oil for the cure of itches. No school of native doctors prescribe its use to lepers; it is only the quacks who advise its use to them. Siddhi is used by kabirajes in a preparation of medicine for the cure of "ambalshul". Charas is never prescribed by anybody for any disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja is sometimes thought to be beneficial in its effects, (a) as a food digestive, (b) to give staying power under severe exposure, and (c) as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. But whether this is actually beneficial in its effects or not, I cannot say. 42. If the moderate use of ganja is not beneficial in its effects, I cannot say that it is harmless. A moderate use will lead to immoderate use; and it will serve to gradually sap the intellect of the consumers and make a wreck of it. Besides, it is not economical. Ganja-smokers want a little milk and ghi which entail on them an additional expense, which is often too much for poor people. - Evidence of BABU ABINAS CHANDRA DASS, M. A., B. L., Pleader, Judge's Court, Bankura.


40. Native physicians prescribe bhang or some preparation of it in acute disorders of the stomach of men. I have known of cases of this nature where bhang did excellent work in curing looseness of stomach. 41. Yes, the moderate use of these two drugs gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and also alleviates fatigue. In cholera epidemics I have seen lower classes of people use bhang as a preventive and also as medicine with success. Small number of low class people use bhang in epidemic cholera. I mean the occasional use of the bhang drug. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless. I have given my reasons in answer 41.  - Evidence of BABU ANANGO MOHAN NAHA, Kayasth, Judge's Court Pleader, Comilla, Tippera District.


40. Yes, I am not aware whether they are used in cattle disease. 41. (a) Cannot say. (b) Yes. (c) Cannot say. I refer to moderate occasional use. 42. Generally ganja-smoking produces injurious effects on the constitution of the person smoking. A ganja-smoker (even a moderate smoker) may be at once detected by his blood-shot and red eyes and the peculiar expression of his face.  - Evidence of BABU KAILAS CHANDRA DUTTA, Baidya, Vakil, Judge's Court, Comilla, Tippera District.


40. Bhang is prescribed sometimes by native physicians for its medicinal qualities, but it is not known to be used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Moderate use of bhang is beneficial in its effects in cases of disorder of the digestive functions; (b) while ganja used in a moderate quantity, gives considerable relief to those who are fatigued and exhausted under severe bodily exertions. For this property of the ganja the labouring classes of people consider it to be one of the necessaries of their life. 42. Experience shows that those who are in the habit of moderately using either of these drugs do not suffer bodily or mentally to any appreciable extent. It is the excess only that brings on bodily ailments as well as mental deterioration. - Evidence of BABU MOHINI MOHAN BURDHAN, Kayasth, District Government Pleader of Tippera.


40. Bhang is used by native kabirajes. 42. Moderate use harmless. - Evidence of BABU TARA NATH CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Faridpur.


40. Yes; they are so prescribed, though very rarely, by regular physicians. Quacks, however, prescribe them largely in some cases. I am not aware that they are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. To describe ganja as a food would be a clear fiction. It rather impairs the digestive organs. The fact that ganja-smokers are seen to undergo long fatigue, which, under ordinary circumstances, it would be impossible to sustain, is rather due to the dullness of their appetite and the artificial excitement of their nervous system. In the same way madmen often work very hard, yet nobody would suggest that insanity is a motive power, either mental or physical, of human action. The temporary excitement is rather sedative in its after consequences, and in the long run the consumers of this violent drug succumb much earlier than their sober neighbours. Their end is generally very painful and piteous. Bhang, though not a food, when used moderately, is found to be efficacious in chronic diarrhœa and cholic pain as well as some other complaints. 42. I consider the moderate use of bhang to be harmless. - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.


40. Some preparation of bhang are prescribed by kabirajes (native physicians) as medicine for diarrhœa. It is stated that ganja is also used as medicine for diarrhœa mixed with opium. It is also used mixed with oil as an external application for skin diseases. I have seen it so used. I am not aware of the drugs having been used as a medicine for cattle disease. 41. Ganja.—(a) I cannot say. (b) Moderate use of the drug may be beneficial in its effects, as it gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. I have personal experience of this matter in the case of palki-bearers. (c) I have often observed that ganja-smokers are generally free from malarious fever, From this I conclude that it is a febrifuge, but I don't think anybody uses it as such. Bhang.—(a) A moderate use of bhang is considered to be digestive; it is said to increase appetite. A moderate use of the drug may therefore be beneficial. The majority of the labouring classes, who use ganja, use it for the purpose of keeping up staying-power under severe exertion. A small proportion of the people who use bhang use it for increase of appetite. I refer to moderate use of the drugs both habitual and occasional. 42. Though I have stated that a moderate use of ganja may be beneficial in certain cases and under certain circumstances, I do not consider it altogether harmless. I may say that a moderate use of bhang is harmless. In the case of ganja, the consumers are liable to attacks of dysentery and such like diseases. - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.


40. Kabirajes prescribe bhang for certain diseases. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang is beneficial in its effects as a food accessory or digestive. (b) To habitual consumers ganja may alleviate fatigue. (c) It is never used as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. I refer to moderate occasional use in (a), and moderate habitual use in (b). 42. I do not think so. Use of any of these drugs is likely to tell on the health of its consumers - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.


40. Yes; bhang is prescribed by native kabirajes for many diseases. They also use it to prepare many medicines - Evidence of BABU PARES NATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, Satkhira, Khulna District.


40. Old bhang is often used by hakims and vaids to cure stomach diseases; it is also administered to cattle and horses to ward off the effects of cold. 41. Moderate use gives a staying-power under exertion and wards off the effects of exposure. The use of these drugs is sometimes considered as a febrifuge in malarious or unhealthy districts, but I am not sure how far this belief is grounded on actual facts. 42. Moderate use of bhang has not been known to do much harm, but ganja and charas are very mischievous, specially in case of weak-brained men. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SAHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.


40. Bhang alone is used as a medicinal drug by all native physicians without distinction. I am not aware of its being used for cattle disease. 41. (a) It is generally believed that the use of ganja or bhang promotes hunger and helps digestion. (b) I have seen that palki-bearers, boatmen, etc., who use ganja are able to do their work well after taking a dose when required to work extra hours. (c) and (d) I have no special knowledge. 42. I consider the moderate use of ganja or bhang harmless, especially the latter. Bhang is preserved by many as a household medicine for all sorts of bowel complaints and colic pain, and as a cooling beverage in the hot season. Indeed, some go so far as to say that the restriction of the sale of bhang by the Excise Department has deprived many of a ready cure in cases of bowel complaints and even cholera. This popular belief and undue restrictions of the department help, I am afraid, to keep up the illicit trade in bhang. - Evidence of BABU GOWREE SUNKER ROY,* Kayasth, Secretary, Cuttack Printing Company, Cuttack.


40. Bhang is prescribed by native physicians as medicine in cases of dyspepsia, dysentery and diarrhœa, but the lower classes of people only use it. 41. Sanyasis use ganja to alleviate fatigue or to give staying-power under severe exposure. 42. Ganja is not beneficial in any stage of life. Even moderate use of it is not harmless - Evidence of BABU GURUDAYAL SINHA,* Kayasth, Honorary Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner and Secretary, Total Abstinence Society, Comilla, Tippera


40. Both bhang and ganja are prescribed, on account of their medicinal qualities. They form ingredients of several well-known and standard medicines in Hindu Pharmacy. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Both bhang and ganja possess valuable properties. Both of them are appetisers. Bhang is beneficial in cases of chronic diarrhœa; both afford refreshment under severe exertion, exposure and fatigue; and all the three drugs are used as valuable aphrodisiacs. The classes of men who usually use ganja and bhang for getting staying power are mentioned in answer 20. For medicinal purposes bhang and ganja are used by men of all classes of the community. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is not only harmless but positively beneficial to the classes of men mentioned in answer 20.  - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.


40. Bhang is prescribed by kavirajes (native physicians) on account of its medicinal qualities. I have seen many persons suffering from dysentery and bowel complaints using bhang under the directions of the kavirajes. Bhang is also used by the kavirajes in the preparation of medicines for dysentery, grihini (chronic dysentery) and diarrhoea. I had to use such medicines myself for some time for similar affections. Ganja is also prescribed, though very scarcely, by the native physicians. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang. (b) and (c) Ganja. About half the hard-labouring and lower class of people use ganja for the purposes indicated in (b) and (c). I refer to moderate habitual use. I know almost all the hard-working coolies of the tea gardens, mutea (porters) class of people, and kustiwalas (native illiterate gymnasts) use ganja for the said purposes. The fishermen also use ganja to give staying-power under severe exposure. 42. The answer of this question depends on the relative state of health of the consumer and the qualities of the drugs. To a perfect healthy man, I consider the moderate use of bhang paste with water harmless, as it is soothing, and has the power of giving tone to the stomach and increasing the power of activity. I have observed this in persons using it - Evidence of UMAGATI RAT, Brahmin, Pleader, and Secretary to the Jalpaiguri Branch, Indian Association.


40. The name of ganja does not appear in the oldest records of ancient Hindu Literature. It has of late been attempted by some writers to trace its name and accordingly its use as far back as the age when the Atharva-vedas were compiled. Mr. H. C. Kerr evidently holds that opinion. Another writer, Babu Binoy Krisna Dutt, in his small treatise called the Guide to Health (Calcutta, 1888) traces it as far back as the age of Manu and refers to the fifth chapter of the Institutes of Manu in support of his view. He does not quote the passage, but evidently relies upon the fifth verse of the fifth chapter. The passage in question in Manu reads thus:— "Lasunam Grinjananchoiba Palândum Kabakânicha Avakshyâni Dwijâtinâmamedhya Prabhabânicha."— Manu, chapter V, verse 5. The word grinjan has evidently been taken by the learned author to refer to ganja. Medhatithi, the oldest commentator of Manu, dismisses the first three words by a short note saying that they are well known by their respective names. Kulluk Bhatta, another celebrated commentator of Manu and a native of the Rajshahi District, flourished during the Muhammadan rule when ganja was in common use. He defines lashun, grinjan and palandu in his commentary to mean vegetable bulbs of the same genus, and all the lexicographers of ancient India define grinjan to be a vegetable bulb having a smell approaching to that of garlic. Grinjan is the common wild carrot growing in abundance in India from its remotest antiquity. The name ganja does not occur in Susruta or any of the ancient compilations of Hindu medicine. The earliest notice of the name ganja may be found in Bhâbprakâsh, a Sanskrit compilation of Hindu medical literature. The author of this compilation lived during the Muhammadan rule and enriched the Hindu Materia medica with the descriptions of many foreign drugs, plants and fruits brought in by the Muhamamadans. In this compilation is noticed the name and properties of ganja thus:— "Bhangâ Ganjâ Mâtulâni Mâdini Bijayâ Javâ, Bhangâ kafahari tiktâ grâhini pâchani laghus; Tikshuosnâ pittalâ mohamandabâgbanhibardhini." Bhanga, ganja, matulani, madini, bijaya and jaya are the various names of the same drug bhanga, which "destroys cold, contains bitter taste, digestive and is easily digested, produces a quick effect, increases temperature, induces forgetfulness and abusive language, and generates heat in the body." Here ganja evidently refers to that form which is eaten. The name and use of bhang appear to have been known to the people of India from its remotest antiquity and the word bijaya which occurs commonly in all books of ancient Hindu medicine may be quoted in evidence. But besides this it does not appear anywhere that the name, use and cultivation of ganja were known before the advent of the Muhammadans. The word bhanga as known to the ancient Hindus signified two things, either to the fibre-producing hemp known as shone or to bijaya or bhang. Bijaya or bhang forms the ingredient of many a Hindu medicine, and we have other evidence of its consumption as a drink. But the custom of smoking the hemp drug does not appear to have been adopted by the people till after the Muhammadan conquest. These facts lead me to suppose that as tobacco smoking was introduced into India by its Muhammadan rulers, the habit of smoking ganja and charas was also similarly imported into India. Bhang appears to have been largely used by the people for intoxication and by the physicians as a medicine, but no such corresponding use of ganja can be traced in any of the ancient authorities. 41. This question requires a special knowledge of medicine and physiology which I do not possess. I shall therefore proceed to answer it from a lay-man's point of view. (a) The various hemp drugs now in use in this country are regarded by competent authorities as cerebral poisons, and as such their primary action is on the nervous system. I do not understand how a cerebral poison or, more properly speaking, a poisonous fume may be regarded as a food accessory or digestive. The prolonged use of any of these drugs impairs digestion, and all confirmed ganja-smokers are found to eat very little. The first impulse of a novice taking any of these drugs is said to induce him to take more food than he ordinarily does, but there is no record to show that he digests it with equal success. The use of any of these drugs produces costiveness beyond doubt. (b) Whether the moderate use of ganja, charas or bhang may be beneficial in its effects to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue has yet to be ascertained by careful experiments. Those who use any of these drugs justify their habit on these grounds and allege that ganja is not only an article of solace and of great luxury to them, but is also an article of great necessity. However loud the votaries may be in praise of their favourite drugs, I am inclined to think that the beneficial effects of ganja, charas or bhang are more imaginary than real.  Our body is composed of organs, destined to accomplish the various acts of life, which are scientifically called functions. The functions may properly be divided into two classes:— (1) the functions of nutrition which provide for the preservation and increase of our body; and (2) the functions of relation by which we are placed in relation with the external world, thence receive our various sensations and execute all our movements. To the second are assigned the apparatus of locomotion and the apparatus of sensation. The faculty of locomotion depends on a general property of all animals, called contractility. In man, this faculty resides in his muscles, the whole of which taken together constitute his flesh. Our nervous system presides over voluntary acts and sensations, which can never be had without the will of man. Some actions, like those of the beatings of the heart, are no doubt independent of our will, but all actions of locomotion are directly governed by the will and regulated by the nervous system. Now, ganja, charas and bhang being cerebral poisons directly affect this nervous system and thereby induce involuntary actions of motion, such as dancing, laughing, and involuntary sensations such as hallucinations. Their direct and primary action upon our system being thus subversive of our natural control over our movements and sensations, they can hardly be said to give us any staying-power under severe exertion. They may, for the time being, produce an abnormal activity of the nervous system, and thereby quicken our actions of locomotion, but such abnormal activity, inducing only involuntary movements, is sure to be punished by nature with abnormal relaxation. This result, in the nature of things, is directly proportional to the power of the drug: the more quick the abnormal activity, the more quick is the relaxation produced. I do not therefore see how a cerebral poison can produce any beneficial effects upon the system of man so as to give him any real stayingpower. (c) Sanyasis and mendicants of all denominations claim for ganja the peculiar virtue of preventing disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts, but I do not know how far this virtue actually resides in the drug. I have observed during my sojourn to the North-Western Provinces, Oudh and Rohilkhand that the people there daily take a small quantity of bhang as a cooling draught, and allege that such moderate daily consumption wards off an attack of diarrhœa which is induced by the excessive heat of summer. (d) Some quacks allege that ganja, if moderately smoked during an attack of acute pains due to hydrocele, effects a speedy cure. I am told on the authority of a gentleman who subjected him to this treatment that he found it very successful. Most of the sanyasis use ganja both as a preventive of disease and as a means of concentrating thought. Most of the palanquin-bearers, boatmen, mehtars, domes, chamars, dosads, bagdis, and other lower people use it in the belief that it gives them staying power under severe exertion. In this I refer to habitual moderate use. But I am told on the authority of military surgeons, of whom I had the opportunity of consulting Dr. Rogers, Civil Surgeon of Rajshahi, that the soldiers addicted to ganja behave very miserably during a march and very soon grow fatigued and are left behind by those who use no such drugs. 42. I do not consider the use of any form of the hemp drug as beneficial in its effects. The same reasons which lead me to that conclusion justify me to say that even the moderate habitual use of the drug cannot be regarded as entirely harmless. As these poisons act directly on the brain, their frequent use, even in a moderate quantity, cannot but produce some injury to the consumer in the long run. The habit of using the Indian hemp drugs as a stimulant and narcotic is regarded by medical authorities as dangerous. Even in the case of a moderate consumer, the habit once formed becomes part of his life, and even a few whiffs every day throughout life cannot be considered harmless. The use of intoxicating substances which partly enter into acts of nutrition may, if it is moderate, produce no bad results very soon; but a cerebral poison, like the Indian hemp, adds nothing to our nutrition, its sole effect is temporary excitement which cannot but produce, in course of time, a lasting evil.  - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.


41. For medicinal purposes bhang, ganja and charas possess wholesome properties. The classes of people, who are engaged in hard manual labour or have to expose themselves at night by reason of their occupations, are generally given to smoking ganja. Charas is considerably used in yunani or hakimi medicines for aphrodisiacs. A moderate use of ganja or bhang is considered beneficial by the consumers. - Evidence of MR. A. F. M. ABDUR RAHMAN, Honorary Secretary, Muhammadon Literary Society, Calcutta.


40. Yes. 41. (a) Bhang is beneficial for digestion. (Hindustanis consume for that purpose.) (b) Bhang and ganja alleviate fatigue and give staying power under severe exertion or exposure. (c) Yes; (Domes and Haris). 42. Moderate use of bhang is beneficial to elderly people.  - Evidence of BABU KAMALA KANTA SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar and Pleader, President of the Chittagong Association.


40. Yes; they are prescribed for their medicinal properties. 41. They are perfectly harmless when taken in moderation, and certainly operate beneficially for the purposes stated in clauses (a), (b) and (c). 42. Moderate use is harmless, as I have already stated. - Evidence of MAHARAJA DOORGA CHARAN LAW, C.I.E., Merchant, Calcutta.


40. I cannot exactly answer this question. But I know native doctors use the drugs for medicinal purpose. I do not know if it is used for cattle disease. 41. (a) I do not know. (b) It alleviates fatigue, etc., I believe, more through forgetfulness while under the influence of intoxication than in its real effect. (c) I do not know. Coolies, fishermen and fakirs use it. Those that take it as a habit moderately, they think it is necessary for the above purposes. I don't see there is any necessity to take occasional dose of it for the said end. 42. I cannot say even the moderate use of it will be harmless, inasmuch as it will act upon the brain, and every day moderate use of it will gradually lead to excess. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong.


40. Bhang is generally used for medical purposes by kabirajes and for cattle diseases as well. A mixture of ganja with oil is used for itches and other skin diseases. 41. Bhang is digestive. Ganja gives staying power under severe exertion or exposure, and is said to alleviate fatigue amongst those who use it. Not known to me. 42. Not known to me.  - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal


40. Ganja and bhang are both prescribed by native kavirajes. Bhang is required for the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. Ganja— (a) is digestive; (b) gives staying-power; (c) has no beneficial effects as a febrifuge; (d) nil. Bhang—(a) is digestive; (b) nil; (c) nil; (d) cures bowel complaints. 42. Vide answer to question 41.  - Evidence of BABU DHANI RAM SAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh


40. Bhang is prescribed for bowel complaints. 41. Ganja— Bhang— (a) Digestive. (a) Digestive. (b) Gives staying- (b) Nil. power. (c) Nil. (c) Nil. (d) Nil. (d) Nil. 42. Moderate use is harmless. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensing


41. The object of the moderate use of bhang is said to be to keep the digestive functions steady and to enjoy a little pleasure. The object of the moderate use of ganja is said to be to prepare the smoker to perform hard work and to undergo exposure. Certainly the smoking, it is said, gives also a little pleasure to drown the contemplation of the hard lot which the poorer classes consider their doom to undergo.  - Evidence of BABU PROSAD DASS DUTT, Zamindar, Calcutta.


40. It is used for medicinal purposes by kabirajes, allopaths, and homeopaths, adapted to diseases of drunkards of a neurotic character and to the urinary diseases. The characteristic of the intoxication it produces seems to be exaggeration of all perceptions and conceptions (aphrodisiac) and tendency to catalepsy. It is one of the great remedies to gonorrhœa, and also to cattle-diseases. 41. Yes, it is stomachic. It is preventive of exposure and fatigue. 42. Moderate use of these drugs is always beneficial.  - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA NATH ROY, of Santa, Jessore


40. Yes. 41. Yes, to persons accustomed to it. (a), (b), (c). Yes. See answer to question 20. 42. Yes, in many cases. See answer to question 20 - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee)


40. We are not in a position to give any reply to this question. Bhang is prescribed by the native school of doctors for indigestion. In cattle diseases bhang is also used. 41. (a) The result is temporary. Its after effect is bad and brings on indigestion. (b) Yes; and for this reason it is recommended amongst day labourers and sanyasis. (c) In damp climate the people usually resort to it; but we are not sure of its efficacy. (d) We know not. We mean moderate use amongst the lower class and sanyasis. 42. We do not consider its use either beneficial or harmless. Besides sanyasis, its use amongst others is, we think, injurious.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.


40. Yes. They are sometimes prescribed as medicine in cattle-diseases; but they are never prescribed generally by any school of native doctors for any sort of illness. 41. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) No. Agriculturists, day labourers, and coolies, use the drug for the above purposes in a moderate dose. 42. No; moderate use of these drugs is said to be conducive to health in certain circumstances. But generally the use is injurious - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).


40. Bhang used in cattle disease and in instestinal disorders by native physicians; also very useful in dysentery. Ganja used as a preventive of the effects of damp and exposure to malaria and said to be very efficacious. 41. Bhang in moderation promotes appetite, much as moderate use of alcohol; not so with charas. Ganja-smokers are unanimous in saying that it increases appetite, gives staying-power under exertion, and allays fatigue. (c) Ganja is a good preventive of malarial disease. Excessive use is damaging. 42. Within the limits of the answer to 41, the moderate use of these drugs is harmless. Experience of the drugs teaches this lesson. Habitual moderate consumers do not seem to suffer. This refers to bhang. Ganja-smoking is said always to be harmful because it is so rarely indulged in moderation.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Monghyr (Sub-Committee).


40. Bhang used by the baids or the native physicians. 41. The moderate use is said to be beneficial. 42. Yes.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Arrah.


40. Yes; I believe ganja is used as a medicine for cattle; this is the plea sometimes put forward when persons are prosecuted for cultivating the wild ganja plant. 41. I am not aware that it has any beneficial effect; it produces a sort of content like tobacco does if used in moderation. Question 40. [oral evidence]—The plea that is raised by persons prosecuted for smuggling, that they are in possession of the drug as a medicine for their cattle, is admitted if supported by sufficient proof. I don't think this plea hampers the excise administration, because the plant as used for cattle appears to have very little of the narcotic property  - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley Districts


40. (a) I have no information. (b) Yes, I believe ganja is used in treatment of cattle. 41. (a) I have heard it is a digestive. (b) Yes, decidedly so. It helps a man to travel long distances without food. I had a syce who went 60 miles in 18 consecutive hours merely smoking ganja and was quite fit the next day. (c) and (d) No information. Travellers and others who have to undergo fatigue use it in moderation habitually. 42. I consider it harmless. I know of no cases where its moderate use has done harm.  - Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.


41. Some planters say it is used by some classes for (b) and (c), especially those who work in wet land and fishermen. Habitual use. 42. Garden doctors say that ganja users tend to become habituals, and that they are peculiarly liable to diseases of respiratory and circulatory organs. - Evidence of MR. J. L. HERALD, Deputy Commissioner, Silchar, Cachar


40. Wild ganja plants are used for the treatment of cattle. 42. I have known habitual consumers who do not seem to suffer in any way.  - Evidence of MR. G. GORDON, Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara.


42. I have known ganja-smokers whom I never suspected of being addicted to the habit until I found them out. I cannot say what the effect would be in such cases in the long run.  - Evidence of MR. C. W. E. PITTAR, Officiating Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup


40. The bhang, so far as I know, is prescribed by kabirajes in cases of diarrhœa, I do not know whether any of these drugs is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. (a) I do not know. (b) It is said to do so. (c) I do not know. (d) I am not aware of. The labouring classes are said to use ganja to alleviate fatigue. I refer to moderate occasional use of the drug. I am not able to give any information as to the proportion of the consumers. - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet.


40. Yes. Native physicians prescribe ganja. I have frequently seen the wild plant being dried on the roofs of native houses and on questioning the inhabitants was informed that it was intended as a medicine for cattle. 41. (a) No. (b) Yes. The use of ganja enables the consumers to withstand severe exertion and exposure. (d) Its continued use wards off sleep.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. MULLANE, Civil Surgeon, Dibrugarh.


40. Bhang is used in stomach and bowel complaints. It is said to assist digestion and act as an antispasmodic and narcotic. It is also used as an anodyne by native practitioners. With regard to the use of these drugs in cattle disease I can give no information. I am told they are used. 41. I think the moderate use of bhang beneficial (a) as a digestive, (b) to give staying power, but that its habitual use has no power for good in fever or in any other way. I can't give particulars of the classes, and I merely imply that it resembles alcohol in this much, that its moderate use in those accustomed to it is beneficial. This reply so far refers to the drinking of bhang. Ganja consumption is the way in which the depraved use of the hemp products is generally met with. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.


40. Kabirajes use ganja as a sedative and a stringent in chronic diarrhœa; and as a sexual stimulant in the early stages of impotency. Yes; in diarrhœa. 41. Ganja— (a) May help digestion. (b) It certainly gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviates fatigue. (c) It is said to be anti-malarial and antirheumatic; it also helps to dry up dropsical effusions into cavities. Concentrates one's thoughts on religious subjects. 42. Beneficial with many. Question 40.[oral evidence]—I was informed by two kabirajes that they used the drug as a sedative in nervous diseases. I do not think it is used to any large extent for this purpose. The only two kabirajes I asked said they used the drug, but the impression I gathered from them was that they only used it occasionally. I am not prepared to say that ganja is anti-malarial, but as it is a nerve tonic I think it would be beneficial in cases of fever. I understood my informants to say that they took ganja when they got rheumatic pains and that it relieved them. I was told this by habitual smokers, and also by people who never smoked except to relieve pain. A native practitioner showed me two cases which he said had been dropsical, and had been under treatment by various remedies for some time. Finally he administered the tincture of Cannabis internally and ordered the patients to smoke ganja. When I saw the patients they were dried up and there were no dropsical appearances. On the contrary, they appeared atrophied. The practitioner was a failed student of the Medical College. He is a good practitioner, and has been working in Sylhet for some seventeen years, so that I place reliance on his statements. I did believe that the cure was due to this, and therefore put it down. I did not enquire what the dropsy was due to. I have heard that effusion into cavities does undergo spontaneous absorption, but I have no experience.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR H. C. BANERJI, Civil Surgeon, Sylhet.


40. Bhang is used for its medicinal properties. It is also used for colic in cattle.  - Evidence of DR. H. A. MACLEOD, Civil Medical Officer, Garo Hills.


40. Not known. The wild ganja is used for cattle diseases by the people of Assam. They do not buy the excise ganja for this purpose. 41. (a) Cannot say. (b) Probably does so. (c) Not. 42. It is said that in whatever frame of mind or disposition the consumer of ganja happens to be in, the use of the drug enhances or increases that disposition, i.e., if there is a tendency to be pleased or happy, the person becomes more pleased or happy; if brooding over wrongs, these assume an extreme form; if in a violent or quarrelsome mood, this is increased so that assaults or murder may result.  - Evidence of DR. J. MCNAUGHT, Civil Medical Officer, Nowgong.


40. Bhang is prescribed by the kabirajes for its digestive and soporific effects. I don't know if it is used in the treatment of cattle disease. Ganja or charas is never prescribed by them in any disease. Bhang is also used as anodyne both internally and externally. 41 and 42. I don't think that the habitual use of these drugs, however moderate it may be, can in any way be beneficial in the long run. The popular notion is that it proves injurious (especially the use of ganja) in the long run. The use of these drugs usually forms a depraved habit, and it is then only that a consumer feels their necessity in giving him (a) appetite, or (b) staying power under severe exertion or exposure or in alleviating fatigue. Any of these drugs is not considered as febrifuge or as preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Of course they may be certainly very beneficial when used medicinally in cases of illness. But I understand these two questions to refer to moderate habitual use.  - Evidence of ATUL CHANDRA ROY,* Bengali Vaidya, Assistant Surgeon, Emigration Department, Tezpur.


40. Ganja is prescribed by the native quacks in cases of cholera. A clerk in the Deputy Commissioner's Office tells me that he was given ganja to take internally by a quack when he was attacked with cholera. He was under the influence of the drug for three days, after which he was well. Ganja is prescribed in the disease of elephants, in what form and for what disease is not known to me. 41. (a) and (b) Yes, in cases of those who are addicted to the habit. (c) I have no experience about this. 42. Not harmless, because moderate habit may grow into excess, and that continued excess may impair the nervous system and throw the mind out of balance. - Evidence of BAIKUNTHA KUMAR NANDI, Hindu Kayasth, Assistant Surgeon, Nayasarak, Sylhet.


40. Unable to say if it is used in the school of native doctors for medicinal purpose, but siddhi is used by the native kabirajes in diseases of the bowels. Bhang and ganja are used for cattle diseases. 41. (a) Charas does not, but the latter two drugs create appetite. (b) Ganja removes all these symptoms, but charas and bhang do not. (c) Neither febrifuge nor anti-malarious. (d) Some people use this drug during any epidemic, so as to keep their mind to some extent cheerful. 42. Moderate dose appears to be harmless, for it keeps the mind temporarily cheerful and free from anxiety.  - Evidence of AZHER HOSSEIN, Hospital Assistant, Gauhati.


40. Yes. Yes. 41. Yes. (a) Very slight. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) Yes. Almost among the labouring classes, say, 25 per cent. I mean moderate habitual use. 42. Moderate use is beneficial, inasmuch as it serves as a restorative - Evidence of LATCHMAN PERSHAD, Kayasth, Hospital Assistant, Manipur State


40. The native physicians use bhang with other medical ingredients to make different kinds of stomachic and nervous tonics. It is used more especially in dyspepsia. Bhang is used also in the treatment of cattle disease when horses or ponies suffer from kurkuri. Bhang is prescribed with other carminatives. 41. Moderate use of these drugs is beneficial. (a) Digestive. (b) Gives staying-power and alleviates fatigue. (c) Are anti-malarious. (d) Improves general health and weight. - Evidence of PROSUNNO KOOMAR DAS, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Silchar, Cachar.


40. The Hindu school of medicine use bhang in diarrhœa, dysentery, and some diseases of the lungs; and prescribe ganja in menorrhœgia. Bhang is used in the diarrhœa of kine and dogs. 41. (a) Not a food accessory, but a digestive. (b) Yes. (c) I do not think. (d) Ditto. Cultivators (Hindu), fishermen, working classes at large. Moderate habitual use of ganja. 42. Not harmless. The temporary benefit is counterbalanced by the permanent evil. The use of any of these drugs acts on the brain and nervous system. - Evidence of KRISHNA CHANDRA SANYAL,* Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Sylhet.


40. I am told the use of these drugs is sometimes prescribed by native physicians on account of its medical qualities. I do not know if they are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. I do not know. 42. I cannot say.  - Evidence of MOULVI ABDUL KADIR, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sylhet.


40. Bhang and ganja are taken for dysentery, catarrh, colic, etc. No, they are not used for cattle disease. 41. (a), (b), (c) Yes. Moderate occasional use.  - Evidence of MR. F. C. MORAN, Tea Planter, Khoniker, Lakhimpur.


40. Never heard of it. 41. (a), (b), (c), (d) No. 42. Never harmless; it maddens them if they take much, and it affects their lungs and they die of pneumonia eventually.  - Evidence of Mr. ALFRED SPICER,† Tea Planter, Pathecherra, Cachar


40. Yes, they are prescribed by native doctors 41. (b) Yes. Class (a) in question 27 use it for the purpose mentioned in (b) of this question. Both the moderate habitual and the moderate occasional use is referred to. 42. It is beneficial and harmless to class (a) in question 27. Or else it is harmful. It leads to excess and brings on diseases, etc - Evidence of MASDAR ALI, Pleader, Sylhet.


42. My observation is confined only to ganja. The moderate use of this drug is not, in my opinion, harmless. It makes man quarrelsome and irritant and produces emaciation, and causes bronchitis or asthma in old age. - Evidence of BABU ABANTINATH DATTA, Kayastha, Pleader, Judge's Court, Cachar


40. Native physicians do prescribe bhang for bowel complaints, and ganja is used by them for preparation of certain oils. I have heard of bhang being used for treatment of cattle disease. 41. I have seen people using ganja and bhang to sharpen their appetite, but, like all stimulants, by frequent use they fail to produce the desired effect and act prejudicially on the natural system. Ganja and bhang ward off cold, but it is not taken with the intent of protecting against fever. I refer to moderate occasional use. 42. I do not consider any use of the drug harmless. The beginning of moderate use generates habit and gradually goes to excess. - Evidence of BISHUN CHANDRA CHATTOPADHAY, Pleader, Dhubri


40. I have heard bhang is used in some few cases of dysentery. 41. Ganja is considered by the labouring classes— (a) to improve the appetite; (b) to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue; (c) to ward off rheumatism. It is also used in indigestion, spleen, and swelling of the body. Labouring classes and up-country people use it for these purposes. 42. It is not harmless. Ganja-smoking brings on dysentery and cough, and also causes emaciation.   - Evidence of KAMINI KUMAR CHANDRA, Kayastha, Bengali, Pleader, Silchar.


40. The seeds of ganja and bhang are used as medicines by the Ayurvedic School of Native Doctors. Bhang is especially seen to be used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang may be beneficial in its effects in the following cases only— (a) As a digestive, after 50 years of age, bhang may be beneficial when clarified; (b) ganja may be beneficial after the age of 40 in giving staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or in alleviating fatigue. People of sedentary or less hard-working habit use the drug for purposes as stated in (a), and this is confined mainly to the upper classes of the people, but the proportion, however, is small. Hard-working people, such as cartmen, peons of the courts of justice, sepoys, etc., use the drug for purposes as stated in (b). I refer to the moderate habitual use. 42. Except in the cases referred to in (41), even the moderate use of these drugs is not beneficial, and even then it is not harmless. From the physical point of view, it over-heats the system and thereby impures the blood.  - Evidence of GANGADHAR SORMAH, Brahmin, Pleader, Jorhat.


41. (a) Not in any way I believe. (b) Yes, it does this. Men often work well when taking ganja, e.g., I have heard of men giving a few pice to buy ganja for boatmen and others where they require a little extra work from them. (c) I do not think it acts in this way at all. Those who are moderate habitual consumers and those who are occasional consumers take it as described in (b). 42. Those that work are not injured as far as I have seen; but those who smoke ganja and are idle suffer greatly from the effects of it.  - Evidence of REVD. J. P. JONES,* Missionary, Sylhet.


40. The preparation called modak is prescribed by native kabirajes. Bhang is used in cattle disease treatment. 41. (a) Bhang-smoking is accessory and digestive. (b) Smoking gives staying power under severe exertion or exposure, and alleviates fatigue. (c) No. (d) No. The Brahmins, Kayasthas and other classes use it for the above purposes. Can't say proportion. I allude to the moderate habitual as well as moderate occasional consumers. 42. Even moderate use is not harmless, because the tendency is to increase.  - Evidence of HARIBILASH AGARWALA, Merchant, Tezpur.


40. Wild bhang was used in the treatment of cattle disease, but owing to the strict watch of Government in respect of wild bhang, it cannot be used even in such treatment. 42. Ganja-smoking is always injurious; it affects the brain and temper.  - Evidence of LAKSMIKANTA BARKAGATI, Brahma, Secretary to the Tezpur Raiyats' Association, Tezpur, Darrang.


40. No native doctor to my knowledge ever prescribes these drugs for medicinal purposes, neither they are seen to be used in the treatment of cattledisease in my district. 41. (a) Said to be beneficial by the consumers. (b) No. (c) Never. (d) Application of the green leaves of the hemp plant in pains, etc., is said to be beneficial. Dyspeptic invalids use the drug as a food accessory, and their number is quite inappreciable. I refer to the moderate occasional use of the drug. 42. I do not consider the moderate use of any intoxicating drug to be harmless, because no man, however strong-minded he is, can ever be expected to be always moderate. In case of illiterate persons who form the majority of the consumers of the drug, the terms moderate and excessive may be said to be synonymous.  - Evidence of RADHANATH CHANGKAKOTI, Brahmin, Proprietor, "Radha Nath" Printing Press; Municipal Commissioner; Member of Local Board; Secretary to the Upper Assam Association; and Secretary to the Government Girls'  School, Dibrugarh.


40. Assam Bez Borooahs, Kabiraj, use bhang in few stimulant medicines, and raw bhang as digestive medicine in some cattle-diseases. 41. As far as I find, it is especially used to give staying power under exertion by the labouring class, and for pleasure only by the youths of higher classes; at first as moderate occasional use and afterwards habitual. 42. I don't think moderate use even harmless, as it is liable to gradually become habitual, and it harms the weak brains easily, though moderate.  - Evidence of JADU RAM BOROOAH, Assamese Kayasth, Local Board Member; Pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, Dibrugarh


41. I do not know that the use of ganja is beneficial as a food accessory or digestive, but it is generally admitted, and I think there can be no question of the fact, that it gives staying -power under severe exertion or exposure, and that it alleviates fatigue. Many of the labouring classes and persons like palki-bearers who have to undergo great exertion use ganja because it stimulates them, gives them a fillip for any hard work, and secures them a thorough rest after a hard day's work, and such persons may be said to use the drug habitually in a moderate manner. -  Evidence of MR. J . W. NEILL, Judicial Commissioner, Central Provinces.


40. I have been told by the people that formerly they used to use bhang pretty freely in the treatment of cattle and horses; but that now that the price has increased it is difficult to do so. 41. Those who use bhang certainly believe that it is beneficial in its effects, being cooling and acting also as a digestive. Similarly, those who use ganja say that it gives staying power under severe exertion and alleviates fatigue. The belief is also very prevalent that it is of use to ward off malaria. The people tell me that they use it when they have to go to jungle tracts where the water is bad. I refer here to the moderate occasional use of the drugs. 4 - Evidence of COLONEL M. M. BOWIE, Commissioner, Nerbudda Division.


41. I have been told that this is one of the uses of ganja; and that it is given with this object to horses or ponies when a trying journey is to be performed with speed and endurance.  - Evidence of MR. L. K. LAURIE, Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, General Department


40. I am informed by native doctors that ganja is prescribed for bronchitis and asthma. I am not aware that any of these drugs are used in cattle disease. 41. This is rather a question for a medical man than a layman. But the people believe that the moderate habitual use of the drug (ganja) acts as indicated in (a) and (b). 42. I cannot say.  - Evidence of MR. A. C. DUFF, Deputy Commissioner, Jubbulpore.


40. The dried leaves of the ganja plant are given to bullocks, but not for medicinal purposes. They are mixed with grain, and given simply as food, 41. I can only rely for my information on enquiries made from a number of ganja smokers, who distinctly aver that the use of the drug is beneficial as a digestive; it gives staying-power, and is useful as a febrifuge. Some of the railway hamals told me that they nearly all smoked ganja to help them to carry heavy burdens and undergo fatigue. The use of ganja as a febrifuge is distinctly believed in in this district. Mendicants take to ganja smoking to ward off the illeffects of exposure and cold, and because of its sedative effects. 42. I can only give an opinion founded on very limited enquiry, but I should say that the moderate use of ganja is in no way harmful. Judging from some specimens of men who had smoked ganja moderately for years, I consider them as fit and healthy as they could be. They have certainly suffered no harm from the consumption of the drug. - Evidence of MR. B. ROBERTSON, Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.


40. "Desi bhang" is said to be given to cattle in the cold weather to get them into good condition. 41 and 42. I am sure that the chief reason why labourers smoke ganja is that it helps them to undergo exertion and exposure, and also alleviates fatigue at the end of the day's work. I have questioned many, and they all described the effect of the drug consumed in this way to be as above. Bhang is commonly said to sharpen the appetite, and ganja seems to produce a similar effect in a less marked degree.  - Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating  Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.


40. I am not aware of ganja or bhang being given in medicine, but ganja is given to cattle along with "gur." This is given to them to take away the effects of fatigue on long journeys. 41. The moderate use of ganja consumers who use it in smoking use is to alleviate fatigue ; it is also smoked to prevent disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Bhang drinkers drink it as they say it digests food and it gives them good appetite. Mendicants and others who are not excessive smokers take it as they say for preventing diseases from climatic influences, and some take it in order to concentrate their minds and enable them to practice "yoga" better. I do not consider moderate use of this drug is in any way injurious - Evidence of BHARGOW LAXMON GADGIT, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Nagpur


40. Several kinds of sweetmeat containing ganja are prepared by native doctors and prescribed as a tonic to weak persons or for sustaining the power for sexual desire. Some of them are named here: (1) Stri darp gaj kesari módak; (2) Brahat kámeshwar módak, or (3) Máhámadan módak, (4) Rati wallabha módak; (5) Apar kamágni sandípan módak. Ganja is also given in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Excessive and moderate habitual consumers use bhang as a food digestive or to give staying power. They also take it in grief. The moderate, occasional consumers take it as a febrifuge or preventive of disease, when they go to malarious and unhealthy tracts, or when cholera epidemic or such other disease breaks out. In the latter case persons are persuaded to take the drug (ganja or bhang). 42. Ganja smoking or bhang drinking, whether excessively or moderately, is not at all beneficial. Two kinds of drink are prepared of bhang: one is called ghota, which contains a large quantity of it, which is taken by habitual consumers whether moderate or excessive; and the other is called thandai, which contains a small quantity of it, and its effect is marred by adding the several articles of bhang massala mentioned above. It is generally taken by occasional consumers in the hot season, or on the occasion of some religious festivals. Such moderate use of bhang is harmless, but in no case can ganja, smoking be considered to be so, as it does not fail to produce its injurious effect in however moderate degree it may be taken. Question 40.[oral evidence]—The " módaks" referred to are made up by hakims. The five named by me are given to promote sexual desire. They are prepared from ganja flower and leaves together. Question 41.—I have not tasted ganja myself; but I know the people think it prevents cholera. They say they use it ; but I do not know myself. I have not remarked exceptional consumption in such times.   - Evidence of TRIMBAK RAO SATHE, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and Diwan of the Sonepur State.


40. Yes. Bhang and ganja are sometimes used for medicinal purposes, and are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. They are generally mixed with the massalas which are generally given to horses and trotting bullocks to relieve them of their fatigue. 41. Charas is not used here. Ganja does prevent disease in malarious and unhealthy places and gives staying-power and removes fatigue by moderate and occasional use of it. Bhang increases appetite and promotes digestion and alleviates fatigue. The drugs are very seldom used for these purposes. They are more used for the sake of intoxication then for their beneficial uses. Bhang is not very much used in these provinces all the year round, but ganja is so used by the lower classes of the people, as already stated. 42. Moderate but regular use of the drugs may be harmless or otherwise. It greatly depends on the controlling power of the man who uses them, as moderate habits lead to excessive doses. Question 41.[oral evidence]—In hilly tracts ganja is used as a febrifuge. I have been advised in such tracts to use it when suffering from malaria. But I
have never done so. The drugs are, however, more used for intoxication ; by that I mean that they are more used for exhilaration than for beneficial or medicinal purposes. Ganja does not, I think, usually intoxicate in the common sense of that term.  - Evidence of RAGHUNATH RAO, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Damoh.


40. The following are the virtues of hemp drugs according to the Arabic Materia Medica :— They are aphrodisiac, cause internal swellings, produce temporary sexual appetite ; also they are nervine tonic. The injuries done by them are :— They weaken the brain, injure vision, and produce the following diseases :—melancholia, madness, dropsy, impotency. They make a man's disposition sour. As these drugs have less virtues than injuries, the hakims (native physicians sicians) never use them. The vaidyas use it seldom. Ganja and bhang are used in free treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) The moderate use of charas, ganja and bhang is not accessory or digestive. The consumer in the beginning finds his appetite increasing, but in the end he loses his appetite altogether. (b) They give staying power under severe exertion or exposure as long as a man is intoxicated, but when he comes to himself, he finds himself very much fatigued. (c) To the best of my knowledge it is neither a febrifuge nor a preventive of malarious diseases. (d) Some people use it to give them staying power under severe exertion and exposure and not to feel fatigued. For these purposes, these drugs are used by workmen and habitual criminals. At first they use it moderately, but gradually these habits become excessive. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is in my opinion not harmless. After all, the moderate habit always develops into excessive habit, and so it does a great deal of harm in the end. Question 40.[oral evidence]—The name of the Arabic work I refer to is " Makhdan-ul-Adbiya," and the information it contains about hemp might prove interesting. Question 42.[oral evidence]—The tendency of the moderate habit to develop into the excessive is true of bhang as well as of ganja. It would be more correct to say that the moderate habit generally develops into the excessive in the case of ganja smoking, and in the case of bhang only when it is taken in Company. - Evidence of SYED MOHAMED HUSAIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner ; Diwan, Khairagarh State.


40. Native physicians use ganja and bhang as medicines occasionally. It is also used in the treatment of cattle suffering from diseases resulting from cold. The prohibition of this drug would not in my opinion result in inconvenience in this respect, as there are several other medicines to substitute for them. 41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang only may be beneficial in its effects as to (a), (b), (c) and (d) ; but if allowed, it is sure to result in habitual excessive use, and as such prove ruinous. 42. Ganja smoking and bhang drinking are not harmless. They might prove harmless for the time being, but in the long run their effects are injurious as stated above. People accustomed to drink bhang are eventually attacked by rheumatism, gout, and paralysis. Question 42. [oral evidence]—I have known persons who suffer from rheumatism and gout. I associated the rheumatism and bhang, because I have known some who take bhang in the hot weather and suffer from rheumatism in the rains. Also because the first year a friend of mine took bhang was also the first year he had rheumatism. The general impression also is that bhang produces rheumatism. That may be due to its being regarded as a cooling drink. The remarks I make about paralysis are based on what I have been told regarding the effects of bhang, not of ganja, on old people. I have no personal experience.  - Evidence of RAM KRISHNA RAO, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Bhandara


40. Yes ; I have known baids or native doctors use bhang with other medicines in case of general debility or weakness, and ganja in módak, Bhang is known to be used in cattle diseases by people. 41. The moderate use of bhang is as a food accessory and digestive. It also gives rest from fatigue. Ganja is considered as preventive of diseases in malarious and unhealthy climates, and also alleviates fatigue. The working classes use ganja and bhang to alleviate fatigue after their days' labour, and the rich classes use these as accessory to the digestion of their food and for good appetite. My reference is to moderate habitual use. 42. The moderate use of bhang is generally considered harmless, if not beneficial, as apparently no complaints have been heard, and it is also a general belief.  - Evidence of BATUK BHARTHY, Superintendent of Kalahandi State.


40. Yes, it is used in the treatment of dysentery. diarrhoea, etc., and also in that of cattle diseases. 41. No, even moderate use is not beneficial in its effect. It is not digestive. It gives staying power under severe exertion and alleviates fatigue temporarily, but when the reaction begins, the consumers get weakened and intellects deadened. It is not used as preventive of disease though the people labour under wrong impression that it is beneficial. 42. I do not consider the moderate use of ganja to be harmless, because the use alleviates fatigue I for a short time, but when reaction begins, the consumers get weakened and the intellect deadened. It develops into habit. It produces cough, petulant temper, paleness on the face, and redness in the eyes - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State


41. Yes, use of ganja and bhang. (a) Bhang drinking. (b) Ganja smoking. (c) Ganja smoking. All labouring classes and artisans. Moderate habitual use.  - Evidence of T. GOONDIAH, Tahsildar, Janjgir, Bilaspur District


40. Bhang is sometimes used as a medicine for men and horses, not for cattle. 41. (b) A moderate use of ganja (and also bhang) is good.  - Evidence* of MUNSHI THAKHT SINGH, pensioned Tahsildar, Bata, District Damoh.


40. As to the use of ganja, the following has been prescribed in the treatise on medicine on account of its medicinal qualities. The names " bhanga, ganja matulâni, madini bijayâ, jaya, and shakrâsana " are given to this drug. Bhanga is destructive of asthma; costive, digestive; productive of "pitta," stupefaction or intoxication. It is light, sharp, warm, produces activity in speech, increases appetite, destroys leprosy, creates strength, furthers sense, and in its constant practice it allays the effects of old age and diseases; makes the body long lasting. One more name " trilokya vijayâ" is given to it, and it is mixed with many sorts of medicines, such as modaka (pills), chûrna (powders), and is also mixed with "bhasmâs," such as banga, etc., in order to reduce it to ashes. If regularly used, according to the Shâstras, it keeps the state of youth firm. 41. The moderate use of ganja is beneficial in its effects as (a) digestive. (b) The drinking and smoking of ganja, as the peasants say, are beneficial to alleviate fatigue arising from the excessive work and exposure to rain and cold. (c) It cures dysentery, and is to some extent preventive of cholera if used with some medicine. It has been observed that when cholera prevails in any place, many of the people residing therein generally take ganja with a view to puss off fear. The agricultural class mainly use ganja for the purposes mentioned above under (a) and (b) of this question, and the common people for the purpose mentioned under (c). I refer to moderate habitual as well as moderate occasional use. 42. The moderate use of ganja is beneficial, and, if not beneficial, it is harmless. - Evidence of CHINTAMANI NAND VIDYÂ BHUSHANA, Uria Brahmin, late Tahsildar, Sonepur, Sambalpur


40. I have never enquired on this point from native doctors, but the consumers say that their use protects them from malaria, bad effects from water, effects from different climes and places, and effects from closed bowels, respectively. I do not know if any of them is used in the treatment of cattle disease. It is, however, at times administered to a patient to relieve him from incessant pain for a time. 41. The consumers say that these preparations possess all the qualities enumerated in (a), (b) and (c). For this reason only the labouring class use them moderately. The mendicant and fakir classes being constant wanderers use them also for qualities mentioned in (b) and(c). I refer to the moderate habitual use. 42. It is beneficial, as stated in answer to question 41.  - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA. KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur


40. Ganja and charas have not been considered as medicine by the native physicians. Bhang is used as a medicine. It is given to the animals, and it also removes the fatigue of the journey. It is given to oxen to make them fleet of foot. 41. Charas is not at all smoked in these provinces. The advantages of ganja and bhang are described as follows :— (a) It increases hunger and is a digestive. (b) It removes fatigue and increases strength. (c) Its use saves a man from falling sick when the climate is not good. (d) A man is injured by being exposed to cold in the winter and rainy seasons. It removes all this. The abovementioned four advantages can be had only when the drug is taken moderately, and it should only be taken when necessary, otherwise one becomes addicted by the daily use, and instead of good it produces harm. 42. Excessive use is bad, and by being addicted to it one's desire of intoxication is increased. It is not injurious when taken occasionally, because it removes fatigue if taken moderately.  - Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.


40. Purified ganja is used. Bhang is not used. Ganja calms the mind and moves the bowels. Occasionally it is used for cow pox and hoof disease and other cattle diseases. I have never used it myself. I have only heard this. 41. As to ganja — (a), (b) and (c), yes. (d) I cannot say. Gonds and Konds use it and other aboriginal tribes. The upper classes use bhang. sometimes for (a) . I have heard this. I have also seen gutis and others smoking ganja when much fatigued or suffering from fever. I mean moderate occasional use. When a man is in bodily pain he generally takes ganja to alleviate his suffering. 42. Except when a man is unwell, I think it is harmful. ecause I think any form of intoxication is bad.  - Evidence of BRIJMOHUN PATNAIK, Mahanti, Treasurer, Sambalpur.


40. In this district native doctors prescribe it largely for diarrhœa, pain in the stomach, piles, and impotency. It is not used for any cattle disease, but only in cases where cattle are tired after a long day's march. 41. (a) Yes, the occasional moderate use of ganja is beneficial as a digestive. (b) Yes, the occasional moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial in severe exposure or exertion, or to alleviate fatigue. (c) It is said that the moderate use of ganja is beneficial in counteracting the effects of bad water where such is drunk. The Gonds, Kunbis, and other agriculturists in the district. With reference to (a) and (b), the moderate occasional use of the drug is referred to, and in (c) the moderate habitual use.  - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda.


40. Bhang is prescribed by native doctors as possessing stimulating properties. It is used in medicines, and is also given to cattle, together with salt, as a preventive treatment of purging, to which they are generally subjected by feeding on the young shoots of grass sprouting during the early part of the monsoon. 41. It is a common belief that ganja and bhang are beneficial in their effects. The former is said to be preventive of diseases in malarious and unhealthy places, and the latter is supposed to have the properties mentioned under (a) and (b) of the question. I refer to the moderate habitual use of the drugs. - Evidence of MUNSHI MAHOMED GHOUSE, Extra Assistant Conservator of Forests, Raipur.


41. Yes—see 29. 42. The danger would be in the tendency to go from moderate to habitual use.  - Evidence of COLONEL H. HUGHES HALLET, Officiating Inspector-General of Police and Prisons. Central Provinces.


40. I am not aware of any of the preparations of hemp being so used. 41. I consider the moderate smoking of ganja may be useful to assuage the pangs of hunger, and that it also gives staying-power under severe exertion. I have never heard it spoken of as a preventative of disease. 42. I consider a moderate use of ganja to be beneficial when a stimulant is necessary, or when the sedative effects are desirable in pain, either mental or bodily.  - Evidence of BRIGADE-SURGEON–LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. B. GAFFNEY, Civil Surgeon, Jabalpur


40. Bhang is used in dysentery, dyspepsia, piles, bronchitis, and also as a tonic. Ganja is used for tetanus, and so is charas. 41. Ganja is used to create an appetite and to give staying-power. Bhang is used as a febrifuge pretty generally. 42. With regard to the moderate use of the drug I cannot say it is beneficial, nor would I like to say that it is harmful. I should think it goes like smoking in this respect. -  Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR H. K. MCKAY, Civil Surgeon, Nagpur.


40. Indian hemp appears to be little, if at all, used by native doctors. Possibly they are disinclined to divulge their remedies. There is no evidence of the drug being given in cattle disease. Sometimes bhang is given to bullocks about to start on a long journey in order to increase their staying-power. It is also given to horses during the hot weather when they are out of condition, lose appetite, and pass high-coloured, muddy urine. Before opening small abscesses, villagers sometimes give ganja or bhang ; and I am told majum is also given to Musalman children before the operation of circumcision. 41. All consumers inform me that it increases the appetite and assists digestion. They also say that when travelling on a long journey or waiting many weary hours at a kacheri, a chillum of ganja or a drink of bhang wonderfully sustains them. I am also told that consumers working in or travelling through malarious jungles are less liable to attacks of fever. 42. I have no evidence that the moderate use of these drugs is other than harmless. Neither in my general dispensary or jail practice have injurious effects resulting from the use of the drug been observed by me. During a period of four years, I can only call to mind two cases of insanity in which there was a history of the excessive use of the drug ; but it. does not follow from this that the drug was the cause of the mental disturbance. [oral evidence] Question 40.—You say that Indian hemp is little used in native practice. What has led you to that conclusion? Answer. — I have made enquiries and the statement is correct for this district. So also I have questioned villagers about the use of hemp as a medicine for cattle. Question 41 .—When you say it increases the appetite, to what drug do you refer? Answer.—To both ganja and bhang. Question 42.—Have you used preparations of hemp in your own practice? In what form? - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. A. QUAYLE, Civil Surgeon, Nimar.


40. Yes, the baids administer it in dysentery. For cattle and horses, it is given in the massalas, or mixed with jaggery to overworked animals. 41. In my opinion, none. (a) In the beginning of its usage in drink it increases the appetite. (b) It has no staying-power; the consumers are soon tired in labour or exercise. (c) It is no safeguard to malarious diseases; they suffer as much or more than the nonusers. (d) As a tonic and cooling drink it is largely used by Hindus, mendicants, jogis, sanyasis, and bairagis. A moderate dose is considered to be from half to a rupee weight. The appetising effects are most to the occasional moderate users of the bhang. Charas has not this effect, but their desire is for dainty food. 42. It is not harmless but baneful. First, the moderate users have desire to its increase; secondly, the daily cost, which would help to maintain the family and other comforts; thirdly, it makes the consumers lazy and averse to labour; fourthly, a quiet disposed person becomes fretful and irritable in most cases. - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi.


40. Bhang or chur ganja is used as an anodyne by native practitioners. It is also occasionally used in the treatment of cattle, to relieve colic spasms, etc. 41. Ganja and bhang only. (a) Yes, both valuable. (b) Yes, both valuable; ganja particularly. (c) Ganja much used and considered beneficial. (d) Both used during prevalence of cholera to some extent by nervous and timid people. (a) and (b) Those exposed to weather at all seasons and toiling hard for a living, perhaps 75 per cent. of male adults. (c) and (d) All classes : numbers cannot be stated. The moderate habitual or moderate occasional use is referred to above. 42. Though moderate ganja smoking is not in my opinion quite harmless, still its beneficial effects are certain for a long period, and on the whole I regard it as a lesser evil than spirit drinking or opium smoking. I have never observed any harmful effect from bhang drinking or eating. Question 41. [oral evidence]—In regard to the first part of my answer, I made full enquiries before arriving at the opinion that ganja was digestive as well as bhang. Question 42.[oral evidence] I mean that the beneficial effects of ganja may endure through a very long period of indulgence in the habit. I know men in Bhandara who admit having been smokers for 30 or 40 years. The lung troubles are the only harmful effects I know from the moderate use.   -  Evidence of APOTHECARY J. PRENTIE, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara


40. Bhang and charas are occasionally prescribed by local " baids" in very small doses for their stimulating, tonic effect, and also as antispasmodics in colic and asthma. 41. Ganja and bhang are both used as digestives. Ganja is ofen smoked to allay hunger during long journeys and to counteract the effects of intense cold and fatigue. Neither is used for febrifuge effect. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is practically harmless. Most of the very poor, who are constantly subjected to excessive exertion, insufficient food, and exposure to cold and damp, partake of the drugs from early youth to old age without developing any evil symptoms. Moderate consumers of the better classes also show no signs of bodily nor mental decay.  - Evidence of APOTHECARY GEORGE MURPHY , Civil Surgeon, Mandla.


40. Never to my knowledge. 41. Some good effects are attributed to the use of these drugs, such as have been given in reply to query 27. 42. I do not think that even the moderate use of these drugs is harmless, far less that it is beneficial in any way. For even the moderate use would, in time, produce almost the same remote effects as a more free use of them. - Evidence of DOORGA DAS SEN, Baidya, Assistant Surgeon, Warora.


40. Ganja is generally used by native quacks as an electuary or confection for aphrodisiac effects in impotency, spermatorrhœa, incontinence of urine or for piles or neuralgic pains, or eye sores, etc., to allay pain. It is also used in two forms of pharmacopæic preparations, viz., tincture cannabis and extract cannabis for antispasmodic, anodyne, hypnotic, aphrodisiac and utromoter properties in several forms of diseases in dispensaries. 41. (a) It increases appetite in intoxication, but ultimately it creates constipation, and all secretions and excretions except liver diminish. (b) Yes ; it considerably alleviates fatigue. (c) In malarious and unhealthy tracts the use of these drugs is, I believe, of no use, for I remember to have treated most of the habitual consumers suffering from malarious attacks, as it has no antiperiodic property. The labouring classes for the most part form the number of consumers to a greater proportion, but those who take it to alleviate fatigue or to prevent malarious attacks are the habitual moderate consumers. 42. Of course the moderate use of any of these drugs is injurious, because the moderate use paves the way for excessive habitual use.  - Evidence of MUHAMMAD HABIBULLA, 1st grade Hospital Assistant, Seoni.


40. Bhang is prescribed by Hindu native doctors (i.e., baids) in stricture, chronic gonorrhoea, and heart diseases. 41. (a) Moderate use of bhang may be beneficial in its effects as a digestive. (b) Moderate use of both ganja and charas can give staying power-under severe exertion or exposure, and to alleviate fatigue. (c) No. (d) In no other way. Labourers use ganja to have staying-power under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue. It is the moderate occasional use of the drug which I refer to. Ganja, and charas are not harmless in moderate use, for ganja and charas even in habitual moderate use affect the lungs and the heart.  - Evidence of MIR ZAMIN ALI, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Jabalpur


40. See answer 19. It is often given for cattle disease. It is given to horses when tired to remove fatigue. It is not often given as a medicine to human beings. 41. (a) No, it increases appetite but not digestion. (b) Perhaps to those accustomed to it. (c) No. (d) No. 42. I am of opinion that in moderation the drug is harmless, except as leading to greater excess.  - Evidence of KHUSHALI RAM, Honorary Magistrate, Chhindwara.


40. Native doctors sometimes use bhang as an antidote against dysentery, of course with an admixture of some ingredients. Some of them use it as a health restorer or tonic. They say it gives strength and matter. It is called vijaya in Sanskrit, meaning the conqueror of health. It is generally used in the case of cattle to remove the effects of fatigue, and also as a medicine in some diseases peculiar to cattle. 41. The moderate use of bhang is beneficial in its effects, but not so in the case of ganja and charas. People who use it extol it as a great digestive. No doubt in the case of labourers it gives them staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and it does alleviate fatigue. It also acts as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Pilgrims and wanderers generally use it for these purposes. It is the occasional moderate use which may bring on all these results, but eventually the habit has a tendency to drift into the excessive, and then it spoils health. 42. The occasional moderate use of the drug does not injure health. I have seen many persons given to this vice good and strong.  - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur.


40. None of these drugs used internally as a medicine. Bhang is sometimes used as a fomentation in bowel or liver disorders over the seat of pain. Ganja leaves are given to cattle as a medicine. 41. (a) No. (b) Yes, both bhang and ganja. (c) Bhang is sometimes taken in fever before the expected return to prevent it returning. Refers to moderate occasional use.  - Evidence* of MIR IMDAD ALI, Honorary Magistrate, Damoh.


Question 41.—I think the consumption of ganja in small quantities is beneficial. I used to take contracts on a large scale, and I know that the coolies after a long day's work used to derive benefit from their chillum of ganja at night. Out of my coolies I estimate that 90 per cent. smoked ganja. Sadhus also universally use ganja instead of clothes and bedding in the cold weather. - Evidence of CHAUDHRY UMRAO SINGH, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.


40. Ganja and charas are not used in medicine. Bhang is, however, used sometimes both externally and internally. Ganja is used in the treatment of cattle disease with advantage, especially in foot and mouth disease and in " fasi." 41. Bhang is useful as a food accessory and digestive, and to alleviate fatigue. It is not used as a febrifuge. It is used to alleviate mental pain. All classes, but especially Marwaris and Pardeshis, use bhang for these purposes. Ganja is used to excite the appetite, and to give stayingpower under exertion, and also as a prevention of disease in forest tracts, and is useful for these purposes if used in moderation and occasionally. Ganja is largely used by labourers and forest people for these purposes. Charas in moderate use is in no way beneficial. Bhang used for the above purposes in moderate quantities and habitually is beneficial. Of dwellers in the forest about 40 per cent. smoke ganja, and of dwellers in town about 10 per cent. of the labourers smoke it. Ganja, costing one pice, will give as much effects as liquor costing four pice. 42. Charas is in no way beneficial. The moderate use is harmful, as it reduces the appetite and weakens the body.  - Evidence of SETH BACHRAJ, Honorary Magistrate, Wardha.


40. The native physicians have prescribed the use of these drugs on account of their medicinal qualities in ancient books. 41. It is used in other works too, the details of which have been given above. It is not confined to any class of people. Sometimes it is generally used by every class of people. 42. It does not cause any kind of injury.  - Evidence of MODAN MOHAN SETH, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.


40. (a) Yes—bhang. I don't know about ganja. It is given for cholera (in which it is sometimes a valuable remedy), for piles, and for tertian ague. (b) It is used in cattle-disease. 41. (a) Bhang or majum ( a form of bhang) is useful as a digestive. (b) Ganja-smoking gives staying-power and alleviates fatigue for two or three hours. Bhang is similarly useful, but its effects last longer. (c) Both are useful as febrifuges. (d) Bhang clears the intellect and facilitates brain-work. People who have to work hard use these drugs for the above purposes. I refer to the moderate occasional use. Question 40. [oral evidence]—Bhang is a cure for cholera if given in time. It is used by waids of Marwad. I gave it to my child. Don't know the practice of the hakims in this respect. - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur


40. Yes; they put ganja and bhang into various medicines, chiefly for debility. Ganja is used for a cattle disease, but I cannot remember for what particular one. It is given when they are suffering from over-work. 41. Phang and majum are appetiser. Ganja is a substitute for food. It gives staying-power and protects from the effects of cold. I do not know it as a febrifuge.  - Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim


0. The baids [or native physicians] of this part of the country use ganja on account of its medicinal quality. They also prescribe it, mixed with other medicines, in cases of bowel complaints of cows, etc. 41. It is observed in the baid Shaster that ganja is mixed with the medicines. So it appears to have some effect, because, had it not been the case, the baids would not have used it. (a) The people say that ganja has some digestive effect, and those who use it say that they feel more appetite. (b) In case of severe exertion or exposure relief can be obtained from ganja owing to its narcotic quality. (c) We hear that in unhealthy tracts ganja is used in sufficient quantities. The people of almost all classes generally use it for the above purposes. 42. Out of these drugs the moderate use of ganja is not likely to do any harm. As the Indian baids use ganja, having mixed it with medicines, it appears that its moderate use does not do any harm.  - Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District.


41. I believe the smoking of ganja in small quantities to be beneficial. I have made extensive inquiries on this subject during the last month. I believe that its use, for example, enables sadhus to endure extremes of cold and hunger, and that labourers taking it after their day's work obtain easy digestion and refreshing sleep from it. I call moderate smoking a consumption of under 2 pice a day. - Evidence of BEHARI LAL, Banker and Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.


40. Sometimes ganja and bhang are used for medicinal purposes. They are also used in medicines for animals. But their use as medicine has not given rise to the custom of their being used as intoxicants. 41. (a) The moderate use of ganja and bhang encourages appetite and helps digestion in the beginning; but the effect does not continue. (b) The moderate use of ganja and bhang at intervals gives staying-power so long as there is intoxication and alleviates fatigue. But it is not the case when the intoxication is over. (c) They do not serve as a preventative of fever or any other disease. (d) In no way they are beneficial. There is no particular caste of persons who are addicted to the use of these drugs. In every caste the persons who are ignorant or those who associate with such persons take to them, looking to the immediate advantages as noted above. After a few days' use, however, they become accustomed to them and begin to use them in larger quantities. Afterwards they find it difficult to give them up. 42. The use of any intoxicating drug, even in a moderate quantity, is not beneficial but injurious. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR SETH TIKA RAM, Brahmin, Money-lender and Malguzar, Narsinghpur.


40. The ganja is given as a drug for men and animals in affections of the stomach. Bhang is also given as medicine for diarrahœa. It is given in cholera. 41. There can be very little or any benefit from ganja. These is undoubtedly benefit from bhang. Bhang is useful as a digestive. Ganja is of no use for digestion. Ganja destroys the appetite ; bhang excites the appetite. Bhang is useful for supporting severe exertion ; ganja also serves this purpose to a less degree. It is in no way a cheap substitute for food ; but soothes fatigue. The poor never use it as a substitute for food. Neither are of any use in exposure, nor as a febrifuge. Wrestlers use bhang with a view to supporting severe exertion. 42. Bhang moderately consumed is undoubtedly useful. A moderate use of ganja is not harmful to any appreciable degree, but its use may easily become immoderate.  - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.


0. Ganja is burnt and rubbed into the body with oil. I never heard of it being prescribed as an internal medicine. Never saw it used for cattle diseases. 41. I never heard that the use of these drugs or of opium was a prophylactic against fever; though they might be of use, if used for the first time when fever came on. Bhang is useful as a digestive. It is used for this purpose in medicine. Neither ganja nor bhang are any real use for severe exertion, exposure or fatigue. Opium may be some use in the case of exposure or fatigue. 42. Ganja is absolutely pernicious. A moderate use of bhang is not so harmful. The habit can be more easily broken off. Question 41.[oral evidence]—The ganja does not really give any advantage or strength against fatigue. It only makes people think they are benefited by exciting them. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.


40. Ganja has medical uses in the country medical books and is prescribed by native physicians. Ganja is used in the treatment of cattle. - Evidence of LALL NROOPRAJ SINGH, Chatriya, Zamindar of Barpali, District Sambalpur


40. In "Granth Raj Nighant" and "Gadniwaran" the authors have described the medicinal qualities of bhang, which is mixed with several native medicines, and the chur and bhang form also an ingredient of the cattle or horse massala. 41. I do not know about charas, but the moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial in its effects, as detailed below: — Bhang (a) as a food accessory and digestive. Ganja (b) as giving staying—power under severe exertion or exposure. Bhang. As alleviating fatigue, (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Do. (d) As an ingredient of the cattle massala and other medicines. My answer in regard to (a) and (b) refers to both the habitual as well as occasional use; that in regard to (c) and (d) refers to only occasional one. All classes of people can be found who use the drug for the purposes stated under heads ( a) to (d). - Evidence * of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda.


40. (a) Yes, both ganja and bhang are used by native doctors. (b) Yes, bhang, but not ganja. 41. (a) Eating bhang is good for the digestion, but not ganja smoking. (b) Eating bhang is also good in the way of giving staying-power and alleviating fatigue, but not ganja smoking. (c) Neither eating bhang nor smoking ganja is of any use as a febrifuge. Under (a) and (b) moderate eating is understood No other beneficial effect is obtained from the practice. 42. Habitual eating of bhang is harmless, if not beneficial, but ganja smoking is always more or less harmful. Question 41.[oral evidence]—Ganja does not relieve fatigue in any degree. Consumers of ganja are all weak, bad workers. Bhang is not febrifuge. It is a cooling drink.   - Evidence of CHANDI PERSHAD, Brahmin, Malguzar, and President, Municipal Committee, Chanda.


40. Native physicians prescribe them sometimes. Bhang is used in treating cattle for certain specific diseases, such as colic and loss of appetite. 41. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) No. (e) Labouring classes. (f) Moderate occasional. 42. No ; habit is generally formed by persons who begin moderately at first.  - Evidence of THAKUR MAHARAJ SINGH, RAI BAHADUR,* Malguzar, Saugor.


40. The use of ganja is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualitities in Yunani and Mishrani Schools of Native physicians in the treatment of certain diseases, such as dysentery, etc. It should, however, be borne in mind that ganja in itself is never prescribed as medicine. It only forms an ingredient in very small quantities; ganja is also used in the treatment of a cattle disease called Fansi—a sort of lung disease. 41. There is a popular belief that the moderate habitual use of ganja is beneficial in its effect as food accessory or digestive. It also gives stayingpower under severe exertion or exposure and alle -viates fatigue. It also acts as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. The drug is not, however, used specially for one's benefit in any classes. Those who smoke do not smoke for health, but for intoxication. When they get into the habit, its use becomes necessary for the preservation of their health. It is believed that bhang allays the effects of hot weather. I do not think that the use of charas, ganja or bhang, however moderate, is beneficial to health.  - Evidence of RAO SAHIB BALWANTRAO GOVINDRAO BHUSKUTE, Brahmin, Jagirdar of Timborni, Barhanpar, Nimar District.


40. Both bhang and ganja are used. They produce appetite and are sedatives. They are both also used for cattle diseases. I have used it for cattle myself. I have heard of it being used for men. 41. As to both bhang and ganja — (a) yes. (b) yes; (c) and (d) I don't know. See question 27. I cannot say. Moderate occasional is referred to. 42. Yes, because I see no bad effects.  - Evidence * of DAMODHAR DASS, Brahmin, Mafidar, Bargarh, Sambalpur District


40. Yes, very rarely. Bhang is administered to bullocks to allay fatigue and weariness sometimes. But generally the water of fermented "mohawa" called "goda" is given. 41. It is said that bhang is most beneficial in its effects as— (a) a food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying-power and to alleviate fatigue. (c) Ganja is used as a preventive of maladies arising from impure water in malarious and unhealthy districts. Hence its extensive use in the Zamindaris and Feudatory States. But the moderate use of it is abused when it leads into excesses. Mostly Marwaris, Dakhni Brahmins, Kayasths, etc., use bhang for the purposes of (a) and (b ). The rural classes use ganja for the purposes of (c). I refer to both. 42. I have already said that the use of bhang is considered beneficial and harmless. See for reasons, answers to question 41. Ganja smoking, either moderately or excessively, is considered pernicious to the human system. The habitual use of it is said to weaken the intellect and to ruin the constitution.  - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda


40. I don't remember. I never heard of such use. 41. I do not think it is beneficial, except in moderation, as an aid to digestion. In cases of fatigue, and so on, the effect can only be temporary. It may be soothing and act as an inducement to sleep. I do not think it is useful in any other way, as smokers are attacked by fevers, etc. 42. If a person indulges in this drug, the moderate use may be beneficial to the health; but as the system becomes accustomed to it, the dose must be increased, and therefore the habit is liable to become a baneful one. - Evidence of the REV. O. LOHR,* Medical Missionary, Bisrampur, Raipur District


40. Susruta, a book on medicine in Sanskrit, says that the drug is a good medicine for getting together the phlegm in the larynx and ejecting it. 41.(a) to (c) No. Fishermen, graziers, agricultural labourers and generally those who have out-work in cold and rains. They use ganja only moderately as a habit and for the purposes indicated in the question, but I think these poor people have simply been told that ganja is good for so and so, and they use it without ever troubling themselves to see whether its use is doing that good to them for which it was prescribed. That it does not give them staying-power I judge from the fact that the use of the drug is essentially accompanied with tingling and numbness of the active members of the body and a physical insensibility, as in the case of monkshood. 42.I certainly think that even the moderate use of ganja and bhang injures materially the consumer. He suffers in body if he is not able to have to eat milk, ghi and oily substances generally. He almost invariably suffers in mind. He becomes such a conspicuous object that I do not know if I have ever made a mistake in finding him out from a crowd of people. He is sharp tempered, very easily excitable, morbidly sensitive, quarrelsome, and becomes quite apathetic and an easy prey to disease. Question 42.[oral evidence]— I consider that even moderate use of bhang, as well as ganja, is injurious. I have seldom seen a really rational ganja smoker. They are excitable and stupid. I do not call a moderate consumer one who smokes 1/3 of a tola a day. Ganja smokers are not, I think, confined to any particular class. I don't think the Lodhis take it more than other cultivators except in the Saugor district. An unusually strong man among them may not deserve my remark that no ganja consumer is quite rational. I don't think that the people would be better for total abstention from all intoxicants. A moderate ganja smoker betrays his habit by his conversation. His lips bear evidence of his habit. They are blackish.  - Evidence of ADHAR SINGH GOUR, Kshattri, Barrister-at-law, Hoshangabad.


40. Native physicians use bhang largely in the preparation of "módaks"—emulsions for the cure of indigestion and of debility. I have seen ganja used for the cure of rinderpest and other cattle diseases. 41. I do not believe in beneficial effect derived from the moderate use of ganja, bhang and charas, except that they perhaps temporarily alleviate the sufferings of people exposed to wet, cold and fatigue. (a) As food I do not believe them to be of any the slightest use. There can be no doubt that under their influence men eat a much larger quantity of food than ordinarily, but whether they digest it all is more than I can say. (b) Yes, temporarily at least. (c) and (d) I do not know. Fishermen, boatmen, and men who are obliged to work in water use ganja "to keep out the water" as they call it; musicians to keep up nights and to keep the voice clear; postal runners to alleviate the effects of the fatigue and exposure of their avocation. Wrestlers drink bhang partly to allay the fatigue of their practice and partly to be able to eat and digest well. My answer to the above questions refer only to moderate use of the drugs. 42. I believe occasional and  moderate use of bhang to be harmless. Ganja I believe to be injurious to health even when used in moderation. I have seldom come across a smoker who looked reasonably healthy or good tempered. I have not seen many charas smokers and have nothing to say about them. - Evidence of MR. TARA DASS BANERJI, President, District Council, Raipur


40. The baids and hakims prescribe ganja as a medicine. It is also used as medicine for the cattle. 41. A moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial in its effects for purposes (a), (b), (c). Generally the poorer classes use the drugs for the above purposes. I refer to both.  - Evidence of BABU KALIDAS CHOWDHRY, Brahmin, Pleader, Hoshangabad.


40. Native doctors prescribe ganja for dysen ¬tery. Sometimes it is nsed in cattle diseases, 41.  Moderate use of ganja is beneficial in its effect (a) as a food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue; It appears that the stimulus to ganja smoking was given from 187-79, when the Bengal-Nagpur Railway was under construction, on account of the influx of labourers and contractors from the North-Western Provinces who brought this pernicious habit with them and taught the people both by precept and example. The reasons of its consumption being now on the increase are—(1) it is a cheap substitute for liquor or opium; (2) the moderate smoking of "ganja" is not considered by the people as disgraceful; (3) it is smoked like tobacco and with tobacco. 26. My estimate of the proportion of ganja smokers is as follows:— (a)50 per cent. (b)45 per cent. (c)10 per cent. (d)5 per cent. 27. (a) Gossains, Bairagis use this as it is considered the gift of Mabadeo, and it is supposed to be enjoined by him for concentrating the mind of his worshippers. (b) Goads, Gowaries, Telees, Mahars and other labouring classes, as cheap intoxicating smoke, as a staying power for severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue. (c) Powars and Lodhis partly for the above reason and partly because it is not considered disgraceful as opium or liquor. (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts; (d) I know of no other way. The Gonds, Gowaries, Powars, Halbas and other labouring classes. I refer to both moderate occasional use and moderate habitual use. In Bhandara and Balaghat districts, the labouring classes in the malarious and unhealthy parts use ganja smoking for the above use. 42. I consider the moderate use of the drug as beneficial as well as harmless, as far as ganja is concerned. 42. [oral evidence] By the words "as far as ganja is concerned," I mean to exclude admixtures, not to exclude bhang. So also in Answer 43  - Evidence of RAO SAHIB RANGRAO HARRY KHISTY, Pleader, Bhandara.


40. It is prescribed by native doctors as a tonic. It is supposed to create appetite and aid digestion. 41. Moderate habitual use of ganja, charas and bhang is supposed to be beneficial in its effects for (a), ( b ), (c), and (d). The moderate occasional use is supposed to relieve pain. It is used mostly by the lower and working classes, and it is harm-less when moderately used with sufficient food. 42. According to information received and quoted in paragraph above, the moderate use is harmless. - Evidence of Mr. J. A. MAUGHAN, Manager, Central Provinces Collieries, Umaria, Jubbulpore District


42. From what the smokers say, ganja smoking seems to me to be a harmless, if not a beneficial, habit ; and, if stopped, the men will be driven to costlier and more injurious habits of liquor drink ing or opium taking in some shape or other. I believe the price is sufficiently high to check excessive consumption. Of course there must be excessive consumers, but they can hardly belong to the working classes.  - Evidence of BAZONJI DADABHOY, Parsi, Manager of the Empress Mills, Nagpur.


40. Yes ; ganja and bhang are used in medicinal purposes. They are also used in the treatment of cattle disease, 41. The moderate use of ganja, charas or bhang is beneficial in its effects— (a) as a food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. The use of the drug for the above purposes is not strictly confined to any class or classes of people in particular. I refer to the moderate use of the drug.  - Evidence of LALA NANDKESHORE, * Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and Member, District Council, Saugor.


42. I do consider that the smoking of ganja is beneficial to the outdoor labouring classes. It enables them to endure fatigue andexposure, and to work on hard, without evil effects.  - Evidence* of GIRDHARI LAL, Oswal Bania, Merchant and Banker, Seoni-Chapara.


40. The only medicinal use of ganja or bhang that I know of is in the form of ointment prepared from bhang for poor patients. Native hakims also prescribe a mild decoction of bhang to counteract or smother the violence of a fever. Ganja, as distinct from bhang, is not prescribed medicinally that I know of. For the method of preparing bhang ointment, see my answer to Question 19. 41. Ganja smokers certainly claim for ganja that it is good for digestion. It is also certain that, if habitual ganja smokers are deprived of their ganja, their digestive organs go all wrong. Ganja also does certainly give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure. A ganja smoker, for instance, could walk straight on and for a longer distance than a non-smoker. This is why the labouring classes so generally smoke ganja. Also ganja certainly enables the Gond to live under conditions of bad water, and malarial exhalations, which would soon kill a non-smoker of ganja. The habitual moderate consumers of ganja among the labouring classes and jungle tribes certainly benefit from ganja smoking. It is for the sedentary classes, and for those who are not subjected to bodily fatigue and exposure, that ganja smoking is not beneficial. 42. I do consider that the smoking of ganja is positively beneficial to the poor, who have to work hard in the open under exposure. With the help of a smoke of ganja, the labourer suffers neither from cold nor wet, despite insufficient clothing. - Evidence* of ONKAR DAS, Agarwalla Bania, Mahajan, Seoni-Chapara.


40. Bhang is given to horses and cattle as a tonic, to remove fatigue and give appetite. Animals get into good condition under a tonic course of bhang. The bhang is toasted in a metal pot over a fire, and then either mixed with gur, when the animals eat it readily, or is put down their throats with salt. 41. The moderate consumption of ganja is certainly beneficial to the labouring classes and to those who are exposed to malaria. The labourers can work harder and longer with help of ganja than abstainers from ganja. The staying-powers of ganja under severe exertion are notorious. The Gonds and cultivating classes in malarial tracts and all weathers could not get on without ganja ; it enables them to live under conditions of water-supply and decaying vegetation which would kill others. For those who are habitually exposed to such conditions or to hard labour, moderate habitual ganja smoking is good. To the habitual consumer, ganja smoking is essential to maintenance of a good digestion. It is only for the sedentary classes, and those who have not to work hard in the open air, that ganja smoking is really injurious. Those are the classes who go mad under indulgence in ganja. 42. I do consider ganja smoking good for the poor labouring classes. It enables them to bear hardships they could not otherwise endure, and gives them staying-power they would not other wise have. I have been a ganja dealer for 17 or 18 years, and I have never known a hard-working out-door labourer or Gond suffer from the habitual moderate indulgence in ganja smoking. It is the sedentary and the idle classes whom it injures.  - Evidence* of HUSEN KHAN,† Pathan, Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.


40. Regarding the medicinal quality of bhang and ganja, most valuable information can be obtained from the Dictionary of the Economic Products of India, Volume II, page 121. Bhang leaves along with jaggery is generally given to fatigued bullocks. 41. Moderate use of ganja (1/3 of a tola in weight) one chillum before each dinner and supper, and the same weight of bhang to be taken every afternoon will have most beneficial effects in respect to (a) , (b) and (c) . Ganja (d) in curing dysentery. There is also reason to believe that the ganja consumers are not attacked by the pile disease. Almost all the consumers of these drugs are induced to use them for one or other of the above -mentioned purposes (a), (b), (c) and (d), first in moderate quantity, which gradually increases to excess and becomes most harmful and loses all its medicinal quality. 42. Please see Answer to No. 41.  - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.


40. No knowledge. 41. (a) Yes. (b) and (c) Yes. All classes of consumers. I refer to the moderate habitual use. 42. Beneficial as described in Answer 41.  - Evidence of BIJRAJ, Marwari, Wholesale ganja vendor, Kamptee, Nagpur District.


40. Ganja and bhang are used in medicine. They are used in the treatment of cattle disease also. 41. (a) Yes, if moderately used. Still it proves more injurious than efficacious.
(b) Yes. (c) No. 42. The moderate use is harmless, because moderate use is not injurious to health.  - Evidence of LALA RAMSAHI AND LALA SITARAM,  Abkari Contractors, Nagpur.


41. I think the habit of ganja smoking to be beneficial to the poor labouring classes, but injurious to the well-to-do. The former cannot afford to buy much, and they work off the effects, so that they derive no harm from it. The latter suffer in health ; they get a persistent cough, and their blood dries up (sic). - Evidence of SHEW NARAIN, Bajpai Brahmin, Public Works Contractor, Jabalpur.


40. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. 41 and 42. Vide No. 38.  - Evidence of MR. J. STURROCK, Collector, Coimbatore.


40. Prescribed to promote digestion, to revive appetite and to check diarrhœa. Used to a limited extent in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Moderate use of bhang is reported as beneficial. The Deputy Collector, Madura Division, M. R. R. P. Theenathayalu Naidugaru, replies this part of the question in the negative. All classes use bhang when administered as a medicine. Both the uses are referred to. 42. Mr. E. L. Vaughan, Acting Sub-Collector, replies thus : " I have no reason to believe it harmful if used in moderation any more than is tobacco to a European." M. R. R. P. Theena-thayalu Naidugaru, Acting Deputy Collector, Madura, writes : "Not harmless. Consumers lose health gradually." Mr. Walter Francis, Acting Head Assistant Collector, says : " Moderate use appears to be quite harmless and to be even beneficial."  - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.


40. Bhawapakaxi, a work of the 10th century, prescribes it in dysentery. Susruta prescribes it in catarrh. The Arabic and Persian works are, however, more precise and detailed. In Makzanul Aduviaya, written about the beginning of this century, a full description of its medicinal properties is given, and various names are assigned to it. The author says that the leaves and bark make a good snuff for cleaning the brain ; the juice applied to the head as a wash removes dandruff and vermin ; it checks diarrhœa; it restrains seminal secretions, and is diuretic. Powder recommended as an external application to wounds and sores ; poultice of the boiled root as cure for erysipelas ; leaves spread on castor oil leaf are a cure for hydrocele. 41. The use of the drugs  is  not  known to be beneficial, except that it allays hunger and fatigue temporarily. 42. I am unable to answer the question. - Evidence of MR. C. B. MACLEANE, Collector of Nellore.


40. All Tahsildars say that native doctors prescribe ganja for diseases of both men and cattle. 41. The majority of Tahsildars consider that moderate use is beneficial. The only two Brahmin Tahsildars in the district aver that it is never beneficial, but always hurtful. My own opinion is that it has a distinct effect as a febrifuge in feverish tracts, and that natives often use it for that purpose. For instance, the people in the Godavari district, which is feverish, are great consumers of tobacco. In the streets of Coconada the smell of tobacco-smoke is everywhere. Children are made to smoke, and the reason probably is that the natives believed smoking to be a good preventive against fever. I think they consume these drugs for the same reason, very often.  - Evidence of MR. R. SEWELL, Collector of Bellary.


40. Yes, constantly. 41. Does not fall within my province to answer. 42. To people who cannot  obtain  skilled medical advice, and who cannot afford to buy chlorodyne, Mother Seigel's soothing syrup, painkiller and other patent medicines, the use of purn âdhi and similar medicinal preparations of ganja must often be beneficial. If it is not the best medicine, it is often the only one available.  - Evidence of MR. H. M. WINTERBOTHAM, Collector of Tanjore.


40. Yes. They are used in native medical treatment and for cattle-disease, but only to a limited extent. 41. (a) There is a general agreement of opinion as to its improving the appetite. (b) This is admitted by nearly every one consulted. The effect is only temporary however. (c) It is used for the purpose, but it is doubtful whether it really does any good. The number of consumers is too small to allow of this question being answered. 42. So far as I can learn, the moderate use of these drugs produces no harm in a healthy person for a long time. There seems to be some reason for supposing that after a long series of years it produces premature old age, but this is a point on which it would be impossible to express a decided opinion.  - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.


40. Yes, ganja is prescribed as a nervine tonic, as a stimulant for sexual enjoyment, as an astringent, as a means of securing digestion or creating good appetite, and, in short, it is held as a means of rendering the constitution proof against all diseases and for securing longevity. It is also used for making powder of zinc by burning it with thin pieces of zinc. In the case of bowel complaints of cattle, it is administered in plantain. Saltpetre burnt in green ganja. leaves is given to horses. when out of wind. 41. (a) Yes. (4) No, except the drink of bhang, which is made use of as alleviating fatigue. (c) As a febrifuge in ease of fevers arising from, cold. (d)    Ganja used as anodyne, sedative, anti-spasmodic. It is also used as a narcotic, diuretic and parturifacient. It is a powerful aphrodisiac. The District Medical Officer says in answer to (a) to (c) that the drug is of no use. Moderate habitual consumers use it chiefly as a digestive. 42. Not very harmful, if moderately used.  - Evidence of MR. J. THOMSON, Collector of Chingleput


40. None of the drugs is administered by itself to people or cattle. But halvas or other preparations are made by native doctors, in which ganja is one of the many ingredients, and used by the people. Ganja, mixed with other drugs, is used for cattle disease. 41. Ganja smoking — (a) It promotes digestion at first, but after some time it suppresses the desire for food. (b) and (c) Yes. Bhang—(a) This does not destroy appetite, but, on the other hand, it is said to sharpen it. (b) and (c) Yes. Hill people use it. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is said to be harmless. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem.


40. Ganja is prescribed by native physicians for insomnia, neuralgia, tetanus, hydrophobia, cholera, diarrhœa, and dysentery, and also as an aphrodisiac. 41. (b) The moderate use of ganja is supposed to give staving-power under severe exertion or exposure, and is occasionally used by the poorer labouring classes in such circumstances. (d) It is believed to be useful in nervous and spasmodic diseases, neuralgia, asthma, diarrhœa and dysentery. The moderate occasional use is referred to. 42. It is harmless and often beneficial in sickness. This is the experience of a European missionary who has for 18 years been in charge of a dispensary open to all classes.  - Evidence of MR. G. S. FORBES, Collector of Tinnevelly.


40. Some native doctors prescribe it in combination. It is not used for cattle diseases. 41. I cannot say; but I believe it is used for purposes (a), (b), and (c). 42. Cannot say. - Evidence of MR. S. H. WYNNE, Collector, Godavari District.


40 The drugs are used as medicines for men and cattle. 41. I have had no sufficient experience to give an opinion.  - Evidence of MR. M. HAMMICK, Acting Collector of South Arcot.


40. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. - Evidence of MR. HERBERT BRADLEY, Acting Collector of Malabar.


40. Yes; I believe it is. Two good native doctors have replied to the questions from Cuddapah, and I presume they have fully answered. I append a copy of the Chitvel Hospital Assistant's answer for the convenience of reference:-"Yes; prescribed for bronchitis, mixed with sugar or jaggery; for diarrhœa, mixed with tonic and sugarcandy; for colic, mixed with impure salt (common), potass nitras, aconite root and betel leaf juice; for general nervine tonic, mixed with nutmeg, saffron, and musk in pills; for sleep producing, pul, nux vomica, dhatura seed, nutmeg, cardamom and cinnamon bark in pills; for cattle diseases; for general tonic and milk secretion, ganja one part (sazzalee), kambu one seer, well ground and mixed with jaggery, administered in balls; for pneumonia, ganja one part, and dried and well washed dogskull leaves two parts, mixed and administered in pills; for belly ache for buffaloes, flowers of the male plant are used in pills mixed with jaggery." 41. (a), (b) and (c) Yes. All moderate habitual consumers. Here again I give the Chitvel Hospital Assistant's answer to this question:— " (d) Creates temporary vigour and laughter, specially native regimental classes, some lower orders, boatmen, ascetics, beggars, bairagis, Maharata vagabonds. All these use them to a smaller or greater extent for (a), (b), (c), and (d). The ascetics use them for intoxicating purposes also. The moderate habitual use that I refer to both the abovenamed. As for the moderate occasional use, it is used for medicinal purposes with baneful effects by a small minority of all classes." 42. I think the use of it bad, as it engenders the necessity of using it to give sleep, to give appetite, etc. That it is harmful also I should gather from the general thinness of the smokers I interviewed. On the other hand, one consumer assured me he has regularly used ganja from the time of the great Nandana famine, 62 years ago, and he by no means looked the age that would have made him.  - Evidence of MR. C. H. MOUNSEY, Acting Collector of Cuddapah.


40. Yes. 41. (a) Yes; used as a tonic. (b) Yes; bairagis use it for this purpose. (c) Yes. (d) Bhang is used for asthma and other diseases, and smoked as a germicide and disinfectant. 42. The moderate use is practically harmless, as witness the rate at which the population of the country is increasing.  - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.


40. It is mixed with other drugs by native doctors and used for diarrhœa, dyspepsia, etc. None of the drugs is said to be used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Yes, so it is said. (b) It is used for this purpose. ( c) Yes, but when drunk it is said not to be effective. (d). It is said to prevent illness due to change of water. 42. The prevailing opinion is that a moderate use of the drugs is harmless, but the question is one for medical men to answer.  - Evidence of MR. L. C. MILLER, .Acting Collector of Trichinopoly.


40. It is said that these drugs are prepared as a stimulant for asthma, fever, dysentery, and externally for colic. Yes, in some parts it is used for cattle disease and given to cows for safe delivery. Ganja leaves given to calves; also is burnt to disinfect sheepfold. 41. Charas is not used in these parts. Ganja and bhang used for (a) yes, (b) yes, (e) yes, (d) steadying the mind it is said. What is referred to is the moderate occasional and habitual use. 42. The moderate use of it is not felt to be harmful, provided good nourishment is taken. That is the experience.  -  Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur


40. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. 41. It is generally believed to be of benefit in (a), (b), and (c).  - Evidence of MR. C. J. WEIR,* Acting Collector, District Magistrate, and Agent to Govr., Ganjam.


40. Yes -  Evidence  of  MR. J. G. D. PARTRIDGE,  Assistant collector, Ganjam.


40. I have not heard that any school of native doctors prescribes the use of hemp drugs on account of their medicinal qualities. I believe the administration of the drug in the form of a tincture or extract sharpens the appetite and induces sleep. I believe that it is efficacious in cases of delirium tremens where even morphia has failed, and it is said of smoking ganja that it serves as a prophy-latic against diseases contracted in malarious climates. The Civil Surgeon, Guntoor, writes that medicinally the drug is invaluable as an anodyne, hypnotic and sedative. 41. Vide answer to 40. 42. The moderate use of ganja is both approved and condemned by medical authorities of equal weight. The Civil Surgeon, Guntoor, informs me that it is said to cause insanity after longcontinued use. I have often read that running "amok" is produced by a large dose of bhang; but I only state this as a popular theory. I understand that fakirs and bairagis use ganja commonly to lessen sexual desire, and that after continued use, it produces impotency. Some of its beneficial effects are noted in replies to questions 40 and 41. - Evidence of MR. H. CAMPBELL, Acting Sub-Collector, Guntoor.


40. Ganja is prescribed by native doctors to promote digestion, to check diarrhœa, and to revive appetite. 41. Native doctors weaken its power and use it in preparations to accelerate digestion, to prevent indigestion, and to invigorate the nerves. All classes use this when administered as a medicine. 42. I have no reason to believe it harmful if used in moderation any more than is tobacco to a European.  - Evidence of MR. E. L. VAUGHAN, Acting Sub-Collector, Dindigul.


40. Ganja is used medicinally by native doctors for complaints in the stomach. 41. Ganja is said to he marked in its effect on digestion, which it assists, and to promote staying-power under exposure or exertion. There is no fever here, and it is not employed as a febrifuge. I refer to the moderate habitual use of the drug in the shape of ganja and in the case of the classes already mentioned. 42. Moderate use appears to be quite harmless, and to be even beneficial for the reasons given above.  - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad.


40. Ganja is used in a medicine, called yakoti, for producing sexual appetite. It is eaten. Cannot be bought at the bazar. Hindus call it "Madanakameswara Leghyam." Ganja is also prescribed as a digestive. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Its effect is refreshing. (c) No. 42. Beneficial when used as medicine, otherwise even the moderate use of these drugs is injurious. They increase bile, cause loss of blood, and emaciation. If consumers fall sick, they readily succumb.  - Evidence of MR. R. E. GRIMLEY, Acting Head Assistant Collector, North Arcot.


40. I do not know. 41. I am not in a position to give information on these points. 42. I certainly think that the moderate use of the drugs does very little harm. All the smokers whom I have seen did not appear in any way debilitated. All that I noticed was a slight dulling of their senses.  - Evidence of Mr. H. F. W. GILLMAN, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Nilgiris.


40. Considerably. Both the Hindu and Muhammadan doctors largely use ganja in their medicines for various diseases. Ganja mixed with water is given to cows which will not allow themselves to be milked. The ganja is also given to women in protracted labour pains. 41. Majum is said to assist digestion, to give staying-power, and to act as febrifuge. In diarrhœa it is also said to be used. I refer to moderate use. 42. The moderate use of the drug I consider harmless, and often even beneficial for the purposes mentioned in the preceding answer. Alcohol or opium might be preferable, but many who use the ganja drugs can't afford the more expensive stimulants mentioned. - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.


40. Yes; by native doctors-not limited to any particular school. Apparently not used for cattle disease. 41. Insufficient and unreliable information. 42. There is a consensus of opinion that any use whatever of the drug is harmful. 43. Inoffensive apart from their disagreeable smell.  - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division.


40. Yes; for belly-ache, etc. No. 41. (a) I think not. (b) I think not. (c) I think not. (d) No; on the other hand, I am inclined to think that the use of the drugs weakens one's constitution and affects his health in course of time. 42. Except in so far as it affects the brain in a measure.  - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District.


40. Yes ; prescribed by native physicians. Not known. 41. The use of charas is not known. Limited use is considered beneficial by a few as digestive. (b) Alleviating fatigue. (c) As preventive of diseases in malarial and unhealthy tracts. Those that use it here, being but an insignificant number, cannot be grouped into classes. Moderate habitual use is the one referred to above.  - Evidence of  D. JAGANNADHARAO PANTALU, Brahmin,Deputy Collector, Anantapur.


40. Yes, it is prescribed for the cure of cough, jaundice, etc. The drugs are also used in the treatment of diseases of horses and elephants only. Whether they are used for the treatment of cattle or not, it is not known. 41. Yes, the moderate habitual use of ganja, majum, or bhang is beneficial to — (a), (b), (c) and (d) in the prevention of cough and other complaints due to change of water and climate. All classes of people use the drugs.  - Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PAN TULU GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.


40. Yes; vide my reply to question 19. Ganjayi is used very sparingly for cattle diseases.
41. (a) Both ganja and bhang promote digestion. (b) Ganja gives no staying-power while bhang gives it. (c) Ganja is considered a prophylactic, but bhang is a febrifuge and is used in cases of fever and ague. (d) Both majums and halvas are used as medicine. (1) Sickly and dyspeptic people use the drugs for this purpose. (2) Coolies use bhang. (3) People in malarious places use the drugs in this manner. (4) All people treated by native doctors know this. 42. No; except by way of medicine. Ganja is a medicinal plant and has medicinal value.  - Evidence of M. R. R. DEWAN BAHADUR S. VENKATA RAMADAS NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Godavari.


40. Yes ; native doctors prescribe ganja for weak children for medicinal purposes and also for cattle -  Evidence of DEWAN BAHADUR K. V. LAKSHAMANA Row GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.


40. Native doctors use ganja for some diseases. Ganja is used in cattle treatment also. 41. (a) No. (b) (b)    No. (c)    Yes. (d) Yes. 42. Is harmful. The consumer becomes emaciated - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.


40. Native doctors prescribe this drug in some cases to improve digestion ; but it will be discontinued soon after the desired effect is produced. It is generally prescribed with other ingredients. It is first well purified and then mixed up with medicines, and prescribed for diarrhœa and other bowel complaints. It is not known whether this drug is ever used for cattle disease. 41. Moderate occasional use of ganja and bhang in a well purified, mild form in eating and drinking is beneficial in its effects. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) Yes, as a medicine. No particular class of people use this drug. It is the moderate occasional use of the drug I refer to. 42. I do not consider even moderate use of these drugs to be harmless if the use is habitual, for the habit itself is not an approved one, and may bring on excess or impair the constitution in the long run. - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.


40. Bhang and ganja are taken with halwa or lagiem as stimulants. They are also occasionally given as medicine to cattle. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c)    Yes. (d) Not known. Musalmans and other classes of people. The moderate occasional use of the drug will bring about the above results.  - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty.


40. Native doctors prescribe majum for dysentery. 41. (a) Moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial as a food accessory or digestive. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) It is used as medicine for dropsy and spleen. Ordinary classes. Working people. It is the moderate habitual use. 42. I consider the moderate use of any of these drugs to be somewhat harmful on the whole, the reason being that it gradually affects chest and manhood to some extent. - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam.


40. The use of ganja is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities in the preparation of several medicines by most of the schools of native doctors. Ganja is boiled in cow's milk, and the butter which is extracted from this milk is used in the preparation of these medicines. None of these drugs is used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. Moderate use of ganja and bhang is beneficial in their effects. 42. Moderate use of these drugs is quite harmless.  - Evidence of TADEPALLI SIVARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector, Chatrapur.


40. Both the Muhammadan and Hindu systems of medicine prescribe the drugs. It is not known to be used. for cattle diseases. 41. It is taken — (a) for improving digestion ; (b) for alleviating fatigue ; (c) for preventing malarious diseases. 42. It is beneficial when used as medicine. Otherwise it is injurious.  - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelly


40. Not by itself. It is not used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. No. 42. Even moderate use does harm, as it affects the mind and health of the consumer to a greater or less degree. - Evidence of C. VENKATA CHALAM, Tahsildar, Guntur.


40. This is seldom prescribed by any native doctors. But those who consume it give it as their experience that it keeps off indigestion, cough or some similar ailments, and that, if they give up its use they will have a recurrence of these complaints. One tells me that, in case of coughs and severe consumption, ganja was tried and found to give relief to some extent, and that it is also used to stop purgings in very serious cases. The Civil Apothecary, Bapatla, reports that, as medicine, the pharmaceutical extract prepared from it is useful in painful affections. It possesses antispasmodic and anodyne powers and is useful in neuralgic affections, whooping coughs, asthma, tetanus and hydrophobia. It is also given to produce sleep. Tincture of Indian hemp is also prepared from the drug. Its use in the form of medicine is not objectionable in the administration. But its being allowed to be used as an intoxicating drug has grave objections since it exercises its most baneful effects on the nervous system. 41. The consumers assert that the use of ganja and bhang have the three effects referred to in this question. Similarly those who are addicted to tobacco smoking or opium eating affirm that there qualities are inherent in their favourite articles. The use referred to is only moderate habitual use and not occasional use of the drug. 42. The use of this drug tells upon a man's constitution and habits by reducing his appearance and affecting his brain, and rendering him unfit for social enjoyment.  - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.


40. Yes ; as a sedative, in cases of irregularities of stomach and rectum. I don't know about cattle disease. 41. (a) Yes. To dyspeptics and gourmands. (b) Yes. To bairagis, sepoys, and footpads. (c) Yes. To dwellers in malarious tracts and hill villages. But opium is more largely used. (d) To deaden pain, or at least to induce insensibility to it in painful performances, like hook-swinging, fire-walking, etc. (a), (b) and (c) Moderate habitual use. (d) Occasional use. 42. The moderate use is, I believe, harmless in the same way that a pint of beer is harmless.  - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.


40. External application for scrotum mixed with halva or leham. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d)Not known. The moderate use of the drug will bring about the above results. 42. Even the moderate use affects health unless proper nourishment is taken.  - Evidence of S. VASUDEVA. RAO, Tahsildar, Tadpatri.


40. Yes, but to very inconsiderable extent. A paste of ganja is applied to sores. It is said to serve the purpose of carbolic acid. The tongues of animals refusing to eat are rubbed over with a powder made of ganja, saffron, and salt. Ganja mixed in gram gives strength to cattle, and keeps them in good condition. 41. Yes.  - Evidence of T. KODANDARAM NAIDU, Tahsildar, Hospett.


40. Native doctors prescribe ganja cigarettes for asthma. The ashes of ganja are used for cattle to prevent dysentery. It is also used for men in a delirious state. 41. No ; it is condemned. 42. It cannot be considered as harmless, because when it is used it keeps the mind in an unsettled condition, and makes persons laugh within themselves and utter all sorts of words and begin to sing mad songs - Evidence of M. BIMACHARI, Tahsildar, Rayadrug.


40. Ganja is largely prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by native doctors to cure cough, asthma, rheumatism, and cold. Ganja is not used in the treatment of cattle disease here. 41. The people addicted to smoking of ganja say invariably that its moderate use is very beneficial in its effects, namely, curing cough, asthma, rheumatism, cold, and promoting digestion. 42. As the moderate use of ganja is beneficial in its effects, I think its use will not cause any harm to the consumer.  - Evidence of MUNSHI S. MOHAMED UNWUR SAHIB, Tahsildar, Suthanapully Taluk, Kistna District.


40. Some of the native quacks use ganja, as medicine for cattle diseases. 41. Yes.  - Evidence of P. RAM RAO, Tahsildar of Hadgalli.


40. Ganja leaf is used by quacks. The leaf is applied externally when a man is suffering from stomach ache. These drugs are not used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang is beneficial in its effects— (a) as a food digestive ; (b) to alleviate fatigue ; (c) as a febrifuge. The drug is prescribed by hakims. I refer to the moderate occasional use of the drug, 42. Even the moderate use of these drugs cannot but produce deleterious results in the long run, as it is a physiological principle that the use of stimulants is ever followed by subsequent prostration, as stimulants cannot but draw upon the bank of Nature's forces.  - Evidence of ADAKI JAGANNADHA RAO, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Hindupur, Anantapur District.


40. Bhang is said to be used on account of its medicinal properties. Bhang leaves are used for cattle for nourishment. 41. (a) The moderate use of bhang gives the effect of increasing the digestive process. (b) The smoking of ganja alleviates fatigue. (c) Bhang and ganja are used as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. The moderate habitual use that is referred to as regards (a) , the moderate occasional use that is referred to as regards (b) and (c) . 42. The moderate use of these drugs is stated to be harmless. Reasons cannot be given.  - Evidence of G. JAGANNAYAKULU, Acting Tahsildar, Gooty.


40. Opium is the only drug which is medicinally used in cases of diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, etc. Bhang and ganja are not used medicinally in general. 41. Moderate use of bhang may be somewhat beneficial, but that of ganja and charas is not. 42. Bhang moderately used is considered to invigorating, but it enfeebles the man when the intoxication is over. Ganja and charas are always injurious, as they tend to diminish the brain power, spoil the countenance, weaken the constitution, and gradually emaciate the man. - Evidence of CHAGANTI SOMAYAJULU, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Palakonda.


40. Ganja is used by native doctors for medicinal purposes. It is also used by raiyats for the treatment of rinderpest among cattle. 41. (a) The moderate use of ganja mixed with medicine is said by native doctors to be conducive to digestion. (b) People addicted to ganja are said to be, when under its influence, capable of physical efforts above their ordinary powers ; but a reaction soon sets in which takes away their powers of endurance, and they break down. (c) I have ascertained from ganja consumers as well as native doctors that the use of ganja acts as a prophylactic against fever. People using ganja here take it for its narcotic effects rather than for any beneficial purpose. I refer to moderate occasional use.  - Evidence of A. KATCHAPESWARA. IYER, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Cuddapah Taluk.


40. Yes ; the plant is used by native doctors as an astringent and tonic. 41. I think so ; very moderate use will act as a prophylatic to certain diseases, especially fevers, cold, etc. 42. Vide above.  - Evidence of K. RAMA KRISTNA BRAMHAM, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Kudlighi, Bellary District


40. Many native doctors prescribe purnathy to create appetite or strengthen the semen. 1 don't know whether it is used for cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of bhang appears to be beneficial in some cases. Majum and purnathy are used. (a) As a food digestive. (b) It alleviates fatigue. (c) Purnathy is also used as a preventive of disease in malarious tracts. I refer to the moderate occasional use by people travelling in malarious tracts. The permanent residents of malarious tracts use opium. 42. When not used medicinally, even the moderate use of the hemp drug is hurtful to the constitution. It stupefies, dries up or impairs the constitution, produces idle and dirty habits, and asthma.  - Evidence of M. SESHACHALA NAIDU, Baliya, Pensioned Tahsildar, Vellore.


40. Yes; to a large extent. 41. Many of the Bairagis and fakirs use ganja moderately to alleviate fatigue or to subside hunger, and the hill tribes of various tracts use it as a preventive of disease. I refer to moderate habitual use. 42. The use of ganja is considered harmless to the habitual consumers, but to others it cannot be considered so. - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.


40. For children generally the native doctors prescribe a sort of solid preparation mixed with ganja to regulate digestion. 41. Not highly beneficial to grown up persons. 4.2. There is harm, however moderate the use may be, in grown up persons. Besides engendering the vicious practice of its periodical consumption at stated intervals, if it is not consumed on these occasions the person will not be able to proceed with the ordinary work connected with his daily avocation. The use of these drugs, etc., is also said to moderate the hunger of sex. In this way also it is not good.  - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, Coonoor.


40. I understand that native doctors use this in preparing some of their medicines. 41. (a) It is said to be digestive. (b)  It alleviates fatigue. (c) It keeps off cold, etc. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.


40. No ; there are very few natives who know anything of cattle disease, and I have never met any physician that used ganja in the treatment of cattle disease. But some physicians use the drug in preparing medicines for human consumption in the case of bowel complaints, etc. 41. Moderate use of bhang or ganja gives (a) digestive powers ; (b) alleviates fatigue ; (c) acts as a preventive of disease in unhealthy tracts. The classes of people that use the drug have been answered in Question 20. It is to the moderate habitual and occasional use I refer. 42. I consider that the use of this drug in very small doses is harmless. But habitual use, though beneficial in one way, is injurious either to reputation or to intellect.  - Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam.


40. The use of ganja is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities. It is used in native medicines such as Lokanadharasam and choleraic medicine. They are prepared with the juice of hemp plants. It works on patients suffering from swelling diseases and asthma. Ganja used in the treatment of cattle diseases such as Chalidomma. 41. The moderate use is beneficial to some extent. It causes proper disgestion and keeps a man off ordinary sickness. It gives some strength. Smoking ganja prevents any change coming over the system of a man by frequent change of climate and water used for drinking. Drinking and eating ganja gives strength temporarily for bearing any bodily strain in taking physical exercises. 42. If in any case it is not proved beneficial, it can be said to be harmless for the reason explained under question 41. - Evidence of P. LAKSIIMINARAYANA, Brahmin, Manager of Court of Wards' Estate, Nuzvid.


40. None recommend the use of ganja on account of its medicinal qualities. It is used in the treatment of cattle diseases. The Maharaja's stable doctors often purchased ganja or bhang to use it in medicines for treating horses and other cattle. 41. Even the moderate use of either ganja or bhang is in no way beneficial in its effects. 42. Though the moderate use of bhang is not beneficial, it is harmless if taken with spices, milk, sugar or jaggery. I have known many persons who drink bhang in the way given above who have not lost their health or mental or bodily vigour. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY, Telaga, Inspector of Police, Vizianagram.


40. These drugs are being used by Native doctors in the preparation of medicines, and they are not used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. It is beneficial to some extent. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is harmless, as it stimulates one who uses it to some extent at the time.  - Evidence of T. S. KRISTNASAMY C HETTY, Vishnuvite, Pensioned Police Inspector, Trinamalay, South Arcot District.


41. The experience of smokers and consumers of ganja and charas lead them to think that it assists digestion, alleviates fatigue, prevents consumption and keeps the body in good health. I refer to moderate habitual use. 42. The moderate habitual use of these drugs is considered harmless.  - Evidence of MR. E. H. GADSDEN, Superintendent, Central Jail, Coimbatore


41. It is not beneficial in its effects. (a) As a food accessory on digestion, nil. (b) At the same time it may give staying -power under exertion or exposure, but at the end it is detrimental to health in general. (c)Not known. Moderate habitual and moderate occasional use of the drug are both dangerous. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is far from being harmless. They gradually tell on the whole constitution.  - Evidence of MR. H. E. G. MILLS, Superintendent, Central Jail, Triehinopoly.


41. The classes that use the drug for the above purposes are pilgrims, fakirs, and sepoys. As a preventive of disease, coolies and artisans in unhealthy districts are supposed to resort to smoking. Their proportion is not known. The reference is to habitual moderate consumers. It induces sleep. Is a nervine stimulant and an antispasmodic. Native vets also make use of it in certain diseases of horses and cattle. 42. No information.  - Evidence of MR. G. CLONEY, Superintendent of Jail, Tanjore.


40. Yes ; ganja is extensively used medicinally by all native vythians and also in veterinary practice. 41. The moderate use of bhang may be beneficial medicinally for asthma and other diseases. The smoke of bhang is probably a germicide and disinfectant, and this may act as a preventive of disease. 41. I do not think the moderate use of hemp drugs can be harmless to a healthy man. The symptoms exhibited after smoking ganja are such as to prove decisively that it cannot be harmless. The smoke is invariably swallowed and causes irritation of the stomach and violent coughing ; the eves generally become bloodshot and a general stupidity ensues. - - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris.


 40. Yes. 41. I think so, as I see some of the hill tribes using it. 42. I consider it very harmful, as I see persons addicted to it getting cough in the long run and becoming emaciated. - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar.


40. Yes. 41. (a) to (d) No. All classes. Moderate habitual users. 42. Not harmless. Men who consume it get thin, weak, and useless. - Evidence of COLONEL II. S. ELTON, Commandant, 16th _Regiment, Madras Infantry, Bellary.


42. The moderate use of bhang apparently does little harm for some time, but invariably in the long run it impairs the intelligence of those who indulge in it. A consumer cannot do without it, and it is a craving which must be satisfied. - Evidence of CAPTAIN C. M. KENNEDY, Commandant, 1st Pioneers, Trichinopoly.


40. Yes; by many native doctors. 41. (a) (b) and (c) To a. certain extent. (d) Keeps warm and removes cold. Used by wandering hermits and who undergo different climates. 42. It would be beneficial if used moderately by those who use it habitually.  - Evidence of SUBADAR MAJOR MAHAMMAD MURTUZA, 1st Madras Pioneers, Trichinopoly.


40. Native doctors prescribe it largely as an aphrodisiac, and slightly as an anodyne. 41. (a) No. (b) Yes. But only in the sense that it is a stimulant. The system would suffer for the energy displayed. (c) No. (d) I know nothing good of the drug, when given otherwise than in medicinal doses. 42. No. I believe the moderate use of ganja, if habitual and used otherwise than to gain a specific result therapeutically, to be harmful.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. G. KING, Acting Sanitary Commissioner, Madras.


40. No information. 41. Ganja is said to aid digestion. 42. The moderate use of ganja is harmless as far as I know - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL II. HYDE, District Surgeon, Trichinopoly.


40. An extract and powder mixed with many other ingredients are used in dysentery, bronchitis and some other diseases. Said to be used to tame elephants and horses. 42. There are at present in this district jail 14 men, out of a population of 180, who admit that they smoke ganja. All are in excellent health.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A.H. LEAPING-WELL, District Surgeon, Vizagapatam.


40. I don't know if any of these are used for cattle disease, but ganja in some shape or other is precribed by native hakims for its aphrodisiac effects. 41. These drugs, especially ganja as a smoke, are never used except as intoxicants. Majum, as I have said before, is often used by many well-to-do people in Upper India as medicine (aphrodisiac) ; and then it is used in moderation and not as an intoxicant. 42. I cannot consider its use as harmless.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR CHATTERJIE, Medical Officer in charge 13th Madras Infantry, Cannanore


40. I believe preparations of hemp are largely used by Muhammadan hakims in their practice. 41. (a) and ( b) Yes. (c) I do not know. (d) It is largely used, I believe, as an aphrodisiac by hakims. 42. From the known medicinal action of the drug I consider that the moderate use of it is beneficial. It calms the nervous system, assuages hunger, is good for spasmodic respiratory diseases, and in all respects acts like tobacco. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR H. A. F. NAILER, Acting District Surgeon, Tanjore.


40. Yes. By Muhammadan doctors. Externally it is used as a poultice and ointment for ulcers, in piles, in prolapses ani, and for the ear. Internally in infantile convulsions, in dysmenorrhoea, and in tetanus, in malarious dysentery. As an aphrodisiac it is largely used, but its after-effects are bad, leading to impotence. 41. Yes. (a) As a digestive. Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. (d) As a tonic and sedative.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR JOHN LANCASTER, District Surgeon, North Arcot.


40. Ganja is prescribed by native doctors in the form of halwa as an aphrodisiac and for insomnia, pain, tetanus, hydrophobia, cholera, diarrhœa and dysentery. 41. In moderate doses, it is supposed by native doctors to increase appetite, improve digestion, and give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure. Pullers and Pariahs use these drugs occasionally to enable them to undergo excessive labour.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR K. C. SANJANA, Parsi, District Surgeon, Tinnevelly.


40. "Purnathe Lahium," a sweet preparation of bhang, is used as an alterative ; and may be purchased from most native doctors. 41. (a) Arrests metamorphosis of tissue, as is seen in its staving off hunger. (b) Commonly used as an exhilarant by cart-drivers and foot-travellers, such as pilgrims. 42. Moderate use may be presumed to be harmless, as those who indulge in the moderate use cannot be distinguished from ordinary good citizens.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. O ' HARA, District Medical and Sanitary Officer and Superintendent of Jail, Bellary.


40.I am not aware. 41.(a) , (b) and (c) I have heard it stated that it has these qualities, and that it stays the craving of hunger; but I have had no opportunities of verifying such statements, as the proportion using the drug in this province is so small. 42. I think the moderate use of the drug must be harmless, as nobody has ever been brought to my notice (as the Government Medical Officer in charge of the public dispensary and hospital at various stations) who was suffering from the effects of the drug, or whose illness was in any way caused by its use.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. L. WALKER, Civil Surgeon, Ootacamund.


40. No. 41 (a) Yes, in moderation. (b) Yes, for the time being. (c) No. 42. In moderation the drug does no harm; at least I have not heard of any evil effects follow the moderate use of the drug.  -  Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR S. C. SARKIES, District Surgeon, Nellore.


40. Ganja is so used as a narcotic, diuretic or parturifacient. It is generally prescribed for delirium tremens, various forms of neuralgia and nervous affections. 41. (a) (b) and (c) Of no use. (d) Ganja is primarily stimulant; then it is used as an anodyne, sedative, antispasmodic. It is also used as a narcotic, diuretic, and parturifacient. It is a powerful aphrodisiac. 42. The moderate use (in smoking) is not harmful. It has a soothing effect. I have known many persons who smoke in moderation none the worse in any way - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. F THOMAS, Acting District Medical and Sanitary Officer, Chingleput.


40. Yes. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. All classes use the drugs for the above purposes. The proportion cannot be given. It is both the moderate occasional and moderate habitual consumers who resort to use of the ganja or bhang. 42. From what could be gathered from information and from the inspection of several cases, I consider the moderate use of these drugs to be harmless; but there is the tendency to take increased doses with same effect.  - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN C. F. FEARNSIDE, Acting District Surgeon, Ganjam.


40. Yes; native doctors use the drug in medicinal doses very frequently, and it is also used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. Yes; acts as a stimulant after exertion and exposure and alleviates fatigue. Is used very often in asthma and in painful rheumatic affection. Native doctors prescribe the drug in these cases in moderate doses and is used in painful affections very often instead of opium. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. PEMBERTON, Civil Surgeon, Cochin.


40. The smokers say that it is good for diarrhœa. 41. I do not think it is beneficial in any way, but (a) it certainly increases the appetite, (b) and people doing arduous work state that a whiff or two make them forget fatigue. No doubt it may keep them going for the time being, but the after depression is worse. 42. I consider them harmful, because people can-not restrict themselves to the moderate use. A person in health does not require them more than he does alcohol or opium. Question 42.[oral evidence]—I have experience of the moderate use only in this respect, that certain bad characters in a regiment are said to be ganja consumers. As they do not get excited, I conclude that they are moderate consumers. I know no moderate consumers among the outside population. The sepoys I refer to did not, so long as they were under my observation, become excessive consumers. My statement as to the impossibility of restricting the habit is based on the replies given to my inquiries by certain smokers whom I ques -tioned in preparing my paper. They seemed rather ashamed of the habit. They said they would give it up if they could, but that the tendency was to increase. People seem generally ashamed of the habit in this part of the country, and my experience is consequently limited. I have seen only few smokers. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR A. J. STURMER, District and Sanitary Officer, Masulipatam, Kistna District.


40. Yes, it is used by some native doctors in diarrhœa, colic, cholera, etc. It is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of bhang can in no way be beneficial. (a) It has, however, the property of creating an inordinate appetite by means of which those who take it are enabled to eat a large quantity of food; and therefore they are sometimes able to go without food for a long time after. (b) It does give some temporary staying-power till the effects pass off, when the consumer becomes dull, lethargic, and apathetic. (c) No. (d) No. 42. No, the use of any of the drugs is not harmless. It causes several diseases and disorders. Question 41. [oral evidence]—My statement here is only based on report, not on experience. I have never seen cases in which such effects have been produced by the moderate use of bhang. It is from people who have used it that I have heard this. In reference to answers 23 and 24, I should say that there I mean the dried leaves known as bhang. These are not smoked, nor eaten, nor drunk alone. Nor is the drink described in answer 19 taken in this district.   - Evidence of Civil Apothecary T. M. CHERIYAN, Manantoddy.


40. Many native doctors use the drug along with others as an aphrodisiac. A few of them use it in severe forms of dysentery. 41. I think not.  - Evidence of Apothecary K. VASUDEVA RAU, Brahmin, Adirampatnam, Tanjore District.


40. Yes; it is used medicinally for human beings as also for cattle. 41. It is reported, and appears, to be beneficial in small doses. Moderate habitual use is referred to. Ganja is locally used. It is reported as digestive and possessing staying-power. The labouring classes and moderate habitual use are referred to. 42. Moderate use beneficial to certain classes.  - Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.


40. A general term in the form of confection (Mathanakamiswaram) and aphrodisiac. 41. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) No. Vagabonds. The latter. 42. It is harmful (see below).  - Evidence of Apothecary N. H. DANIEL, In charge Police Hospital, Koraput, Vizagapatam District


40. It is used in these parts as a confection for its aphrodisiac properties by Mussalman native doctors. It is used as a stomachic and gastric sedative in almost all disorders of cattle. 41. (a) to (c) Yes. (d) Not known. No definite proportion can be given. Mussalmans and Hindus are the chief classes. The majority are habitual moderate users. 42. It is injurious, if habitual, and although in moderation.  - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District.


40. A preparation of the hemp plant, called halwa, is used in the treatment of dysentery, chronic cough, colic, etc., by native doctors. These drugs are also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. It allays hunger, gives staying-power under severe exertion and in alleviating fatigue. Supposed to be preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. It is generally used in these instances by the lower classes and by moderate habitual users. 42. Cannot definitely give an opinion.  - Evidence of DR. ARTHUR WELLS, Medical Officer, Chicacole, Gan jam District.


40. Ganja is used by certain native doctors on account of its medicinal qualities. They think that it increases virile powers and checks dysentery. 41. (a) to (c) No. Those living in malarial places smoke ganja under the belief that it prevents malarial fever. In my opinion it does not prevent. 42. Very limited use of bhang is harmless.  - Evidence of K. JAGANNADHAM NAIDU,* Medical Officer, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District


40. None of the drugs used by itself medicinally ; but native physicians are said to prepare a kind of 'halva,' of which ganja forms one of many ingredients, and use it medicinally, one action attributed to it being that of aphrodisiac. Ganja is used for cattle disease, mixed with other things. 41. Even moderate habitual ganja-smoking is (a) said to undermine digestive powers, although it seems to somewhat promote them at the commencement, and also suppresses desire for food, so that an habitual, after smoking, is not particular about food, though the moment before he might have felt very hungry ; (b) hardly; (c) is reputed to have the power of preventing disease in malarious and other unhealthy tracts; so that habituals can travel from place to place of different climatic and other conditions with impunity from such trivial complaints as are incidental to such a fugitive life. Habitual use of hemp in any shape is also said to render the consumer almost proof against snake-bites. Occasional moderate use of hemp in any form would also seem to act as aphrodisiac. Bhang, besides having all the above properties in a more marked degree, is also said to possess the beneficial effects pointed out in (b) , be the drug used habitually moderately or occasionally moderately. Moreover, bhang does not so easily destroy digestive powers or the appetite. This is perhaps due to the dilution it undergoes in the preparation. The hill people are said to use ganja for purposes indicated in (c). - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem.


40. Yes, native doctors prescribe for dysentery, chronic diarrhoœa, and cholera, mixing with poppies, pepper and sugar. Headaches, tetanus, and menorrhagia. Never prescribed to cattle. 41, Yes (a) Yes. It is digestive when taken after meals. Every class 1 per cent. (h) Yes. Fakirs and ascetics, 1 per mille. (c) Yes. It is considered as a preventive when travelled in malarious tracts. (d) As an aphrodisiac men of bad morals, 1 per mille. I refer this to both moderate habitual and moderate occasional, except (d) when taken occasionally ; otherwise it loses the aphrodisiac effect. 42. Moderate use ; it is certainly unattended with harm. Keeps up spirit in anything he is engaged, and doesn't impair health, except on generative organs.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


40. There are no particular class of native doctors that receive systematic education at a school of medicine in these days, but quacks and others, who, in consequence of these drugs possessing tonic, stimulant, anodyne, and aphrodisiac properties, prescribe ganja invariably in combination with other medicines. I am not aware of their being used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) to (d) Yes. The beneficial effects of the drug from (a) to (d) refer to those who are moderate occasional consumers. 42. It is also quite harmless if persons take in moderate quantities, for these are largely prescribed by natives in the treatment of several diseases. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras.


41. A moderate use of it is beneficial as a food accessory or digestive. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M . V. RAMANUGULU NAIDU, Peddapur, Godavari District.


40. Ganja preparations are taught in the school of native doctors. Ganja is used in cattle treatment. 41. (a) Ganja in moderation improves appetite. It is digestive. (b)Yes. (d) Aphrodisiac. Brahmins use for (a) and (d) ; Muhammadans for (d), and other classes for (b) and (d). Moderate habitual use for first few years and moderate occasional use. 42. It is injurious. Gradual perversion of physical and mental energy ensues. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant CHINNY SREENIVASA RAU, Prapanna Komity, L. F. Hospital, Bobbili Vizagapatam District.


40. Ganja is used in the practice of native doctors in the form of pills mixed with spices and sugar and usually called  "laham." It is administered in cases of dysentery and diarrhœa and and as an aphrodisiac. I am not aware whether it is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Bhang and ganja may be beneficial in their effects as food accessories or digestives and giving staying-power under severe exertion or exposure. I know nothing of their action as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. I am aware of no particular class who use the drug for the above purposes; but, speaking generally, I refer to the moderate occasional use of the drug in the above statement.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant P. NARRAINSWAMY TELEGA, Parvatipur Vizagapatam District


40. Ganja and bhang are widely used in medicines by the native doctors for eating and drinking purposes, but not for smoking.  I do not know about charas. Ganja is scarcely used in cattle diseases. 41. Ganja and bhang, if recommended by doctors (native), in combination with other drugs in moderate doses, and taken occasionally for short periods, have some benefit in their uses. (a) Both as a food accessory and an aphrodisiac. (b) Bhang alone gives staying-power under severe exposure to sun and alleviates fatigue. (c) Smoking ganja is believed as a febrifuge or preventive to malaria in unhealthy tracts, which I cannot believe, and, if at all so, it is for a new consumer and for a short period, till he is accustomed to it, when it will be more injurious. (d) Drinking bhang cools and strengthens the system in hot seasons. Almost all the classes, except those that are mentioned in answer Nos. 20 and 24, use the drug for the above purposes, and about 20 per cent. use so. The above answers refer to both moderate habitual use and moderate occasional use of the drug. I know not about charas. 42. Moderate occasional use of eating and drinking ganja and bhang under medical advise with the admixture of the other medicinal drugs in pro-per doses in their different preparations (vide answers Nos. 15 (B) and (C), is harmless, because they are widely used to cure diseases and to improve health by doctors of different races. I know not about charas.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATII PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District.


41. Not beneficial in its effects. 42. Moderate use will prove harmless, because it produces no intoxication, etc.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant MADURANAYAGUM PILLAI, Vellala, Uravakonda, Anantpur District.


40. Here no native doctors use the drug. None use in cattle disease. 41. It has beneficial effects. (a) It promotes digestion. (b) It alleviates fatigue. (c) Its effects not as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Here Boyas and Muhammadans use the drug in moderation for the purposes mentioned under (a) and (b).  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant C. M. APPATHORAI MUDALIAR, Vellala, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Hindupur, Anantapur District.


40. Ganja, the tops of the plant, is made use of in medicinal preparations by native doctors. Also it is used in the treatment of cattle diseases, especially as parturifacient. Uses of the drug as understood by native physicians and its preparations. Purification of the drug—The officinal parts of the plant are the flowering tops devoid of all seeds and branchlets. The tops are soaked in water for a time, and then squeezed well, so that no moisture might remain in them, and dried in the sun. Dose of the tops (Ganja)— from two to three grains. Properties, Medical, etc.—Expectorant, astringent, stomachic, narcotic. The green leaves of the plant are, in cases of gastrodynia or colic, placed over abdomen and kept there for a time by means of bandage. The leaves lessen the intensity of the pain. The tops (dried and purified) are used as parturifacient in the veterinary treatment. Preparations.—Jajannatha Siddi Lahyum — Ganja (the flower tops) in fine powder - 1 part; Opium - 1/4; Ptychotis fructus - l and 1/4; Powder, equal parts of dried ginger, pepper and long pepper - 1 and 1/4; Cardamom - 1 and 1/4; Cloves - 1 and 1/4; Fruits of emblic myrobalan    seasoned    in salt    - 1 and 1/4; Nutmeg - 1 and 1/4; Rhus succedanca - 1 and 1/4; Catechu - 2 and 1/2; Lime-juice - 5; Sugar - 12 and 1/3; Pure water - 5. Water, lime-juice and sugar, should be added together and made into syrup by being heated on fire, and with this syrup the other articles in fine powder should be mixed and well stirred up to the consistency of confection, opium having been added, previously dissolved in a small quantity of water. Dose—From three to five grains. Uses—In the early stages of cholera, it is given to check vomiting and diarrhœa. In colic and diarrhœa of children it is said to be very useful. It is also said that cases of loss of memory improve under the use of this preparation. Purnadi Lahyum — Ganja tops - 1 part; Dried ginger, pepper, and long pepper - 1    part each; Leaves of cinnamon nitidium - 1; Mesua ferrea - 1; Aniseed - 1; Cummin seeds - 1; Galanghal - 1; Liquorice, Nutmeg, mace, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon - each 1/4; Sugar - 20; Tender cocoanut, water of - 10; Poppy seeds - 1. The above articles are all made into the consistency of confection as almost the first. Doses—From twenty to forty grains. Uses — In indigestion, diarrhœa, dyspepsia, sleeplessness and nervous debility. Nidrakari Lahyum — Ganja in powder previously grilled in ghee - 3 parts; Nutmeg - 1; Cardamom - 1; Sugar - 8; Datus - 8; Honey - 6. Made into confection used in sleeplessness. Madanakamasvari — Ganja in powder - 5 parts; Salep - 8; Nutmeg in powder - 3; Cardamum - 1; Cloves - 1; Saffron - 1; Mastich - 2; Almond - 2; Horse radish, seeds of - 2; Grapes - 8; Tender cocoanut - 140; Sugar - 70. Made into lahyum. Dose. — From fifteen to thirty grains. Uses. — This is a very popular preparation, used as aphrodisiac in genital nervous debility. Besides the above preparations made out of the drugs there are thrisulighronthum, majun, and kameer gaphra, of which majun is eaten by several people for the very sake of intoxication. The majun is also procurable in some sweetmeat bazars. Sweets, such as plantains, sugar preparations, etc., are said to increase the intoxicating power of the drug, while decoction of pepper or dried ginger is believed to possess an antagonistic property against the narcotism of the drug. 41. I here speak of ganja-smoking, (a) Yes, as digestive. (b) Yes, as a refreshing agent. (c) Yes, as febrifuge against malaria. Muhammadans, fakirs, ascetics, gosains smoke ganja for the above purposes. I refer to the moderate habitual consumers in the effects I noted above. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, Penukonda, Anantapur District.


40. Native doctors use this drug in cases of old dysentery, and not for cattle. 41. The moderate use of ganja, bhang or charas will be beneficial only to consumers (a), it gives them a digestive power ; (b), it alleviates fatigue ; (c) it acts as a prophylactic measure for some time in malarious tract. No one uses it for the above purposes, but the consumers. I refer to the moderate habitual use. 42. The moderate use of these drugs, though may not be beneficial, is quite harmless to them, as they are quite accustomed to it, and likely to in-crease the quantity.  - Evidence of MIRZA DAVOOD BEG, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Trichinopoly.


40. Ganja is valued both by vaidyans (Hindu physicians) and hakims. A preparation of it, called Vindadi, which is non-intoxicant and different from punathi (described elsewhere), is given in small grains as a tonic and astringent in cases of diarrhœa, a promoter of appetite, as an anodyne, and in dysmenorrhœa as an antispasmodic. A preparation from hemp seeds is made by hakims which is non-intoxicant and given as an aphrodisiac.  - Evidence of P. S. MOOTOOSAMY MODELLIAR, Retired Native Surgeon, Tanjore.


40. Native Doctors sometimes prescribe the use of ganja on account of its medicinal qualities along with other medicinal substances. Spleen and liver diseases are generally treated with the use of ganja. The abdomen sometimes becomes enlarged and ganja is used. I do not know if any of the drugs is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial in its effects, (a) as a food accessory or digestive, (b) as giving staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue, (c) as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Several native sepoys who are tossed about from one place to another use ganja for smoking to prevent fevers, etc. A small minority of the people consume bhang or ganja for digestion of food. On several occasions I have prescribed the use of ganja as a means of digesting food and with other medicines preventing malarious fevers, asthma, abdominal irregularities of some kind.  - Evidence of H. S. A. M. MUNJUMIAH, Native Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.


40. I myself (Syed. Muhammad alias Hakim Nhannay Mian) advised a patient to use ganja daily as a medicine. This person is still alive and has thoroughly become accustomed to its use and. derives benefit thereby. 41. Ganja, bhang, charas, the seed and fresh, leaves, etc., of the ganja plant are, no doubt, according to the opinion of medical experts, very useful for medicinal purposes. Its description is too long to be mentioned. The evils and advantages resulting from the use of these drugs are described at length in Mukhzan-ul-Advia (Materica Medica), a Persian book which was compiled 126 years ago, and in various other medical works compiled by eminent Grecian doctors and philosophers, and which may be referred. - Evidence* of SAIYID MAHMUD alias HAKEEM NHANNAY MIAN, Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.


40. In medical books it is said that these drugs may be used as medicines. A treatise called Gunapatam treats of its properties. I do not know whether this is used for cattle diseases or not. 41. The moderate use of ganja is beneficial inasmuch as it cures diseases - Evidence* of SINGITAPU VENKATA RAO, Brahmin, Madahwa, Native Physician and Inamdar, Coconada, Godavari District.


40. Ganja and other drugs are not in any way given to animals, but it is used by the native doctors for the following diseases :—Diarrhoea, looseness of bowels, cholera, gonorrhœa, and other diseases. 41. It is beneficial to those people who are accustomed to it, but, if a person newly practises it, I think certainly it leads him to lose his senses until from giddiness he falls down. 42. Of course and undoubtedly it is not in any way harmless or injurious to those community who moderately use and are accustomed to it. - Evidence of I. PONNUSAWMI PILLAI, Private Practitioner, Pothawar, Salem, District.


40. Yes ; prescribed by native quacks. Yes ; they are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Yes; medicially when taken in lagiums.  - Evidence of ABDUL KARIM SAHIB, Native Physician, Namakkal, Salem District.


40. I think that in the case of particular complaints, as insomnia generally and chronic diarrhœa in children, its use in minute doses is prescribed in ancient Hindu pharmacy, but I am not able to give particulars. 41. I think it may be in all the three cases specified. I do not know, however, that the drug is used for any of the purposes by any particular classes. All that I know is that it is used very rarely in this country, and that it is its moderate occasional use that is beneficial. - Evidence of the RAJA OF RAMNAD,* Madura District.


40. Native doctors mix these drugs with other materials as a remedy for the following diseases : colic, diarrhœa, dysentery, asthma ; but it is in no way used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Ganja and bhang taken for merriment's sake do not benefit the consumers, except when they are served as medicinal elements. 42. It gives no benefit, but it is the source of madness. - Evidence of SRI VASUDEVA RAJAMANI RAJAH DEO, Kshatria, Zamindar of Mandasa, Ganjam District.


40. The essence of ganja leaves is considered valuable medicine, and the leaves of the hemp plant are sometimes used in diseases of cattle. 41. Yes. 42. Yes; moderate users are no worse than other members of society. - Evidence of SRI SRI SRI GOURA CHANDRA. GAJAPATY NARAYAN DEO GARU, Kshatria, Zamindar of Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


40. ( a ) Yes. ( b ) I have no knowledge. 41. I do not think so. 42. I cannot definitely say.  - Evidence of TIMMARAZU VENKATA  SIVA RAO., Brahmin, Landed Proprietor and Chairman, Municipal Council, Chicacole, Ganjam District.


40. It is generally in the preparation of a medicine called the puranathy lagyam, which is considered to be a good tonic and a reliable appetiser. These ganja leaves are used by some of these native quacks in preventing excessive purgation. It is also used by them in the treatment of children for restlessness. Many a mother purchases the preparation of this, called maajanam, and administers the same to the children to prevent their being troublesome at nights. Since among the native quacks—for there are very few learned native doctors—the preparation and administration of medicine is based, not upon any known treatises, but purely on practice in vogue in his family, it is not possible to ascertain to which school of doctors any given quack belongs. However this might be, there are works made by some rishis or sages, such as Bhogar, etc., who prescribe the use of this drug in the preparation. of medicines, such as puranathy lagyam referred to supra. Even among the veterinary village quacks there seems to be no definite following of any approved work on the treatment of diseases. It is used in the treatment of one of the epidemics among cattle called quinsy. 41. Since the use of any intoxicating drug will never, I believe, conduce to the well-being of either the physique or mind of man, I am of opinion that even a moderate use of them will never be beneficial in its effects, unless prescribed by a medical man as an antidote to any physical derangement or ailment. 42. Since I have not known of any case of violence to one another among the bairagis or other people who consume ganja, like among those that drink toddy, arrack, or other spirituous liquors when under its influence, I think the moderate use of this narcotic is harmless.  - Evidence of C. MUTHU KUMARASWAMI MUDELLIAR, Zamindar, Chunampet, Chingleput District.


41. Yes, as it relieves pain and cheers sinking spirit. 42. Harmless. - Evidence of P. SESHACHALLAM NAIDOO, Balija, Landlord, Merchant, and Chairman, Vetapollem, Kistna District.


40. Ganja is used on account of its medical qualities for allaying pain and increasing the digestive power. It is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) As a food digestive to persons who are stout, and puffed with air. (b) It makes him senseless and thus makes him forget the pains. (c) No. (d) No. It is the moderate habitual use that does good and is referred to above. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless only when sufficient and. rich meals are taken, mixed with much sweets.  - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah.


40. We never know of its use by itself, but as a component in certain medicines. I do not know whether it is used for treatment of cattle diseases. 41. By a moderate use of the drug, the consumer feels pleasant and gets rid of cough, if he has any. 42. Yes, beneficial, used moderately. Even by intemperate use, no positive harm seems to be caused.  - Evidence of SAGI RAMA SASTRY, Brahmin, Inamdar and Native Doctor, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


40. Native doctors sometimes prescribe the use of ganja preparation called purnathi-lakiam (see query 15) for those suffering from dyspepsia, dysentery, liver complaints, stomach ache and general debility. - Evidence of Mr. RY. V. VENKATARO YER, Brahman, Managar, Ettayapuram Estate, Tinnevelly District


40. Ganja leaf and its juice are used in medicines. As it is a drug, it may be used for cattle disease, but I cannot say for certain. 41. Ganja and bhang are used for bodily disease by some, and for intoxication by others. Certain diseases are being cured by their use. - Evidence of BONDILI MOTIRAM, Cultivator, Cocanada, Godavari District.


40. There are several medical works in Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit, in which the ganja is prescribed as a drug to be mixed up in confections prepared of various seeds and herbs, and bazar medicines to be given to increase appetite, to stop diarrhœa, and to give vitality to the nerves ; and also in ointment prepared for bathing to check neuralgia. I have not read these books, but was told by native physicians. I have not heard that any of these drugs are used in treating cattle diseases. 41 and 42. The consumers of these drugs say that a moderate use of them is beneficial and harmless. - Evidence of LANKA KRISTNIENGAR, Vaishnava Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Srirangam, Trichinopoly District.


40. Yes; all the drugs are used in some form as medicines by all native doctors, They are used externally, in cattle diseases, sometimes. 41. Yes, ganja; as regards the others I cannot say. 42. It is generally recognized that the moderate use of these drugs is sometimes beneficial, and generally harmless. The danger is of smoking or eating to excess. The moderate use of these drugs is considered a prophylactic against malarial fevers, and other diseases incidental to life in the Indian jungles. - Evidence of MR. W. TAYLOR, Chairman, Municipal Council, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


40. Yes ; but to a small extent. A paste of ganja is applied to sores. It seems to serve the purpose of carbolic acid. The tongues of cattle refusing to eat are rubbed over with powder made of ganja, saffron and salt. Ganja mixed with grain and pounded gives strength to cattle, and is believed to keep them in good condition. 41. Moderate use of ganja is believed to promote digestion in the beginning, to alleviate fatigue and to prevent diseases likely to arise by use of different waters. It is the moderate habitual use that is referred to here.  - Evidence of K. SUBBARAYADU PUNTALU, Brahmin, Chairman of the Adoni Municipal Council, Bellary District.


40. The drug is also prescribed by the native doctors on account of its medicinal quality. 41. (a) It is used as a digestive thing. (b) It cannot support a man under severe exposure. (c) and (d) No. 42. No doubt it is harmful, though moderately used. It weakens the constitution by absorbing the blood in the system.  - Evidence of E. SUBRAMANA IYER, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Con jevaram, Chingleput District.


40. To a certain extent by native doctors. Not known. 41. Yes. It depends upon the nature of the constitution. 42. Vide reply to Question 41.  - Evidence of RUNGO SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Madakasira, Anantpur District.


41. Doctors should be able to say.  - Evidence of the REV. H. J. GOFFIN,*Missionary, Kadiri, Cuddapah District.


40. Native doctors prescribe purnathi for dysentery, indigestion, and diabetes, and it is occasionally given for restlessness to children in a very small quantity to give them good rest. When purnathi is taken in a very small quantity, it is, I am of opinion, very efficacious. 4.2. Certainly it is not at all beneficial.  - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHART, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.


40. Yes; for inducing sleep and allaying pain. 41, No. 42, I have known cases where ganja has been taken in the form of a pill every night. In each case the drug had a cumulative effect. A most awful kind of dyspepsia was the result, and the patient, after enduring torture for some time, just died with startling suddenness, I have seen three cases like this the last two years. The men referred to had taken ganja moderately for years. 42. [oral evidence] The cases mentioned in this answer I had known for years. I visited time men during their last illnesses, and then ascertained that they had been in time habit of taking ganja in " legiam." The legiam may have been of any one of the three kinds described under question 1. I made persistent efforts to discover what the drug used had really been, but failed. Previous to the last illness, there was nothing specially noticeable in the appearance or manner of any of them except extreme irritability in one man, who was 65 years old. This man could keep nothing on his stomach. He had been a drunkard. The other two did not drink. I give these cases as instances of the fatal effects of long continued but extremely moderate use of the drug. I used the word " cumulative," because a native friend of mine who practises the Tamil system of medicine, on my expressing surprise at the sudden collapse of these men used a Tamil expression, of which the literal translation is " because he has taken it for many years that medicine inside in plenty too much." This man is well educated in Tamil literature, but knows nothing of English medicine, He pointed out to me that death was the result of the continued use of the drug, and the above expression is his explanation of the way in which the result came about ; but I am not in a position to say whether he was right or wrong. In one case it was a relation living in the house, and in the other cases it was neighbours and relations living outside who gave me the information that the men had been takinglegiam. -  Evidence of the REV. W. ROBINSON, Missionary, London Missionary Sobriety, Salem.


40. By no particular school, so far as I know, but the people occasionally use ganja under the impression that it will cure rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, etc. I have met several ganja smokers who have told me that they began to use the drugs as a cure for rheumatism. Ganja is sometimes applied externally to sores and protrusion of the anus in children. I don't know of the hemp drugs being used in the treatment of cattle disease, but when cattle are restive and refuse to permit themselves to be milked, ganja is sometimes given to stupefy them in order that they may become accustomed to being milked. 41. The use of hemp drugs is always pernicious. It is not a food-accessory or a digestive, but on the contrary injures the digestive organs by interfering with their natural healthy action. It undoubtedly prevents hunger and fatigue being felt at the time, but at the expense of a very severe reaction. A moderate consumer of ganja is not capable of the same fatigue and endurance as a non-consumer of the same physique. I have never heard of ganja keeping off fever. Here ganja smokers are at least as liable to malarial fever as any others. 42. I consider the moderate use of these drugs to be distinctly harmful. There is in the first place an almost inevitable tendency toward excess in all who use the drug. Use creates appetite, and habitual use necessitates a gradual increase in the amount of the drug used in order to produce satisfaction. In the second place, the action of the drugs is in itself injurious to the digestive and nervous systems, and through these to the intellectual and moral nature of the consumer.  - Evidence of the REV. W. H. CAMPBELL, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah.


40. The Dharina Vaitthya Salai at Pollachi is a medical institution where only native medicines are used. The proprietor's son who was in charge told me that only once during the last year or so had they administered ganja. That was in a case of dysentery, and effects being bad, it was discontinued. A native who practises medicine occasionally told me that in bad purging or dysentery ganja heads would be given. They would be mixed with other herbs and sugar. The medicine is known as murungapulegim. To children " white legiam " or " baly legiam " (Kuranthai majium) is given. Ganja is also given for loss of appetite—see also answer No. 39. Ganja enters into various medicines for regulating the semen. There is a popular medical work based on Augstyar called Athmarad samirtham ennum vaitthiya sarasangkirakam by Ayulvéthapasha Karanganthasami Mudeliar. This work mentions ganja as entering into recipes for,—1. Thathu pushti legiam 2. Mathana kamesura legiam 3. ditto kulikai 4. ditto oil 5. Mathana purana valvathi 6. Mathana purana sanjeevi. 41. Referring to the occasional moderate use as a medicine— (a) Majium may be useful thus. (b) Ganja-smoking would probably be useful thus. (c)I have never heard any form of ganja alluded to as a febrifuge. It would, however, be very dangerous to go to majium or ganja-smoking for (a) and (b), as the habit might insidiously be formed ; moreover the effects are not easily regulated. 42. No, I think the use harmful. I judge from prevalent opinion of all classes whom I have consulted. I don't know any moderate consumer : smokers smoke in order to get intoxicated.  - Evidence of the REV. S. J. LONG, Missionary, Coimbatore.


40. They often advise the smoking of ganja for medicinal purposes as a cure of various troubles. 42. The use of all these drugs as a habit is certainly harmful. We have known of cases in which men have lost their reason entirely by using the drug.  - Evidence of the REV. W. V. HIGGINS,* Missionary, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


40. Yes. 41. (b) Yes. (d) It is good in nervous and spasmodic dis-eases, chronic rheumatism, neuralgia, asthma, diarrhœa, and dysentery. The poor labouring classes use the drug as moderate occasional consumers. 42. As used in this district by the majority of consumers, it is harmless and often beneficial in sickness.  - Evidence of the REV. A. MARGÖSCHIS, Medical Missionary, S. P. G., Nazareth, Tinnevelly District.


40. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. 41. (a) No. (b)Yes. (c) No. (d) No. Nearly all use it more or less for staying power. 42. I consider it harmful, because of the effect on those who use it, taking away their appetite, causing redness of eyes, general debility, and such difficulties as asthma - Evidence of the REV. JOHN S. CHANDLER, Missionay Madura.


40. Most native doctors are familiar with its use medicinally, and prescribe it in a mixture called madanakaveshvaramu to convalescent patients as a tonic. What the compound is I have been unable to discover, but am told that it is very expensive, very seldom used, but seems to be effective. 41. All regard ganja as useless in any of the ways mentioned in this paragraph, and regard the statements of the consumers as mere excuses to continue the use of a habit generally regarded as degrading. A few seem to be under the impression that bhang taken after a meal will enable a student to continue mental exertion hours together—three or four—without fatigue. In one village some students do this, but the practice is not general. Bhang has the reputation of being a good appetiser ; but a very well educated Brahmin of high position declares that the men who use it do get slightly intoxicated and eat regardless of consequences. Even those who use ganja to prevent effects of bad water do not seem to be benefited by it. And the digestion is said to be injured. 42. The answer is " no." It is bad. Tends to excess. Being a poison, it must and does injure, so that even consumers of the moderate class are recognisable by their appearance. The strong become weak and the healthy sick. Question 41. [oral evidence] — The general opinion among the non-users is that the beneficial effects of the drugs are merely alleged by users as an excuse for a bad habit. It is the fact that the drugs are more used in malarious tracts, and probably the users do believe in their protective effects against fever; but I have been told by a man who had given up the use of the drugs that they do not possess this quality, and the general opinion of non-users is that I have stated above. The bairagi informant to whom I have referred above told me that the real object of taking the drug was to induce stupor, and nothing else. - Evidence of the REV. H. F. LAFLAMME, Canadian Baptist Mission, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam.


40. (a) Said to be to some extent. (b) Not known. 41. (a) Said to be by consumers. (b) Said to be. (c) Not, so far as known. Yes. 42. No. The injurious effects inducing weakness, inertia, listless incapacity, etc., far outweigh any reputed beneficial effects. - Evidence of the REV. J. F. BURDITT, Missionary, Narsaravupet, Kistna District.


40. It is said that ganja has some medicinal qualities. In hydrophobia, neuralgia, and some other nervous affections the use of ganja is said to have been attended by good results. Whether it is used in cattle diseases I do not know. 41. It is claimed that the smoking of ganja aids digestion and also alleviates hunger. In malarious and unhealthy places it is supposed to prevent disease. Most of the consumers are seen among invalid sepoys who practised ganja smoking when they were engaged on foreign expeditions. 42. I cannot consider even the moderate use of this drug harmless. Pernicious effects may not show themselves immediately, but they will eventually. - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.


40. Yes, they mix it with other drugs as medicine. Only the filament, not the leaves, is used as medicine for cattle. Seeds are given to poultry, especially to fighting cocks to make them strong and bulky, and to newly bought pigeons to make them giddy so as to prevent them from flying away. 41, 42. It produces, it is said, excessive appetite to beginners, Some people use it as a pain–killer, for instance, in cases of pain in the stomach - Evidence of the REV. S. C. SCHAIBLE, Missionary, Moolky, South Canara.


40. (a) Yes. (b) Don't know. 41. Yes. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. All classes of natives. 42. The moderate use may be beneficial, but gradually leads to excess.  - Evidence of S. P. NARASIMMALU NAYUDU, Editor of the " Crescent," Coimbatore .


41. (a) They say digestive (bhang). (c) They say bhang prevents malarious diseases. (d) Bhang prevents bad effects of unhealthy water. Bairagis and sanyasis use the drug with a belief that they will not be subject, in their wanderings from the Himalayas to Rameswaram (Cape Comorin), to the bad effects of different climates and waters. Moderate use will do good. 42. Very moderate use of bhang is harmless, for it improves appetite and prevents disease.  - Evidence of N. KOTHUNDARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Editor of "Suneeti" Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


40. By Muhammadan and Hindu doctors it is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities. - Evidence of K. VEMATASOOBIAH, Veishya, Trader and Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Cuddapah.


40. Yes; it is prescribed as a medicine in cases of dysentery. I am not aware of its being used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja is believed in some quarters as tending to increase the powers of digestion and prevent disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. All classes of people treated by native doctors occasionally use the medicines prepared from these drugs. - Evidence of GANJAM VENCATARATNAM, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader, Coconada, Godavery District.


40. Native doctors use ganja in preparing certain medicines, called halwas, for curing indigestion, sleeplessness, and impotency. 42. It is not harmless.  - Evidence of VISWANADHAM GURAVAIAH SASTRI, Brahmin, Pleader and District and Taluk Board Member, Chicacole.


40. Ganja and bhang are used by many native doctors in the preparation of sweet boluses for improving appetite. Bhang is prescribed by some for dyspepsia. 41. In the case of those who live by hard physical labour, the use of ganja and charas refreshes the system. Bhang acts only as an appetiser, and is more or less harmless. - Evidence of B. CHATTERJEA, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Ganjam, and Chairman, Berhampore Municipality.


40. Native doctors use the moggu or the flower top for various purposes. Ganja leaves are used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Ganja is used or taken for purposes specified in (a), (b,) and (c). No particular classes. In this part of the country generally the lower orders use the drug, not largely. Even among them the proportion is not large. I refer to moderate habitual use. 42. Moderate use is harmless. Moderate consumers enjoy as good health as other people, and attend to their ordinary avocations. - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary


40. It is never prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by any school of native doctors, as far as I know. They are never used in the treatment of cattle disease. - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and Municipal Chairman, Vellore.


40. They are prescribed, A tola weight of flat ganja well purified, added to the following drugs of each one tola weight and prepared as stated below, has been found to be effectual in dysentery and cholera cases. I have tried the medicine in many cases and found it to be successful. The articles are–dry ginger, pepper, long pepper, Gallnut flower, country berry or nelikoy, omem, cloves, cardamoms, catechu. All these powdered and mixed up with 1/4 tola weight of opium dissolved into water and mixed up with 12 tolas weight of sugar, 12 tolas weight of water, 12 tolas of lime juice. These last three boiled together become a good medicine, a dose of medicine being equal to the size of four peppers, to be repeated once in 30 minutes three or four times until necessity ceases.  - Evidence of C. SRINIVAS RAO, Brahmin, Government Pleader, and Chairman, Municipal Council, Cuddalore.


40. School of native doctors, such as Agastia, Bogar and others, have prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities to be admixtured in the preparation of medicine. 41. Moderate use invigorates the body. 42. Moderate use, if habitually practised and assimilated, will not be injurious. Moderate use does not produce any baneful effects. It does not produce exhaustion. It gives energy and capacity to bear fatigue and hard work.  - Evidence of V. SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Tirukoilur, South Arcot.


40. (a) Telugu people use ganja plant in the treatment of dysentery along with other ingredients and in certain electuaries intended for improving the general tone of the body. (b) Ganja leaf (not dried) is given to cows and buffaloes which withhold milk. It then gives milk. It is not used for any cattle diseases this part of the country to my knowledge. 41. Yes; it may be beneficial too. I know instances in which patients are cured of cough by the smoking of ganja.  - Evidence of MANCHALLER JAGANNADHAM, Brahmin, Pleader, Bapathla, Ristna District.


40. (a) Yes. (b) It is used for cattle disease. 41. (a) Yes, by the consumers. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. 42. It is believed that it makes the ganja smoker stupid and idiotic.  - Evidence of P. KESAVA PILLAI, Karnam, Pleater, and Honorary Secretary of the Gooty People's Association.


40. It is administered as medicine in flatulence, cholera, dyspepsia, diarrhœa, sleeplessness in conjunction with other drugs. - Evidence of the TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, Trichinopoly.


40. Ganja is used in medicine; but no medical man prescribes the use of ganja regularly in a habitual manner. Ganja is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) Ganja consumers taste food well, eat much and can digest all that. (b) To some extent it is beneficial in alleviating fatigue. (c) Decidedly it is a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. There can be no occasional use of ganja, whether moderate or otherwise. If at all a man uses it, be would be a habitual consumer; as a new man cannot withstand its intoxicating effects. 42. I do not think it is quite harmless. It renders a man unfit to some extent for worldly purposes of active life. The habituated man generally runs mad after it if he could not get it in time.  - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary


40. (a) It is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by some school of native doctors. (b) I do not think it is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of these three preparations is beneficial in its effects, as a food digestive, in alleviating fatigue and as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. I refer to moderate occasional use of it. 42. These drugs, when taken moderately ; prove beneficial and do no harm.  - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District


40. Native doctors of any school do not prescribe the drug as medicine in its original form ; but the juice of the leaf and the decoction of the ganja is used for preparing some medicine. It is used for cattle diseases in a few cases. 41. The use of ganja is beneficial to a little degree in its effects. 42. The moderate use of this drug is harmless. I did not see any man behaving in a disorderly manner under the influence of this drug like that of liquor. - Evidence of KOMMIREDDI NARASINGA Row NAYUDU GARU, Merchant, Coconada


40. They say that its use protects them from bad weather, and also used in treatment of cattle disease. 41. It is beneficial. It does alleviate fatigue. It does prevent disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 42. Yes; I do consider that the moderate use of these drugs are harmless.  - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras.


40. Its medicinal qualities are described in the answer to question 19. Ganja is also prescribed as an ingredient to the medicine called aphrodisiac. 41. However small the use may be, ganja produces evil effects by its smoking; but by using it in the shape of bhang or as a medicine, the effects are beneficial, provided the use be moderate, as it creates appetite and increases digestion. 42. If immediate supply of food is not provided, even the moderate use is injurious, since it acts against the internal organs, leading  to mania ultimately ; but when food is supplied, the bile created by the use of the drug digests it and gives nourishment to the body.  - Evidence of NALUM BHIMARAUZ VYSYIA, Merchant, Berhampore, Ganjam District


40. No. 41. Ganja is used in pills as a febrifuge in malarious and unhealthy tracts.  - Evidence of APPALA NARASSIAH CHETTY, Vaisya, Merchant, Berhampore.


40. Do not know. 41. It is said the drug has certain power of digestion, etc., and it is called beneficial in cold climates only. 42. It may be harmless if taken moderately, as it is in case of opium and alcoholic stimulants, with some people.  - Evidence of MR. D . MANECKJI, Parsi, Merchant and Contractor, Calicut.


40. These drugs are used as ingredients in the preparation of medicines, but by themselves they do not serve as medicines. These drugs are not used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja is beneficial, as it removes the effects caused by a change of climate.  - Evidence of MOKHALINGAM APPANNA, Ganja Vendor, Coconada.


40. These drugs are used as ingredients in the preparation of medicines, but by themselves they do not serve as medicines. These drugs are not used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja is beneficial, as it removes the effects caused by a change of climate. - Evidence of MOKHALINGAM APPANNA, Ganja Vendor, Coconada


40. Some native doctors prepare certain medicine with ganja, mixed with other things, as antidote for diarrhœa. It is also used in the treatment of some cattle diseases. 41. The use of any of these drugs is not beneficial in its effects. 42. The use of the drugs is harmful, except when it is used for medicinal purposes.  - Evidence of  PERIANNA CHETTY, Potter, Ganja Shop-keeper, Kitchipolayam, Salem.


40. Yes; it is used both for purposes of medicinal qualities and the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Yes; if persons are suffering from any disease, the use of ganja or bhang will somewhat alleviate their sufferings for the time, although it might be injurious to their health. 42. It is said that even the moderate use of ganja habitually makes a man sometimes insensible or forgetful.  - Evidence of KAMALAPURAM NAGAYYA, Komati, Ganja Contractor, Adoni.


40. Ganja seems to be prescribed as a medicine, but apparently not to a great extent. I have not known of its being administered to cattle. 41. The use of ganja is popularly supposed to assist digestion, and it is also for its power to alleviate fatigue by mendicants, who are always travelling from one place to another.  - Evidence of T. RATNASAMI NADA.R, Arrack Supply Contractor, Malabar.


40. (a) It is also used as medicine for dysentery, or temporary relief for cough. (b) I do not know that it is used for cattle diseases. 41. If moderately used, it serves as a medicine to remove effects of bad and different waters. (a) Gives good appetite and assists digestion. (b) Alleviates fatigue; removes water from blood. (c) It serves as a preventive of malarious fevers, etc. (d) Various sorts of preparation of ganja is used for native medicines, called Lahams, halwas. After a man becomes a  jogi  all classes use it. Several family men use it occasionally. Women use it frequently. Fakirs and bairagis use it frequently. 42. It is only beneficial for devotees if used moderately. Moderate use is harmless.  - Evidence of MULAGULA KONDIAH, Goldsmith, Rajahmundry.


40. Ganja is said by native doctors to be a medicinal drug. It is extensively used as such. 41. (a) Ganja consuming can be of benefit only temporarily, the effects ceasing as soon as consumption ceases. (b) Smoking gives, though temporarily, such staying-power as is referred to and alleviates pain (pain not being felt only so long as the intoxication exists). (c) Smoking (eating is useless) in malarious tracts is an efficient preventive of disease. (d) Eating brings the man down to senselessness immediately. Smoking keeps the man cheerful, wise, and in a state of alacrity. It is only the working classes that make these uses of ganja. I refer here to habitual consumers. 42. I cannot say that any use of the drug is quite harmless. It gives some temporary relief no doubt. But ultimately it weakens the constitution, and actually dries it up.  - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.


40. Ganja is prescribed by some Native doctors for men for strength, and for cattle for some diseases, such as want of desire to milk, etc. 41. No. 42. The use of any of these drugs is not harmless. - Evidence of MALLAPPA, Reddy, Guntakal.


40. Native doctors use ganja in some medicines as an admixture. 41. Even moderate use is not a good habit. It does not produce any beneficial effects. (a) Produces appetite; improves digestion. (b)Does not give good effect in alleviating fatigue. (c) May serve as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. (d) In cold climates the use of this drug would be beneficial. 42. I think even moderate use is not harmless, because it produces some bad effects, though it be beneficial in some respects.   - Evidence of SAMDASU BAVAJI, Brahmin, Priest in the Matt of Sri Jagannadha Swamy, Rajahmundry.


40. Some of the native doctors use it for medicinal purposes. It is commonly mixed with salt and turmeric, and is given as a preventive for cattle diseases. 41. Yes. It has all the beneficial effects herein specified. 42. If used moderately it has some beneficial effects; but if taken in excess, it does injure the health.  - Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry.


40. The native doctors prescribe it as medicine for some diseases. They give this even to cattle for some of their diseases. 41. Moderate use of it will not be beneficial. 42. There is no harm or disadvantage, because its effects are brought into play when it is taken habitually.  - Evidence of SYED SHAH ABDAL HUSAINI, Manager of Pencundah's Dargah, Pencundah, Anantapur District.


40. Very little local information to be had. Ganja is said to be an ingredient in an astringent mixture, of which the medico kept other particulars to himself as a trade secret. Another prescribes it in dysentery and for loosening phlegm. It is frequently mentioned as an anodyne for scorpion sting, for which purpose it is said to be administered fried in ghi, which would be a simple form of majum. Purchasers at the shops often described themselves as buying it for pains and ailments. It is given to cattle and horses, apparently when off feed. 41. The answers refer to ganja. (a), (b) , (c) Yes. (d) To secure concentration of attention. To appease hunger. Answers to (a) and (b) are founded on an assertions of habitual smokers and drinkers. Popular opinion is that ganja smokers escape fever and many other complaints. It is asserted that the drug is used by gold smiths and other doers of "barik kam" to keep their minds upon the work in hand, which use seems to be parallel to the alleged use by ascetics for concentration of thought on holy things. Ascetics, however, largely use the drug to appease hunger, and what would be considered excessive consumption in the case of others is moderate in theirs. I am told on good authority that native soldiers who have gambled away their pay employ the ganja pipe as a cheap substitute for food until in funds again. If bad luck lasts long outward symptoms betray them, and they catch it at orderly room. 42. The moderate use of ganja appears to be quite harmless so long as consumption is proportioned to liberality of diet. A plentiful diet, including copious milk and ghi, is said to render the constitution unassailable by ganja. In such cases it gives appetite, aids digestion, opens the bowels, drives away fatigue, and induces refreshing sle ep. So I am told by smokers. - Evidence of MR. E. J. EBDEN, Collector, Ahmednagar.


40. Sometimes prescribed in the form of ganja for wind in the stomach and stomach-ache. 41. (a) Said to be a digestive. (b) Also to give staying-power and lessen the effect of exposure. (c) Not known here. (d) Checks diarrhœa and relieves pain. All classes in small numbers, but principally travellers. 42. The moderate use appears to have no evil effects. The Civil Surgeon of Belgaum states that no insanes have come under his notice whose insanity was due to ganja; nor have any cases of violence or crime come under his notice due to this cause. I also as a Magistrate have never observed any cases of crime due to ganja. - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum.


40. They are prescribed by native doctors for venereal diseases, etc. Bhang and ganja are said to be used sometimes for cattle diseases. Bhang is given to horses along with other spices, and often to cows and buffaloes to make them yield more milk. 41. Ganja is believed to assist digestion, also bhang. Both give staying-power, etc., and whet the faculties. They are not much believed in as febrifuge. They assuage rheumatic and other pains and mental distress. But great stress is laid on not consuming them with an empty stomach and on the accompaniment of a full and generous diet, such as ghi, wheat, milk and sugar. Many of the moderate consumers (vide answers 20 and 27). 42. Some of the healthiest looking men in the district are moderate consumers. A robust-looking active man of 50 was talking to me yesterday who had smoked ganja for 30 years. - Evidence of MR. F. S. P. LELY, Collector of Surat.


40. Taken on a full stomach, bhang and ganja are esteemed to be good for digestion and as appetisers to brace the nerves and sharpen the intellect. Bhang is used in cases of rheumatism and fever. I do not know that they are used in cases of cattle disease, though bhang is given to cattle to increase their supply of milk. 41. See above. 42. No decided answer can be given. The effects depend upon the temperament of the taker, the quantity in which and the times when the stimulant is taken. Generally it may be said that, like smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol, it is comparatively harmless if taken with care, moderation, and due consideration of the consumer's constitutional peculiarities. No hard-and-fast rule can be laid down.  - Evidence of MR. H. WOODWARD, Collector, Kaira, Gujarat


40. It is prescribed for diarrhœa and dysentery and for diarrhœa in cattle too. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) No. (d) It is used occasionally as an aphrodisiac, but its habitual use tends to cause impotency. 42. Beneficial - Evidence of MR. W. W. DREW, Acting Collector, Ratnagiri


40. Native doctors do employ ganja in making up some of their prescriptions; but I do not know to what extent nor for what diseases. I do not know of ganja being used in cattle disease. 41. Ganja — (a) Is an appetiser ; is not a digestive. (b) Gives power ; see answer 32 (1). (c) Is not so used here. (a) Moderate habitual. (b) Moderate occasional. - Evidence of MR. R. A. LAMB, Acting Collector, Kolaba.


40. Ganja is sometimes used by native doctors as a febrifuge and sedative in cases of fever and asthma. It is also occasionally used for poultices and also used for the purpose of relieving pain when performing operations. It is also used by them to check diarrhœa. Bhang is used for cattle when they are out of condition and off their feed it has the effect of stimulating their appetite. It is also given to horses for the same purpose. 41. The answer to (a), (b) , and (c) is yes, as regards the moderate use of bhang. The moder ate habitual use is referred to. 42. The moderate use of bhang may be said to be harmless, but the use must be very moderate.  - Evidence of MR. C. G. DODGSON, Assistant Magistrate and Collector, Khandesh.


40. Ganja is said to be prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by native, as also by European, medical practitioners. The drugs are also used in the treatment of cattle diseases (vide replies from Rao Bahadur, Assistant Surgeon (retired), Vishram Ramjee Gholley, Assistant Surgeon Bhikaji Amrit Chobhe, and Dr. Ganesh Krishna Garde, appended). 41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is considered by Rao Bahadur Dr. Vishram Ramjee Gholley, Dr. Ganesh Krishna Garde and Dr. Bhikaji Amrit Chobhe as beneficial in their effects. But they do not regard the habitual use as beneficial. It is thus the occasional moderate use that they speak of. (a) Ganja stimulates appetite for food and aids digestion to some extent. (b) It gives staying-power under severe exertion and alleviates fatigue. (c) It is not regarded as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. I am not in a position to make a reply to clause (d). The poorer classes of Hindus and Muhammadans who are not within ready reach of medicinal preparations, use these drugs occasionally for exciting appetite or assisting digestion. Habitual consumers do not use them for such purposes. Bairagis, sadhus and fakirs, who travel long distances on pilgrimages, use the drugs habitually in order to obtain staying-power under exposure and to alleviate fatigue. Workmen and labourers also use the drugs to enable them to bear hard work better (vide opinions of Rao Bahadur Assistant Surgeon Vishram Ramjee Gholley, Assistant Surgeon Bhikaji Amrit Chobhe and Dr. Ganesh Krishna Garde, all Graduates in Medicine, appended). 42. I am not prepared to make a reply.  - Evidence  of  MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona.


41. (a) Bhang is. (b) Ganja is. (c) Can't say. I refer to both moderate habitual and moderate occasional use.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LALLUBHAI GORDHANDAS, Vania, Huzur Deputy Collector, Nasik.


40. Yes; in the case of dysentery bhang is prescribed. It is used as tonic to the convalescent. Garda is administered to horses and cattle. In the ganja imported into this district, a quantity of dust or fine powder, most probably of leaves and flowers, is mixed. When separated, it forms the "garda," which also contains the seeds. 41. (a) Bhang taken in small quantities is good for digestion and to stimulate appetite. Ganja does the same with greater force. (b) There is staying-power as far as the exposure is concerned. A ganja smoker is not considered to be able to work much. Fatigue is alleviated by a smoke of ganja, as it induces sleep. (c) It is said that ganja smoking and bhang eating serve to prevent fever more or less. (d) smoking is said to concentrate attention or rather prevent distraction. It is why some singers and musicians have a smoke before they can play their best. These effects are observed in the moderate habitual and moderate occasional use. 42. Moderate use of bhang is useful as well as harmless, but I cannot say so of ganja smoking, which is injurious even to one who is well fed. Smokers, however, have a saying as follows.* It is, I believe, meant more to ensure the cleaning of the ganja smoked than to express its qualities and to point out bad effects.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR NARAYAN GANESII DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Belgaum.


40. Ganja-smoking is recommended in the case of asthma and diseases of lung. It is also given to buffaloes with the object of causing an increased flow of milk. Bhang leaves are also used for fumigation, cases of piles, fistula of anus. 41. A moderate use of bhang is beneficial; it creates appetite: it alleviates the effects of fatigue; its effects are of a mild exhilarant character and free from any tendency to commit violence or self-destruction. Excessive bhang-drinkers do not suffer in health. A moderate use of ganja is not harmful; it is a febrifuge in malarious districts : it enables the consumer to keep up the vital powers, Excessive ganja-smokers suffer in health if they do not get nourishing food. Insanity, impotency and consumption are the results of excessive smoking. Excessive use produces derangement of the mental power. It has the effect of impairing the moral sense.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHIMBHAI KIRPA RAM, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector of Surat.


40. Yes. Bhang or ganja is mixed with powders made of other ingredients and used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja, bhang or charas is beneficial in its effects :— ( a ) It has a digestive power. (b) It gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviates fatigue ( c ) It destroys the bad effects resulting from unwholesome water. The tendency of the people in using the drug is mainly to secure the effects stated above. The reference is applicable to the moderate habitual and occasional users. To the latter the effects are prompt and quick. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless as well as beneficial, because it possesses the quality of exciting appetite and power of digestion. It is also astringent, gives refreshing sleep, and enables its user to overcome the effects of fatigue.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar.


40. Bhang is used by native doctors in. pills given to check dysentery. In the treatment of cattle disease bhang or ganja is not used in this part ; but ganja in a small quantity mixed with jagri is given to horses sometimes to enable them to perform long journeys without much feeling, through intoxication, the effect of fatigue. 41. (a) Those who are habitual moderate consumers of ganja do not feel hunger till they have smoked it. It cannot be said, however, to be beneficial in the sense of increasing the appetite or strengthening digestion. For a few days—say about a week—in the commencement, the consumer finds his appetite on the increase; but thereafter he reverts to the normal quantity of his meals. In their cases ganja smoking does not assist digestion. In the case of occasional consumers it assists digestion, and is smoked with that object after heavy meals at dinner parties. (b) Consumers think that ganja smoking helps them to undergo exertion and fatigue better by its aid than otherwise they would be ; but those who have smoked it for some years and given it up think that it is a mere delusion ; that simply in consequence of the effects of intoxication fatigue is for a short time not felt on some occasions. (c) Ganja is never used as a febrifuge. Bhang is drunk in fever cases by some persons, though not a large number, with a view to keep down the temperature of the body. (d) To ward off the effects of bad water -supply, ganja is considered by all smokers to be a sovereign remedy. Travellers in tracts where the water-supply is not good use it, according to their opinion, with beneficial results, as far as the effects of bad water are concerned. Persons in well-to-do circumstances belonging to high castes do not, except in rare cases when travelling, smoke ganja to counteract the effects of bad water-supply, and do not also use it with a view to create appetite or strengthen digestion. 42. Except as mentioned above, the use of ganja is not in any way beneficial. As far as moderate use is concerned it is not harmful if of good quality and well washed and cleansed before brought into use, provided the consumers are in a position to get a proper quantity of food and milk or ghi in a small quantity. To debilitated constitutions it proves injurious and gives rise to bronchitis, asthma, and lung diseases. It affects the sight also. It is very hot in quality, and impairs virile powers more or less in all cases, and specially of those persons who are not able to get sufficient food. I have come to these conclusions on a consideration of the constitutions of a good many ganja smokers whom I have seen from day to day for a good length of time, as well as on a consideration of the account I have been able to collect from others. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DADABHAI DEENSHAH, Parsi, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Kaira


40. No. Bhang is sometimes used in the case of some cattle diseases as a tonic or cooling draught. 41. Bhang may be to a certain extent as a cooling draught, as the general impression is. (a) Not as a food accessory but digestive. (b)Bhang may alleviate fatigue without producing bad effects. (c) No, so far as I know. Marwaris use bhang as a cooling draught after exhaustion in the hot season. Seventy-five per cent. of them use the drug. Among consumers of ganja, the same number may be said to use it for one purpose or other mentioned in (b) . 42. I consider that the moderate use of the drug, except smoking ganja, seems harmless. I have not come across any instances in which the use of the drug in any other form has caused any appreciable injury, bodily or mental.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHASKAR RAO RAMCHANDRA HEBLIKAR, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Sholapur


40. By native doctors it is used as specific for dysentery. It is also used for some chronic diseases, such as rheumatism. It is also used in cholera cases. It is not within my knowledge that in Khandesh it is used for cattle disease. 41. (a) To a certain extent, when used moderately. (b) Yes, when used moderately. (c) Not to my knowledge. (d) (1) Well-to-do men ; (2) those who have resigned all worldly care ; and (3) such other men as require stimulants but cannot take alcoholic drinks on a religious point of view, use it. In case (1) it is occasional moderate ; in case (2) excessive and habitual; and in case (3), habitual moderate. 42. The moderate use of the drug is harmless for it is less injurious than opium, and less incitive towards the commission of crime than alcoholic drinks. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR SITARAM DAMODAR, H uzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh.


40. Native doctors substitute on rare occasions ganja for chloroform on account of the medicinal qualitities of the former. Ganja is also utilized in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja is beneficial in its effects— (a) as a food accessory and digestive ; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and to alleviate fatigue. (c) It is a popular belief here that the use of ganja in malarious and unhealthy tracts is a febrifuge and preventive of disease. About 5 per cent. of manual labourers use ganja for its above-mentioned properties. It is the moderate occasional use of the drug I refer to. 42. No answer is required, as the answer to 41 is in the affirmative.  - Evidence of KHAN BHADUR RATANJI ERDALJI KANGA, Parsi, Deputy Collector and Magistrate, Dharwar


40. Bhang is used by native doctors in cases of stomach-aches, and is given to horses to prevent cold. 41 and 42. I do not know.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara.


40. Yes ; ganja is used by native doctors in preparing medicines on diseases such as asthma, dysentery, diarrhœa, dyspepsia. It is used also in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of bhang for drinking or eating is stated to be, and may be, beneficial in its effects, as described in clauses (a) and (b) of the question ; but I doubt whether the moderate use of ganja for smoking is beneficial in its effects in any way. Persons who actually consume the drug say that the moderate use of it is beneficial in its effects as preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts ; but much reliance cannot be placed on their statements. They naturally extol the qualities of the drug they use. Generally the habitual moderate consumers of the drugs use them for the purposes mentioned above. 42. I consider the moderate use of bhang for drinking or eating is harmless; but I cannot say that the moderate use of ganja for smoking is harmless, as it is stated by a native medical officer that smoking affects the brain quicker than drink -ing or eating any preparation made of the drug.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.


40. The Native Doctors, both Hindu and Muhammadan, use ganja in medicine. It is used to cure not only the diseases of cattle, but of horses also. 41. (a) The moderate use of ganja by smo king is beneficial in its effects as digestive and its use by drinking is said to be a food accessory. (b) Yes. (c) It is a popular belief that smoking of ganja is preventive of disease in, malarious and unhealthy tracts. Labouring classes and pilgrims who are required to travel different parts of the country use ganja for the above purposes. I refer to moderate habitual use. Question 40.[oral evidence]—I do not know what the diseases are for which the hemp drugs are used by native medical practitioners. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country.


40. Yes—Vide answer to question 19. Ganja is administered to cattle suffering from purging, indigestion, etc. 41. (a), ( b ) and (c) Yes. Generally all the classes of the people use ganja. But the majority of the consumers will be found among the lower uneducated and working classes. Both the moderate habitual use and moderate occasional use are referred to here. 42. It is also harmless, as it does not excite a man to be violent or commit any mischief or crime.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR V. H. SHIKHRE, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector, Alibagh, Kolaba District.


40. There is no native doctor's school in which the medicinal qualities of these drugs is taught. I know of one Native Assistant Surgeon prescrib ing a few drops of essence of ganja to a patient to give good sleep ; but instead of its producing the desired effect the patient began to rave. I have not seen these drugs used in the treatment of cattle disease; but ganja is used for giving massala or medicine to horses. 41. I think ganja or bhang, if given as a medicine when occasion requires, (a) would act as a digestive element to persons not accustomed to eat or drink it habitually ; (b) ganja smokers under ganja intoxication do not consider a long journey fatiguing; (c) I cannot say whether, in malarious or unhealthy tracts, these drugs would be preventive of disease. The present uses of these drugs are not for purposes (a) and (c) , but for the purpose of getting intoxicated only. 42. Requires no answer in consequence of the reply to query No. 41 being in the affirmative.  - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector ; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale.


40. Bhang and ganja are prescribed, I believe, by vaidyas as a medicine. Bhang is given to horses and garda to buffaloes as an appetizer or tonic. 41. I am told that the moderate use of ganja acts as a digestive; it alleviates fatigue, and is a preventive of disease in an unhealthy country, or where the drinking water is not good. It is said also to be an appetizer. Bhang in moderation is reported to act as a food accessory, to alleviate fatigue, and to be a febrifuge. It is said also to have cooling properties on the system. Many of the Jain jewellers in Bombay are habitual moderate users of bhang. They use it as a food accessory, to alleviate fatigue, and on account of its cooling properties. I am also told that in Guzerat and Kathiawar bhang is drunk by people in the hot season on account of its cooling properties. Many of these people only use it in the hot season. 42. The habitual use of any of the hemp drugs, except in moderation, is, I believe, harmful. The occasional moderate use is, I understand, beneficial. I have come to these conclusions from what I see and hear. - Evidence of MR. W. ALMON, Assistant Collector, Abkari Department, Bombay.


40. The reply is already given under question No. 19. 41. I am not in a position to state definitely whether the moderate use of these drugs may be beneficial or not. In practice, however, it is used as a food accessory as well as to give stayingpower. I do not know of ganja or bhang ever being used as a febrifuge. I refer to moderate occasional use. Moderate habitual use.—It is also used to give staying-power under severe exertion. Occasional use is not restricted to any classes. Habitual use—(b) prevails among persons who are required to work hard and continuously for a long time, such as smiths, dooly-bearers, weavers, toy-makers, etc. 42. I am not in a position to answer. 43. Yes; as far as I know they are perfectly  - Evidence of R AO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona  District, Poona.


40. Purified bhang and ganja are used for medical purposes, Purified bhang and ganja are mixed in certain proportion with some of the medicines prescribed for cough, high breathing, piles and other diseases. It is also mixed with some medicines prescribed for certain cattle diseases. But it is not to be supposed that there are other cures for the diseases mentioned above. 41. It is known from experienced people that moderate consumption of these drugs have the effects mentioned in (a) , (b), and (c). Their use serves to secure concentration of mind to any subject. (a) On rare occasions it is useful to invalids. (b) As already stated in the answer to the 17th question, it is used by weavers and others for this purpose. (c) It is useful to ascetics, bairagis and others going on pilgrimages and travelling in hot or cold countries with or without clothes on. (d) Persons leading their life as devotees. It is difficult to state the proportion. The above information relates to the habitual moderate consumers. 42. It does not seem necessary to answer this question in view of the answer given to the preceding question.  - Evidence of RAO SAHEB SHESHO KRISNA MUDKAVI, Mamlatdar of Taluka Bijapur, Bijapur.


40. Effects.—The effects of the use of ganja for medical purposes are stated to be good. Ganja excites hunger and gives some tone to the nervous system. But we are not so much concerned with the medicinal effects as with the effects of the habitual use of the drug.  - Evidence of RAO SAHIB L. M. DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Poona City.


40. In    Sharangdhar and Yoga-ratnakar (treatises on native medicines) ganja (bhang) is prescribed as one of the ingredients of the medicine to be administered in cases of dysentry and diarrhœa. In Yoga-ratnakar an oil prepared from bhang with some other things is prescribed for white leprosy. Bhang smoking is also prescribed against poisons of fish and scorpions. Ganja is also administered to animals by way of medicine. 41. When used in small quantities, ganja acts as a stimulant, and sometimes invigorates and refreshes body and mind. It also quickens digestion, and acts as febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Most of the gosains, bairagis, and fakirs use ganja as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts, and as a drug to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. The moderate habitual use of ganja brings on these beneficial effects. 42. The moderate use is not only harmless, but positively beneficial.  - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.


40. Native doctors prescribe the use of these drugs for medicinal qualities on most diseases. They are also used in the treatment of cattle and all kinds of animal diseases. It is given to cattle and horses to encourage their eating more. Being under the influence of it, they go on chewing their food and run faster. 41. The moderate use of ganja, bhang, or charas is beneficial in its effects. (a) It has a digestive power. (b) It gives staying power under severe exertion and alleviates fatigue. (c) It destroys the bad effects resulting from bad water in malarious and unhealthy tracts. The tendency of the people in using the drug is mainly to secure the effects stated above. The reference is applicable to the moderate habitual users as well as to the moderate occasional users, but in the case of the latter the effects are prompt and quick. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless and is beneficial, because it has got the quality of exciting appetite and a digestive power. It has an astringent taste, and gives refreshing sleep in order to enable the user of it to overcome the effects of fatigue.  - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari Inspector, Ahmednagar.


40. Ganja is used in making a massala for horses. 41 and 42. I cannot answer these questions.  - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector , Satara.


40. These drugs are sometimes used by themselves in empiric treatment and in combination with other drugs by native doctors. Bhang forms an ingredient in the massala or condition balls given to horses and cattle. 41. The moderate use of ganja or bhang, combined with highly nourishing food, is said to be beneficial in its effects. It improves digestion and alleviates fatigue. It is sometimes used as an alleged preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts, ganja smoking for this purpose being not quite unknown in the lower ranks of survey subordinates, whose work causes much exposure to unaccustomed climate. The use is very moderate and occasional. 42. In the absence of proper nourishment, even the moderate use of these drugs is considered more or less injurious.  - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana P rabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay.


40. Sometimes, but not generally. Used in cattle disease (the drugs, i.e., bhang and ganja). 41. (a) Ganja is digestive; also increases appetite. (b) Probably not. (c) Would have a beneficial tendency in a malarious climate. 42. Not beneficial. Probably harmful, affecting the brain.  - Evidence of MR. G. P. MILLET, Divisional Forest Officer, West Thana, Thana.


40. Both ganja and bhang are said to be recom mended by native doctors for diarrhœa, dysentery, and piles. It is not known to be used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. (a) and (b) Yes.  - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar.


40. Is sometimes prescribed by native doctors as a febrifuge and for dysentery; also for cattle or horses having colds. 41. Those who use it appear to think that the moderate use of ganja has beneficial effects as a digestive. The use is not restricted to any particular class. 42. The moderate use of ganja does not appear to be altogether harmless. It seems to produce coughs, and a weakening tendency if consumed habitually.  - Evidence of MR. J. E. DOWN, Districts Superintendent of Police, Satara.


40. I am unable to say whether any of these drugs are habitually prescribed by native doctors, but bhang is supposed to possess valuable medicinal properties, and to be useful in cases of gonorrhœa and remittent fever. Bhang and ganja are sometimes administered to assist the digestive organs and also for the cure of colic. 41. (a) Ganja smoking in moderation assists digestion. (b) Yes. (c) The moderate use of ganja is supposed to be beneficial in the prevention of fever and in reducing the ill-effects likely to follow the habi tual use of bad water ; while from bhang a cool ing drink is prepared which is said to be very beneficial in intermittent fever. Bhang and ganja are so used by the poorer classes, both habitually as also occasionally.  - Evidence of MR. F. T. V. AUSTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Surat


42. Harmful - Evidence of Mr. DHANJISHA DADABHOY, Parsi, District Superintendent of Police, Thana.


40. Ganja and bhang are used by native quacks for dysentery in one-grain doses twice a day. It is also used to check the flow of seminal fluid in cases of spermatorrhœa. It is used by native quacks as an aphrodisiac. It is also used by quacks to prolong the period of sexual intercourse, and it is also applied externally to the genital organs in case of impotence. Charas is not used in these parts by quacks for its medicinal properties. None of these drugs appear to be used locally in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Bhang produces a most ravenous appetite and aids digestion. The more bhang a person drinks, the more food he will eat. Its effect lasts for about three hours. It is said to be invigorating and refreshing, and that it alleviates fatigue. Bhang is not used unless by habitual consumers, except on festivals, religious ceremonies and in the hot season. There are only about 175 habitual consumers of the drug in all its forms in this city, and the majority of them smoke it. Smokers of the drug are rarely found amongst the villagers of this State, but all more or less use bhang in the hot season and on festivals at all seasons of the year. 42. Bhang, I am told, is harmless if taken in moderation with good nourishing food. The smoking of ganja or charas is decidedly injurious to the constitution and produces most baneful results, examples of which are to be seen daily among the emaciated and decrepit sadhus and fakirs and others who wander about from place to place. Smoking the drug in moderation is admitted by the majority of consumers to be injurious, and many say that they regret having contracted the habit, and that they would gladly leave it off if they could. - Evidence of MR. T. G. FOARD, Superintendent of Police, Cambay.


40. Bhang is sometimes used by native doctors. In the treatment of cattle disease bhang or ganja is not used in this district. 41. (a) Those who are even moderate consumers of ganja do not feel hungry till they smoke it It is said to increase appetite or strengthen digestion. In the case of such consumers sometimes it assists digestion, and it is smoked with that object after having a heavy meal at caste dinners. (b) Consumers think that ganja-smoking  always helps to undergo exertion and fatigue. (c) Ganja is not used as a febrifuge, but bhang is sometimes used in cases of fever by some persons. (d) I do not know. Persons in well-to-do circumstances do not, except in some cases when travelling, smoke ganja to counteract the effects of bad water. 42. As far as I know, moderate use of ganja is not harmful, nor is it beneficial. In moderate use if the consumers are in a position to get proper quantity of food, milk, and ghee, it will not produce bad effects. It is very injurious and weakens the consumers, specially those persons who are not able to get sufficient food. I have come to these conclusions after having consultation with some of the ganja-smokers. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NANABHOY COWASJI, Parsi, City Police Inspector, Surat.


41. ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) Yes. (d) By way of forgetting pain, allaying fatigue, anxiety, etc., and keeping jolly all round. Bhang is also used to give nerve power to the brain, and in this connection, Shrawak jewellers often drink it, and they profess to be better able to value jewels. 42. It is beneficial, and the moderate use is harmless. The reasons are apparent from my replies to queries Nos. 41, 43, 44. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB PRANSHANKAR, Brahmin, Inspector of Police, Detective Branch, Bombay.


41. So far as I recollect, I never prescribed any form of Indian hemp for any purpose. 42. Being prejudiced against the drug when first studying Materia Medica, I have ignored it ever since. - Evidence of BRIGADE-SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. A. MACONACHIE, M.D., Principal, Grant Medical College, Bombay


41. Very moderate use of bhang increases appetite, and gives staying-power under severe exertion. This I have noticed in the very few cases I have seen. It does not act as a febrifuge or preventive of disease. By bhang I mean the infusion of the leaves and seeds commonly called subji. Bhang in the form of infusion I have known to produce the following effects in the persons who take it habitually:—It refreshes them, gives them pleasant ideas and increases the appetite. The after-effects are depression and mental obfuscation ; want of subsequent gratification dues produce a longing.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. N. PARAKH, Parsi, Surgeon to the Gocul Dass Tejpal Hospital, Malabar Hill, Bombay.


40. Ganja is commonly used as a medicine in ternally in digestive disorders affecting cattle. It is used by native practitioners, hakims, etc., as follows :—Juice of fresh leaves are used to the head as a parasiticide ; it allays pain when dropped into the ear ; also used as an astringent in diarrhœa, and as a diuretic and to check gonorthœal discharges. The powdered dry leaves are used as an application to ulcers to promote granulations ; also used locally to check inflammations as erysipelas and as an anodyne to local neuralgias. 41. (a) Native practitioners use it as such in small doses. (b) This is a popular belief, but of the truth of it there is no reliable evidence obtainable. (c) It is used as such in some parts of Bengal. It undoubtedly acts as a stimulant and sedative, and people accustomed to its use can bear hunger and work without food for a longer time ; so in this way it prevents bodily waste of tissues. 42. I do. I have not known a case where the moderate use of the drug has done harm.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR H. W. B. BOYD, Superintend nt, Colaba Lunatic Asylum, Bombay


41. Not sufficiently acquainted with the subject to offer an opinion thereon. Under exceptional circumstances it may be useful under (a) and (b) to those accustomed to its use; but the probability is that its ill-effects in the long run counterbalance its beneficial effects; therefore I am inclined to say that even the moderate use of it is not to be encouraged.  -  Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL M. L. BARTHOLOMEUSZ, M.B.,* Civil Surgeon, and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Ahmedabad.


40. They  are never prescribed alone by native vaidyas or hakims ; but bhang forms an ingredient of some prescriptions. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. (a) The moderate use of ganja or bhang is said to be beneficial to the digestive system and to give (b) staying-power under severe exertion ; (c) and (d) it does not serve as a febrifuge or preventive of malaria. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is probably harmless. I have known a few moderate consumers of ganja and bhang to enjoy good health and long life.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. MCCONAGHY, Civil Surgeon, and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Poona.


40. It is used extensively by the people themselves in malarial fever, rheumatism, dyspepsia,
diarrhœa, and as a sedative, anodyne, etc., etc., but I am not aware of any school of Native Doctors recommending it. 41. It is used as a tonic for cattle, especially when the animals do not eat their food well. (a) to (c) Stated to be so. (d) Stated to be useful in dyspepsia, rheumatism, and as a sedative, anodyne, etc. 42. The moderate use of the drug would appear to be practically harmless. The instances of prisoners given in the accompanying form would seem in a measure to bear out this. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. C. DAVIDSON, Acting Civil Surgeon, and Superintendent of the Jail and Lunatic Asylum, Dharwar.


40. The old standard Sanskrit writers, who are generally studied by native doctors, recommend Cannabis indica, or the hemp plant and its products, for the following diseases :— Irritability of the bladder, piles, diarrhœa, asthma, bronchitis, loss of sleep, loss of digestive power, and quartan fevers. Indian hemp is also noted as productive of biliousness, emaciation, narcotism, talkativeness. I do not know from experience of any of the drugs being used in the treatment of cattle disease, but native writers say that bhang mixed with Indian sweet fennel and cardamom is useful in checking hæmaturia, and possibly it is, judging by its effects on the human body. 41. Moderate use of ganja gives relief in chest complaints, such as asthma, by acting as an antispasmodic, and reduces the excessive discharge of phlegm (mucous and muco-purulent expectoration). It gives staying power and also wards off the pangs of hunger when food is not available, as sometimes happens in the lives of gosains and bairagis. (a) Similarly bhang drinking acts as a food accessory and digestive by relieving dyspepsia and creating an appetite for food. It also relieves the colic pains due to constipation. (b) It gives staving power by exhilarating the system to a certain extent. (c) I know of no practical use of this drug in fevers, either as a preventive or curative agent ; but it is recommended by native writers for quertau fevers, as already stated in answer to question No. 40.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR K. R. KIRTIKAR, Civil Surgeon, Thana, and Medical Officer, Thana Depot and District Jail.


European doctors prescribe extract and tincture of ganja in cases of diarrhœa, dysentery, asthma, gleet, tetanus, etc. Native Vaidyas prescribe ganja and its preparations in some of the above maladies. Native physicians are known to use ganja in cattle diseases. Habitual moderate use of these drugs is, I think, not beneficial to the digestive system, but it does give some staying- power under severe exertion ; it does not serve as a febrifuge or preventive of malaria. Habitual use of this drug, however moderate, does in no way do good to the human system. Moderate use of ghota, a preparation of bhang, slightly aids digestion, but taken in excess it produces injurious effects. - Evidence of RAO SAHEB BHICAJEE AMROOT CHOBHE, Brahmin, Assistant Surgeon, Poona City.


40. In some cases of asthma and diseases of the lungs smoking of hemp is recommended as a great palliative of the attack. Amongst cattle, and especially amongst buffaloes, it is given with the object of causing an increased flow of milk. Bhang leaves are used for fumigation in hœmorrhoids and fistula of anus. 41. A. moderate use of bhang is beneficial in its effects— (a) as giving a stimulus to appetite; (b) as a restorative under severe strain of the system or in alleviating the effects of fatigue. (c) It is said to be a febrifuge in malarious districts. It tends to keep up the vital powers, especially amongst those accustomed to hard labour, as woodcutters and carriers of heavy loads. 42. I consider the moderate use of bhang beneficial as discussed in the above question. Jewellers and goldsmiths generally take a small quantity of bhang before commencing their usual daily avocations.  - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DOSSABROY PESTONJEE, Parsi, Assistant Surgeon, Parakh Dispensary, Surat, and Honorary Assistant Surgeon to His Excellency the Viceroy.


40. Vaidyas often use bhanga as a fumigation for piles. 41. (a) Moderate ganja smoking is said to increase the appetite. I have personally not known much about it. (b) A person is supposed to stand exposure and fatigue. (c), (d) It is not a febrifuge. 42. The use of these drugs is not harmless.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON ANNA MORESHWAR KUNTE, J. J. Hospital, Bombay.


40. Yes. Native vaids do prescribe bhang as medicine. I do not know of its use in cattle disease. Different diseases in which it is used are shown below. According to native medicine bhang mixed with dried ginger, black pepper and long pappers is used in consumption. It is also used for bilious complaints, for increasing intelligence, for strengthening sexual organs, for catarrhal ands skin diseases, for increasing appetite and knowledge, steadiness of mind, and flatulence. In short this drug is supposed not to give old age. For these diseases it is variously mixed with different drugs. Bhang is also used for reducing tin to the form
of oxide, which goes by the name of "vang." This is used in gonorrhœa, &c., by native vaids. 41. (a) It is digestive. (b) It alleviates fatigue. Pills made of bhang, black pepper and treacle are used as febrifuge. (c) I have no personal experience of its beneficial effects as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthly tracts, but it is believed to be so. (d) It is used by jewellers, yogis and other persons who require concentration of mind. 42. I consider moderate use of bhang and ganja, to be harmless. I have personally seen many persons in perfect health who have been using these drugs for years together.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR THAKORDAS KIKABHAI, Bania, Assistant Surgeon, Wadhwan Civil Station, Kathiawar.


40. Ganja is used by native doctors as refrigerent, diuretic, narcotic, antispasmodic. It is used also externally. It is also used in cattle diseases, and also to promote appetite. 41. Moderate use of ganja and bhang is observed to be beneficial in persons who have come under my observation. (a) In moderation ganja or bhang are observed to be beneficial by me as accessory to digestion. (b) Has also staying-power under severe exertion, and it alleviates fatigue. 42. Medicinally and in moderation the use of the drug will be harmless, but when this degree is broken, it is not beneficial, as the use, may develop into excessive habit, which will be very baneful.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON ABDUL GHANI, Hakim, in charge of Gadag Dispensary, Gadag, Dharwar District.


40. Powdered ganja leaves are occasionally prescribed in pill form by native quacks to relieve colicky pain ; they are also used in combination with milk, turmeric and flour as a paste or poultice for painful protruded piles. 41. (a) Ganja cannot be considered as a food accessory or digestive. (b) It is a popular belief amongst the ganja smokers that with its help they could perform hard labour and feel less fatigue, even thought they may happen to have for the time less than their usual allowance of food. I share in this belief to this extent, that as under the influence of this drug certain physiological effects are produced, e.g., complete anæsthesia to pain and marked diminution of general sensibility, the man would temporarily be able to undergo severe fatigue and to do heavy Work, without feeling himself the worse for it at the time, though when the effects are over, he would probably feel himself wretched and completely worn out and exhausted. (c) Ganja or bhang possess no febrifuge properties, nor are they known as preventives of any other disease in any unhealthy tracts. (d) Broadly speaking, in no way can the habitual use of ganja smoking or the use of any of its allied preparations be said to be beneficial. 42. I cannot say that the moderate use of any one of these drugs may be considered to be harmless ; for every one of them is an excitant of great power, which may lead a man under certain conditions (e.g., provocation, vicious company) to indulge in them more freely than usual, and whilst under their influence to commit acts of violence or of murder.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON B. H. NANAVATTY, Parsi, and Teacher of Surgery and Midwifery, Medical School, Ahmedabad.


40. Native doctors use bhang in cases of convulsions of children as antispasmodic. As far as I know, none of the drugs is used in cattle diseases. 41. (a) Yes, but not when habitually taken in large doses. (b) Yes. (c) Not to my knowledge. (d) They give temporary relief from anxiety or grief. 42. Yes. ( Vide answers 39 and 41.) - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT BHAU SACCARAM, Brahmin, Raipur Dispensary, Ahmedabad


40. Yes ; for dysentery and diarrhœa is used by some native doctors. For cattle disease not known. 41. Bhang is said by the gosavis that it is digestive. (b) It is an excitant, and under the influence of the drug the persons of habitual use work without feeling fatigue. (c) and (d) Not known. 42. Not known.  - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT RAJANA LOKAJEE, Máli Telgu, Thana.


40. Yes, to alleviate pain, preparations of hemp drug are used by native doctors. I do not know whether they are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. The moderate use of charas and ganja and bhang seems to be beneficial in its effects. (a) By it increasing appetite and promoting digestion followed by a free motion. (b) It alleviates fatigue by its narcotic effects. (c) Bhang affects as a febrifuge. (d) Bhang is also tried with more or less success in many diseases, as in tetanus, hydrophobia, rheumatism, and in the convulsions of children and in cholera. Bhang is believed next to opium as anodyne, hypnotic and antispasmodic by some medical men, and consequently given in the above said diseases. 42. I think the moderate use of any of these drugs is harmless if carefully prepared and taken, as I have seen serious cases occurred under the influence of moderate doses of hemp drugs, given by friends with some admixture, as dhatura, opium, betel-nut, nux vomica, etc.  - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT JAMIATRAM JEYASHUNKER, Nagar Brahmin, West Hospital, Rajkot, Kattiawar.


40. Occasionally the drug is used by native doctors for medicinal purposes, in dysentery, headache and colic. Yes; they are also used in cattle diseases. 41. The moderate use of the drug will be seldom beneficial. (a) It may perhaps act as a food accessory but not digestive. (b) Yes; it may. (c) and (d) No. 42. Yes, very likely harmless; when it is used moderately and not repeatedly, it does not cause any mischief or disorder in the system - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT SUDASHIO WAMON, Brahmin, Mansa, Mahikantha


40. Bhang is used by hakims and vaids for bronchitis and asthma. 41. Charas is not used in my district. (a) Bhang in moderate doses is stomachic. (b) It is said to alleviate fatigue and to give staying—power under severe exertion. In fact, it acts in the same way as cocoa does. (c) It is considered a good preventive against malarial fevers, and is largely used by sadhus and sanyasis for this purpose. I have neverused it as a prophylactic against fevers. 42. Bhang in moderate doses is beneficial. - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT PHIROZSILAW D. COOPER, Parsi, in charge Dispensary, Ilao.


40. Ganja and bhang are used as sedative, anodyne, and as digestive, and also as local application to piles, etc. Bhang is given to cattle to promote appetite. 41.(a) and (b) Yes. (c) I have not seen it used as a febrifuge ; but it is said that it prevents disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 42. Beneficial.  - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT SHAIK SURFRAZ HAKIM, Nasik.


40. Yes ; more in Sind and Punjab by hakims and vaidyas. The bhang is used in cattle diseases. 41. (a) I have observed cases of children in whom the use of fried bhang has assisted digestion. (b)The smoking of ganja and chains give a temporary tone to the nervous system, to allay fatigue and over-exertion ; but they lose more in its after-effects; so the loss is more than gain. (c) No febrifuge and anti-malarious property is noticed by me. 42. Except bhang in medicinal doses in cases of children as digestive, all other preparations not only do not act beneficially but prove injurious, because if indulged in for a long time, it depresses appetite and strength, weakens nervous system, followed by general debility.  - Evidence of HOSPITAL ASSISTANT PURSON SINGH CHATTRY, Sholapur


The drug is used medicinally both by native and European practitioners. It is used also in cattle diseases. The moderate use of the drug when used medicinally does have a beneficial effect, but as a habit it is not beneficial. (a) Ganja increases appetite, and aids digestion to a certain extent when used medicinally. (b)It does have some staying-power under severe exertion. It may have prohibitive effect against exposure. (c)I don't think it is a prophylactic against malaria. (d) It is only good as a medicine. I consider even its moderate use is harmful, as it affects the brain and by degrees leads to its excessive use.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHRAM RAMJI GHOLLAY, Retired Honorary Assistant Surgeon, and Medical Practitioner, Poona City.


40. Bhang is prescribed medicinally by many native doctors, and both bhang and ganja are used in the treatment of cattle disease. Ganja is also prescribed by native doctors but not for
internal use, but only as a fumigation to piles and inhalation in asthma. In connection with the use of hemp drugs by native doctors it would not be out of place if I say a few words regarding the history of the narcotic and when it came to be introduced into native medicine. I think it the more important to do so, because there seems to prevail a mistaken notion about this subject. I find it mentioned by Mr. Hem Chunder Kerr, for instance, in his report on ganja in 1877, that the narcotic property of the hemp plant was known in India as early as 3,000 years ago. He cites some authorities from the Atharva Veda to fortify his statement. Led by his statement, perhaps, the Government of India in their letter to the Secretary of State for India dated the 9th August 1892 observe : "In India, on the other hand, the practice of ganja-smoking has existed from time immemorial, etc." A similar account is given by Dr. Watt in his " Dictionary of the Economic Products of India", under article Cannabis sativa. I have studied the question from a historical point of view, and after a careful research made in that direction by referring to the ancient medical literature of India and to such Vedic and post-Vedic passages as seem to refer to the plant, I have arrived at the conclusion that the narcotic properties and preparations of hemp, as they are understood today, were not known in India until a very recent date ; that whatever interpretation be put on the words bhanga or bhangâ mentioned in the earlier works from the Atharva Veda down to the institutes of Manu, or the Ayurveda of Sushrut, one thing is certain, that even if the word did really refer to the true hemp plant, the latter was only cultivated for its fibre ; charas and ganja were not known at all, and the hemp plant that was cultivated did not yield bhang, the narcotic principle developed in its leaves and capsules being too scanty to be noticed by the people as it is in the hemp plant of Europe to-day. The facts upon which I have based this conclusion are as follows :— (1) The most ancient medical works in Sanskrit ; Charak, Sushrut and Vagbhat, do not make any allusion to it either as a medicine or as a poison. This is the more remarkable when we see, that even its cognate poison dhatura, is mentioned by Sashrut in the treatment of hydrophobia and by Vagbhat among narcotic poisons. Mr. Hem Chandra Kerr says that in Sushrut " the plant is described as a medicine for the accumulation of phlegm in the larynx and for some other diseases." But this is incorrect, for no such word occurs in Sushrut as a medicine for accumulation of phlegm in the larynx. The only place where the word bhanga is mentioned is in the treatment of ophthalmia, and there from the context it is doubtful if the reading is correct. For most probably the correct reading here is bhringa and not bhang, the former being a small annual weed of the compositæ (Eclipta prostrata of Graham) very frequently occurring in prescriptions for eye-diseases. Such misprints as 'bhang' for 'bring' are of very frequent occurrence in Calcutta editions of Sanskrit books. If Sushrut had known the Indian hemp of to-day, he would surely have prescribed it in such complaints as chronic diarrhœa, dyspepsia, tetanus, etc., in which it is found prescribed by later works on medicine, rather than in ophthalmia. Similarly, if it was known in those days, it would have been noticed by him as well as by Charak, who preceded him, or, at any rate, by Vagbhat, who followed him, along with the other narcotics. This omission of Indian hemp by these three ancient authors in their celebrated works on medicine is itself a great proof of the fact that it was not known in India in their time. (2) Although the word bhanga occurs in Atharava Veda, Kaushitaki Brahman, Sutras of Panini and the Institutes of Manu, there is not the least evidence to show that it meant the narcotic Cannabis indica. There is not the slightest reference, direct or implied, to the narcotic properties of the plant in any of the passages of these works in which the word is found. In Atharva Veda it is simply mentioned along with Soma, Darbha and Yava. Panini refers to it as cultivated in fields (evidently for its fibre and seed). Manu and Kaushitaki Brahmana refer to it as a source of fibre. Later Sanskrit commentators and lexicographers interpret bhang as shana or Bengal sunn plant, Crotalaria juncea which has been known in India from times immemorial as a plant yielding fibre and cultivated for that purpose, and is, beyond doubt, a native of India. Now, whether those lexicographers are right in identifying bhang with Crotalaria juncea, or not, one thing is certain, that the plant referred to as bhang in ancient literature was a fibre-yielding plant (Cannabis sativa or Crotalaria juncea), and not the narcotic plant, the Cannabis indica of to-day ; that, in other words, even if Cannabis sativa was cultivated in the times of the Atharva Veda or Panini, it was simply for the fibre or the seed, which, as will be shown elsewhere, was then used as food among the poorer classes, and that the narcotic element of the plant was in those days, and in those regions inhabited by the then Sanskrit-speaking Aryans, was as little developed as it is to this day in the European variety of hemp. (3) This conclusion is further supported by the fact that there are no Sanskrit names for ganja or charas, and that all the words used by recent Sanskrit medical authors, such as Vijayá, Mádini, etc., to designate bhang and ganja, are newly coined, as they are not mentioned in any of the Sanskrit lexicons from Amarkosha down to Medini. They are not even mentioned by any of the medical Nighantus (lexicons) of an earlier date than that of Madanapal, who lived in the fourteenth century A.C. It is only in later medical works dating at most from the fourteenth century downwards, that the word ganja is applied to hemp narcotics (the leaves or bhang and the flowering tops being not distinguished). In classical Sanskrit the word means a liquor house. (4) The history of the hemp plant also points to the same conclusion. De Candolle says : " The species has been found wild to the south of the Caspian Sea, in Siberia, in the desert of the Kirghiz, beyond Lake Bâikal and in Dahuria." He thinks that its area may have extended into China, but is not sure about the plant being indigenous to Persia, Bossier mentions it as quite wild in Persia, and it appears to be almost wild in the Western Himalayas and Kashmir. Observations of these naturalists together with the description of hemp given by Herodotus, who tells us that the ancient Scythians were acquainted with the narcotic properties of the hemp plant as well as with its fibre, and that they excited themselves by inhaling its vapour, would seem to fix the ancestral home of the plant somewhere in Central Asia. From thence the plant seems to have been introduced for its fibre and seed into the country occupied by the ancient Aryans to the north-west of the Punjab, where it became acclimatised at a comparatively remote date I say it was first introduced for its fibre and seeds, because the grammarian Panini includes it under Dhânya, edible grains cultivated in fields (Pan. V. 2,4). The word used to designate it is bhanga. In his time the plant was similar to the European variety on account of the mode of cultivation and the nature of soil and climate. It would not be very difficult to understand how it could be so, when we consider that even to this day the Indian plant varies according to climate and soil in as marked a degree as it differs from the European. While on the Himalayas it yields a good fibre used by the hillmen for a coarse garment and for cordage ; in Kashmir and Ladakh it secretes charas. Cultivated on the plains, the same plant yields ganja, and growing wild on the lower slopes of the Himalayas and other parts of Northern India it affords bhang. The ganja produced in different parts of India also differs considerably in its narcotic property, the proportion of the resin in it ranging from 1.5 to 14 per cent. This varying character of the plant renders the supposition more than probable that the bhanga of ancient literature represented the European variety of Cannabis sativa, and thus accounts for its not being mentioned by ancient Sanskrit medical writers as a narcotic and for its being reckoned by Panini among edible grains. (5) Our conclusion is further corroborated by the fact that Hueu Tsiang, the Chinese traveller of the seventh century, in his description of the manners, customs, habits, food and drink, etc., of the people of India in those days, does not make the slightest allusion to the use of hemp narcotics among any portion of the population, although he refers to alcoholic drinks and some other beverages then in common use. We thus see that the statements made by various authors with regard to the antiquity of the use of hemp narcotics in India are incorrect. The date of introduction of these narcotics in India cannot, in my opinion, go back beyond the thirteenth century A. C. Even to this day these narcotics have not made their way to any great extent in Southern India, where charas is hardly known by name, bhang scarcely ever drunk, and ganja only smoked by a very insignificant portion of the population. 41. Yes, it is very likely to be beneficial in the several ways indicated, although the term food may be objectionable to any form of the drug. (a) Bhang is used as a digestive and cooling beverage by the people of Northern India in the hot season, and, in the form of powder as a digestive and stimulant in the cold season. In the hot season it counteracts the depressive and enervating effects of the parching heat of North-Western and Central Provinces and Bengal, and in the cold season it counteracts the effects of cold by stimulating the circulation and increasing nervous activity. It is used by bairagis, gosavis and fakirs for purposes mentioned under (b) and (c), and also by labourers for those mentioned under (b). In all these cases the moderate habitual use of the drug is referred to. 42. Whether beneficial or not, the moderate habitual use of any of these drugs must be harmless, because a moderate dose is not known to produce any special deleterious action on any of the organs, all the bad effects which are seen among smokers of ganja or drinkers of bhang being generally traceable to an excessive indulgence in their habit. Question 40.[oral evidence]—I understand that Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the same. But here I am speaking of the Cannabis sativa as the European variety of Cannabis indica ; and I believe that this non-narcotic variety is what is referred to in the ancient books. Amarkosh's Sanskrit work contains no reference to ganja ; and I do not think there is evidence of the existence of this plant in India before the thirteenth century.   -  Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, * Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City.


40. I do not know. 41. Yes ; in all four ways. 42. Yes ; I have known Brahmins, Marwaris, Gorawallas and the class of halalcores, called also bhangis from their habitual use of bhang, who use these drugs in moderation and are useful servants, are not worse than those who drink spirits habitually in moderation.  - Evidence of J. GERSON DA. CUNHA, Medical Practitioner, Esplanade, Bombay.


40. Bhang and ganja are used as medicine by native doctors. Bhang is given to cattle as medicine for diarrhœa. 41. A person taking bhang or ganja takes and digests more food. The moderate use of these drugs is believed to strengthen and sustain nerve power and to alleviate fatigue. Bhang is used by some vaids as a febrifuge combined with pepper.  - Evidence of EDALJI NASHIRVANJI, Parsi, Medical Practitioner, Bombay.


41. (a) Some people say that it excites appetite. (b) and (c) No, so far as my enquiries and observations go. 42. It appears from enquiries that moderate use of hemp drug leads in time to immoderate use. The young men, finding that the moderate use causes sexual excitement, increase the dose.  - Evidence of DR. I. C. LisBoA, Private .Medical Practitioner, Bombay and Poona.


40. Bhang and ganja are often prescribed by the vaidyas and hakims in fevers, dysentery, diarrhœa, sleeplessness and impotence, and as aphrodisiacs very commonly. 41. I believe the moderate use of bhang is to a certain extent beneficial, as ( a) a digestive, (b) an exhilarant to alleviate fatigue and over-exertion, (c) a prophylactic to a very small extent against malaria, and (d) adjunct to concentration of the mind and contemplation. I believe this use of the drug is to be found amongst the higher, middle and lower classes to the extent of about 5 to 10 per cent. I refer to the moderate habitual use of the drug. I don't include ganja and charas in the above remarks, for I consider their moderate habitual use not only not beneficial, but positively harmful.  - Evidence of BHALCHANDRA KRISHNA BHATAVADEKAR, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bombay


40. Bhang is used by native doctors to give appetite, also in diarrhœa and gonorrhœa, also as a fumigation in curing piles. 41. The effects are very deceptive, for the first few days it acts as a digestive, and produces a sensation of warmth, but ultimately it is harmful. 42. I think even the moderate use of it for a long time is harmful.  - Evidence of ISMAIL JAN MOHOMED, Khoja, Physician, Bombay.


40. I used bhang in pains, rheumatism, fevers loss of appetite, restlessness, burning symptoms in phthisis, dysentery, acute and chronic diarrhœa, cramps, hysteria, headache, tetanus, muscular rheumatism, brain fever, and hætmorrhage. Ganja is used in cases of loss of appetite, loss of sleep, and colic, and sometimes as a stimulant. I do not use charas. Bhang is prescribed along with other native medicines in different forms of the above diseases. 41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is beneficial. Bhang is a food accessory. Ganja taken on empty stomach injures the constitution, but if taken after food, it is digestive and refreshing in exertion and fatigue. Ganja and bhang are used in malarious tracts to prevent the malarious attacks. I have experienced that the consumers of bhang and ganja very rarely suffer from malarious fever. Ganja has a special property of giving tone to liver. It is the occasional moderate use. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is beneficial.  - Evidence of UTTAMRAM JEEWANRAM, ITCHAPOORIA, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat.


40. I use ganja and bhang on account of their medicinal qualities. Ganja is prescribed in colic pains and as sleeping draught. Bhang is prescribed in venereal diseases and for passing urine, and in dysentery. 41. Ganja one-fourth of a tola, bhang one tola, and charas half wal, if taken, are beneficial as a food accessory. The use in such doses increases the strength, gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and alleviates fatigue, and refreshes the consumer. In malarious and unhealthy tracts use of ganja protects the man from malarious attacks. The use of these drugs should only be practised for the above purposes, and should not be indulged in. 42. Ganja and bhang, though not beneficial, are not harmful to those who use them moderately. - Evidence of KESHOWRAM HARIDAT, Chcepooria, Audesh Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya) , Render, Surat and Bombay


40. The use of these drugs has been prescribed, on account of their medicinal qualities, by the schools of native doctors. Madanpal and Nighanta have stated the properties and uses of these drugs in their medical books, as follows :—Bitter in taste, destroys cough, helps digestion, checks diarrhœa, induces sleep, and increases appetite. Rajnighanta says that it increases sexual desires and brings pleasure in sexual intercourse. It gives vigour and strength, makes a man talkative, checks diarrhœa, increases appetite, and helps digestion. Sodal says that it increases appetite, helps digestion, checks diarrhœa, induces sleep, and increases sexual desires ; it destroys cough. Bhawmishra and Bhauprakash agree with Madanpal. Sarangdhar recommends bhang drink or powder in diarrhœa and to induce sleep. Besides the abovementioned authorities there are many others. 41. The moderate use of bhang is beneficial as a digestive; it gives staying-power and alleviates fatigue. It prevents disease, and is known to prevent fever. Brahmins and banias use bhang as a food accessory. People in the mufussal use it to prevent attacks of fever.  - Evidence of MR. PURBHURAM JEEWANRAM, Nagar Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay.


41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang produces an appetite for food, but constipates the bowels. This effect is produced both on the moderate habitual and moderate occasional consumer. 42. I consider the moderate use of these drugs to be harmful. Ganja produces headache and cough, and bhang pains in the stomach with constipation.   - Evidence Of VITHALDAS PRANJIWANDASS, Bhunksali Landlord and Trader, late Intoxicating Drugs Farmer, Bombay.


40. Yes : the use of bhang is prescribed by Indian hakims and even by English practitioners for medical purposes in many diseases ; and the use of ganja is made for cattle-diseases, and particularly for horses in massala as a tonic. 41. The moderate use of bhang, when drunk along with massala, is beneficial to one's constitution, but ganja or charas, when smoked, is never conducive to health in any way. (a) It is not as food accessory, but it is used to give tone to digestive system. (b) It does alleviate fatigue. (c) It is used as a febrifuge in some malarial countries, but the use is not so well marked. It is the lower classes who use the drug for the above purposes. The proportion is very small. Yes; it is the moderate habitual use only that I allude to. 42. Yes ; the moderate use of bhang drunk along with massala is beneficial to the system. It does no harm, but on the contrary tones the digestive system and rest as a mild stimulant in general. - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA. KOTIIAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District.


40. In cases of lohiwa (a disease of women of daily menstruating blood instead of at the menses time) the use of bhang is considered as a medicine, and it produces a beneficial effect. The strength and staying-power imparted for sexual purposes by bhang when used as a drink is also wellknown. 41. (a) The moderate use of charas and ganja creates good appetite and acts as a food-digestive. It also increases strength of body. The use of bhang as a drink also whets the appetite and acts as a food digestive, but so long as its effect continues. Both the moderate habitual and the moderate occasional use produce the same effect in the case of the drugs ; the latter on account of being not assimilated with the system as a habit, being in degree more effective than the former. (b) Charas and ganja, in proportion to their respective intoxicating power, keep great warmth in the body in cold season and countries ; owing to their use, cold does not affect the body ; the effects of sleeplessness and fatigue are counteracted and idleness is removed. Sadhus, bairagis, etc., use these two drugs more than any other because by their help they are enabled to live and lie in open air in severe weather without anything to spread or cover their body, and because they ca n safely bathe with cold water in any weather without feeling cold or shiver. For these effects the moderate habitual use of the drugs is necessary. (d) The habitual moderate use of charas and ganja removes moodiness, keeps the mind cheerful, enables full concentration of mind in their worship and prayers, weakens and destroys the semen virile, and thereby deadens sexual desires—the most necessary desideratum for sadhus, etc.—makes the body vigorous and energetic, and increases courage and promotes the power of sufferance. Charas and ganja are used by sadhus, bairagis, etc., for these purposes, so that they may be able to worship God with concentration without any fatigue and the effects of exposure, etc. The sanyasis use bhang, but never ganja or charas, for the purpose of concentration in study and meditation.  - Evidence of DESAIBHAI KALIDAS, Brahmin (Khedaval), Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor, Kaira.


40. I do not think the native doctors prescribe the use of these drugs as a medicine. But the superior kind of bhang is used by native doctors as an ingredient in medicine used for diarrhoea and other bowel complaints. Yes ; the drugs are used in the treatment of certain cattle-diseases. But bhang is often given in flour to fatigued horses and bullocks to refresh them, and it is given to cattle for increasing their appetite. 41. Yes. Bhang is considered to be so. Yes ; according to native works on medicine bhang has febrituge properties and is used in malarious and unhealthy tracts with such object. It is used as a sort of refresher which keeps spirit. All classes use the drug, but their proportion is small in this part of the country. I refer to the moderate habitual use. 42. The moderate use of bhang is harmless. But the smoking of ganja is rather injurious to health. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR GOVINDRAO RAMCHANDRA GARUD, Pleader Dhulia, Khandesh.


40, Ganja is prescribed by native doctors for piles and fistula. It is also used for fomentations externally for the same diseases ; also used as stimulant and tonic for cattle and also for cattle diseases with some admixtures. 41, Yes, the use of ganja and bhang is beneficial in its effects (a) as digestive; (b) as alleviating fatigues and to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure; (c) as preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts; (d) it stops diarrhœa, relieves pains in the rectum. It is, as a smoke, also used to remove or relieve syphilitic bone pains. Fakirs and bairagis, professional musicians and labouring classes smoke ganja and drink bhang moderately and habitually in cases ( a), (b) and (c). Bawas and bairagis cook it with their meals even. In the case of (d) it is used by all classe occasionally. 42. It is said to be harmless as well as beneficial. Many persons have been taking it for a long time and are perfectly healthy.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.


40. Native doctors use these drugs in medicines on account of their medicinal qualities. These drugs are also used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. Moderate use of bhang and ganja is beneficial in its effects (a) as a food digestive if mixed with other articles ; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue ; (c) as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts ; (d) to prevent diseases from dirty water. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is beneficial for those who get the habit ; and I consider the moderate use of any of these drugs to be harmless, as intoxication produced from the use of these drugs is not so strong as in the case of alcohol.  - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh.


40. Ganja occupies an important place in the Pharmacopœia of the Hindus. Its qualities as described in one of their medical works are given below :— Bhang, ganja and dhatura (seeds) are intoxicating, victorious and triumphant (over pain), extreme heat-producing, bilious and producing reluctance* to speak, and increases fire (of the stomach), i.e., appetite. Ganja is also rubbed over the tongues of the bullocks to sharpen their appetite. It is also mixed up with the " massala" prepared for horses. It is sometimes administered in very small doses, diluted with sugarcandy, in order to induce sleep. 41. The moderate use of ganja, as the moderate use of liquor or nux vomica, is beneficial especially as digestive; its capacity for alleviating fatigue or sustaining a consumer under severe exertion or exposure is inconsiderable when it is taken in a small dose. I am not aware whether it has ever proved of any use as au antidote to malaria. In the jungles of Kanara and its neighbourhood it is rarely used and liquor has been a great favourite. It must, however, be understood that it is only the occasional use of ganja in the form of a drink which is necessarily moderate, because the drink is indulged more as a form than as a necessity ; but with the habitual consumer, "moderate " can only be used comparatively. A may be more moderate than B, and B than C ; but the quantity consumed by A exceeds that which a man can consume with benefit to himself. It is therefore only in theory that one can speak of the habitual use of ganja as moderate, and the beneficial qualities attributed to the drug have rarely been realized. 42. The habitual use of the drugs is never harmless, because it is never moderate.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHWANATH KESHAWA JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Sowkar, Karajgi in Dharwar District


40. Ganja smoking is advised by native doctors for neuralgic pain and idiopathic tetanus. Ganja is used in cattle disease in order to give tone to the stomach and to make them work longer without fatigue. 41. Ganja and charas are not beneficial, but bhang may be beneficial in hot climate if taken moderately, (a) It sometimes increases appetite. (b) It sometimes alleviates fatigue. (c) It is used with that idea in some malarious districts. (d) It is used by some as an aphrodisiac medicine. 42. Moderate use of any of these drugs is not harmless because it will form a habit and gradually it will lead him to use it excessively.  - Evidence of DINANATH SHIWSHANKER, Druggist and Chemist.


41. If bhang in very small doses is taken, it acts as a food accessory and digestive. It alleviates fatigue; but I do not know whether it gives staying power under exertion or exposure. Hindus who do not use liquor make use of bhang for the above-mentioned purposes. 42. The moderate use of bhang is, in my opinion, harmless. It acts as a food accessory and digestive, and is refreshing.  - Evidence* of NAWALCHAND HEERACHAND, Jeweller, Bombay


40. The use of ghi or clarified butter saturated with the intoxicating property of bhang prepared in the manner described in the answer of question No. 2 regarding the preparation of the pak is prescribed by native doctors, called hakims and vaids, in certain medicinal preparations. No ganja is so used in medicinal preparations. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle disease, but not ganja. 41. (a) The moderate use of bhang and ganja is considered beneficial in their effects as a food accessory, or digestive, as could be ascertained from the consumers only, which statement could be taken for what it is worth. (b) The moderate use of bhang and ganja are said to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue, as could be ascertained from the consumers only. (c) Bhang and ganja are not considered beneficial in their effects as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. (d) Bhang is supposed to be beneficial in its effects as a food accessory or digestive, to give staying power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue in cattle and horses when mixed with bajri, flour, jagri, pepper, alum, ginger, turmeric, and garlic. No ganja is used for the purposes indicated in clauses (a) , (b) and (d) . Muhammadan and Hindu religious mendicants use bhang and ganja for any of the above purposes, whose proportion cannot be ascertained. I refer to the moderate habitual use in clauses (a) and (b) and moderate occasional use of bhang in clause (d). Charas is not used in Gujarat. 42. Although I am not inclined to believe in the beneficial effects of the moderate use of bhang and ganja, I consider their moderate use to be harmless from what I could gather by personal interviews with moderate consumers and a glance on their constitution.  - Evidence of JAMSEDJEE NASSERWANJEE GINWALLA,* Shenshai Parsi, Abkari and Opium Farmer, and proprietor of cotton-ginning factories, Ankleswar.


41. The moderate use of any of the drugs is beneficial if the consumer uses good food. Its use alleviates fatigue. - Evidence of KISAN DULICHAND, Licensed Vendor of Ganja, Nasik


40. In Unani Tib and Persian books on medicines, like Mujarrebat Bo Ali, published at Agra by Munshi Kishanlal, Mujarrebat Akbari published at Bombay by Mohamed Husen, the uses of these drugs are prescribed for different ailments, etc. The Makhzan-ul-Advia describes the advantages and disadvantages arising by the consumption of these drugs. 41. The moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang is considered beneficial (a) as a food accessory or digestive; (b) as giving staying power under severe exertion or exposure or alleviation of fatigue ; (c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. I have seen sadhus enduring after a smoke of ganja any amount of cold without feeling its least effect. I have seen sadhus standing in ice-like cold water throughout the winter night and morning with northeast cold wind blowing. I have also seen Muhammadans and Hindu labourers after a good drink of bhang working night and day stopping breaches of bunds and banks of canals without any bad effect on their health. In Sind about 60 per cent. of population use the drugs, specially bhang moderately. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless for reasons given above. - . Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.


40. The properties of hemp or vijoya given in the Vidya Nighantu are as follows :— Vijoya or hemp is bilious, strong, bitter, hot, constipating, light for digestion ; it increases appetite, creates taste in the tongue, causes stupor, gives tone to speech or makes one talkative, causes swoon (when excessively used) and is an antidote to phlegmatic and rheumatic affections. Hemp is further believed to make the attention steady ; and for this reason it is smoked or drunk by learned shastries in the north when they attend to their studies. They call hemp plant dnyanavalli, or plant of knowledge. With regard to cattle disease, see the last paragraph of answer to question 15. 41. Ganja and. bhang especially are believed to be digestive and tonic when moderately used. In medicine ganja is used as an antidote on the loss of manly power and on all varieties of diarrhœa. I practice in native medicine, and give ganja on diarrhœa as follows :—Wash good ganja in clean fresh water by rubbing with hands till clean water instead of green issues from it. Then after drying in the sun mix it with a little fresh ghee (about one-tenth of its quantity) by rubbing with the hands. Bake the whole on fire and reduce it to a fine powder by pounding and straining through cloth. Mix the powder with an equal quantity of red or raw sugar. The medicine is ready. This taken from 1/4 to 1/2 tola (according to the patient's strength) at bed time effectively checks all sorts of diarrhœa including long-standing sangrabani, in which undigested matter is accumulated and discharged alternately for short periods of about two or three days. 42. I consider so. I have seen persons who smoke ganja once or twice a day and keep excellent health. They devour food like brutes. But they become easily irritable and rather quarrelsome.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VENKAT RANGO KATTI, Pensioner, Dharwar.


40. The use of these drugs is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by native doctors, and they are also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of charas, ganja and bhang may be beneficial in its effects– (a) As a food not accessory or digestive. (b) It has no staying power under severe exertion or exposure, but alleviates fatigue. (c) As febrifuge or preventive of disease to a certain extent in malarious and unhealthy tracts when mixed with cloves, dried ginger, jagri, and pipli. (d) As tonic when cattle become emaciated and refuse fodder and water. In such cases the use of ganja or bhang will create hunger, strengthen the digestive power, and enrich the blood. The classes enumerated in answer No. 27 use the drug for the above purposes in the proportion given in answer No. 26. It is the moderate habitual use of the drug and moderate occasional use in reference to which I have explained above. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs, though not pernicious at once, gradually proves so, because the blood is burnt, strength fails, and the quantity of food is lessened.  - Evidence of GURAPPA RACHAPPA, Lengayet, Office of Shetti (Revenue and Police), Dharwar.


40. Hemp drugs are prescribed by native doctors on account of their medicinal properties. Ganja smoking is prescribed for indigestion by native doctors. In my own case, when I was about eighteen years of age, I first began to smoke ganja as a medicinal remedy, and the effect of the remedy was successful. Bhang is prescribed by some native doctors as a tonic. 41. The moderate habitual smoker and the moderate occasional smoker of ganja finds that the smoking of the drug improves his digestion. The smoking alleviates fatigue. It enables the individual to concentrate his thoughts. It acts as a preventive of disease in unwholesome climates and where unwholesome water is only obtainable. The moderate habitual and moderate occasional use of bhang before meals acts as a tonic or appetizer. 42. I regard the moderate use of ganja and bhang as beneficial and harmless. I have already given reasons for these conclusions.  - Evidence of LALDAS LAXMONJI, Kshatriya, Solicitor's Clerk, Bombay.


41. The moderate occasional use of bhang is undoubtedly believed by the most sober and wellconducted of natives to be beneficial in cooling the blood in the hot weather. I have found this both in Guzerat and Sind. Ascetics, who travel long distances and undergo severe exposure to sun and frost alike, in an almost nude condition, do find that the use of ganja and charas alleviates fatigue and gives staying—power - Evidence of MR. H. E. M. JAMES, Commissioner in Sind.


40. Bhang is used by native doctors in the treatment of many complaints. Thus in a diluted form it is used to cure costiveness of the bowels, and also in cases of temporary stricture, dysentery, coughs, colds, and venereal diseases. For external application it is said to be mixed with butter and applied to boils, piles, ear-ache, and sore-throats. In cases of asthma the stalks are broken up with the flower of the dhatura and smoked. It is also used as an aphrodisiac. The ashes of burnt charas are said to be used for sciatica and worms. 41. Bhang used in moderation is beneficial (1) as a digestive ; (2) as a sedative in cases of pains ; (3) as a cooling drink in the hot weather. Here again I quote Mr. Navalrai, as his opinion is, I think, extremely valuable owing to his having been a man of very unusual ability and soundness of judgment as well as the leader in Sind of a crusade against intoxicants of all kinds. I spoke to him on the subject when he was collecting information for me, and found that he was strongly of opinion that bhang drunk as a mild refreshment was beneficial, while he was opposed to the use of opium or alcohol in any form except as a medicine. Bhang is used for the above purposes by all classes of the people. 42. Mr. Navalrai's reply to question 42 is — " I have associated with persons who are moderate habitual consumers, and have never found the drug to do them any harm. They feel no more than a pleasant sensation with more or less forgetfulness of wordly cares." I need scarcely say that Mr. Navalrai was not an habitual consumer, but he had, as before stated, on rare occasions drunk the mixture known as thadal. I certainly think that bhang as ordinarily drunk in Sind is harmless, and that to deprive the people of it would be exactly the same thing as to deprive the ordinary Englishman of his beer or the Devonshire labourer of his cider.  - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.


40. By native physicians the properties of bhang are termed " cold and dry," i.e., stimulative and sedative. A snuff is prepared from the leaves. Bhang is also used as a " hair wash." It is pre scribed for diarrhœa and gonorrhœa and as a diuretic. Prepared as a plaster, it is used as a cooling application for piles and to reduce inflammation, and also for neuralgia. It is administered to mares shortly before they are covered. 41. Only bhang, which is used.— (a) as a digestive ; • (b) to alleviate fatigue ; (c) to induce perspiration in ague fits, when dry leaves are placed on embers and the smoke inhaled. (d) Vide paragraph 40 above. 42. Bhang in moderation is popularly regarded to be harmless, and I see no reason to dispute this.  - Evidence of Mr. C. E. S. STAFFORD STEELE, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District.


40. The use of charas and ganja is never prescribed by any school of native doctors as a medicine, or as an ingredient in a medicine, but on several occasions the drinking of mild liquid of old hemp is prescribed by native doctors as a medicine in the case of bleeding piles, dysentery and stoppage of urine. I have not heard that hemp is ever used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. The moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang will not prove beneficial in the case of those who have never used it; but those who consume it confess that the moderate use of these drugs makes them in good mood for hard work and exertion, and the use of hemp liquid is considered as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. It is difficult to say regarding the classes minutely; but I refer to the moderate habitual use of these drugs. 42. The moderate use of all the three drugs is harmless, because I have never observed the moderate consumer of any of these drugs inferior intellectually or physically to those who do not use them. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR KADIRDAD KHAN GUL KHAN, C.I.E., Deputy Collector, Naushahro Sub-division.


40. The answer to this question will be found in Appendix A. All Native Doctors are guided by the instructions given in Makhzan adviyah and use all the medicines according to their properties as expounded in that book. I do not know whether any of them are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) As a food accessory, the moderate use of bhang is beneficial, and of charas, it is not beneficial. As a food digestive both bhang and charas are not beneficial ; bhang in the cold season and charas always. (b) Bhang and charas do not give staying power except under exposure to heat and cold. I know from my own experience that a bowl of preparation of bhang in its light liquid form gives staying-power under severe exposure to the heat of sun, and it is a common saying that a drink of bhang has the effect of making the sky look overcast and weather cloudy. The use of bhang alleviates fatigue in hot season. Persons addicted to the use of bhang and charas take their accustomed allowance generally after they are free from work requiring manual labour. Ordinarily their time is about 10 o'clock in the morning and 5 o'clock in the afternoon, A smoke of charas is also taken at the time of going to bed in the night in order to get sleep. Only beggars who sit " Dharna" that go on smoking charas without taking food and thus deaden their feelings and appetite until they are paid alms. Smokers of charas and drinkers of bhang, specially those who take them in excess, are notorious for their sluggishness after they take these drugs. When the intoxication comes on, they feel sleepy and cannot exert much, as their bodies become heavy for them to drag about and lose their wonted lightness. (c) No ; on the contrary, the presence of too much fluid in the system of drinkers of bhang subjects them to constant attacks of fever and other diseases in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Please see also Appendix A on this point. (d) The moderate use of the thin liquid preparation of bhang alleviates thirst, refreshes the drinkers and stimulates their appetite in the hot season. All classes use the watery preparation of the bhang and their numbers have been given in paragraphs 24 and 26. I refer to both moderate habitual as well as to moderate occasional use of the drug. 42. In the hot season in the Upper Sind districts, where the heat is intense and weather dry to the extreme degree, the moderate use of the light watery preparation of bhang is both beneficial and harmless, It acts as a diaphoretic, stimulant, diuretic and refrigerent. Its moderate use throughout the hot season from the middle of March to the middle of October does not in any way tend to the engendering of any of the diseases and disorders described in Appendix A. In this respect I differ from the conclusions arrived at by the author of the Makhzan adviyah, as in this country in the strong heat and dry climate we find natural antidotes for counteracting any ill-effects likely to arise from the use of bhang in its liquid form. Even in the cold season there is sufficient heat and dryness in the climate to counteract to a certain extent the evil consequence of using the preparation in its light watery form. The effects of charas, on the contrary, are most strong, and combined with intense heat and dryness Of the climates, its moderate use even cannot be considered to be harmless.  - Evidence of S. SADIK ALI SHERALI, Deputy Collector and First Class Magistrate, Frontier District of Upper Sind.


40. Bhang is sometimes advised as a cooling thing and is also given to horses. 41. I do not think so. 42. I do not think so.  - Evidence of WADHUMAL CHANDIRAM, Pensioner, late Huzur Deputy Collector, Karachi.


40. It is prescribed and is used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. I do not know. 42. No - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur


40. Physicians prescribed old bhang in gonorrhœa, for free urine, and it proves beneficial. Bhang is prescribed in other diseases too. Bhang is used in other medicines also. But as far I know, physicians do not prescribe charas or ganja in any disease. I cannot say what medicines are used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) Only bhang. (b) Bhang gives staying-power under severe exertion; charas under exposure; but charas or ganja never alleviate fatigue. ( c )  No. ( d )  I cannot reply to this. 42. The moderate use of bhang is not injurious, for it creates appetite, aids the powers of digestion, is beneficial in gonorrhœa. But even the moderate use of other drugs is not beneficial,  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector, Hyderabad, Sind


40. Bhang is prescribed by native doctors for those suffering from heat, for free urine, and for stopping dysentery and diarrhœa. Majum is made from bhang seeds.  - Evidence of MUHAMMAD MURID, Police Inspector, Naushahro.


40. Yes. 41. Increases appetite. Restorative after severe exertion and fatigue. These effects are however obtained only by occasional moderate consumers. 42. I do not consider it harmless as a person labouring under its effects may be induced to commit crimes.  - Evidence of MR. GEO. JUDD, Head Preventive Officer, Karachi


41. Bhang is said to be an appetiser and digestive, possesses also carminative and soporific properties. It is generally used by men following occupations which do not call for much exertion, such as merchants, brokers, clerks, shopkeepers, camel-drivers, etc. Charas and ganja are said to give staying-power under severe exertion, on account of which, and as being a cheap intoxicant, they are much used by labourers, artisans (carpenters, blacksmiths, stonemasons, dyers, etc.) I have interrogated many men following such avocations, and they say that these drugs enable them to undergo severe exertion, and that they partly act as appetisers. It might in their case only act as such, but in the case of men given to slothful habits, I think it would not; as I observed that such men who use ganja and charas have not the healthy look that labourers and artisans have. (c) Have not heard of them used as a febrifuge. 42. Bhang, I consider, would be harmless to men who, using it in moderation, ate well of sufficient nourishing food. Ganja and charas are only suitable to men following callings requiring severe exertion or to men of a robust physique: in their case, provided they ate well. These drugs would be beneficial only as enabling them to undergo exertion. I have come to these conclusions by observing the condition of the men whom I have interrogated.  - Evidence of MR. GEO. J. BARKER, Abkari Inspector, Karachi


40. Yes; by the Vedanti as well as by the Unani school of native doctors bhang is used in the case of some kinds of cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang is held to be a food accessory or digestive. (b) All the three are said to possess stayingpower. Moderate use of ganja and charas is said to create appetite. (c) Antidotes against cold. (d) Ganja and charas are said to be (a) antidotes against flatulency and enlargement of the liver.   - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR ALUMAL TRIKAMDAS BHOJWANI, Deputy Educational Inspector, Karachi.


41. As regards occasional use— (a) and (b) Yes. (c) and (d) I cannot say. 42. I doubt whether the moderate habitual use of any of the preparations of hemp is harmless.  - Evidence of BRIGADE-SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. BAINBRIDGE, Civil Surgeon, Karachi.


40. Bhang alone is prescribed in Sind, as a rule, to men over 40, as a stimulant to the appetite, refreshing drink and gently soporific. The "Vet." here uses the extract with carbonate of ammonia and belladonna for cough amongst horses. There was a prisoner admitted into the jail with profuse salivation; the usual remedies had no effect on him. He asked me to give him a little bhang; I did so and it acted like a charm, curing his salivation almost at once, which cure remains permanent. 41. (a) Only bhang is believed to be disgestive and refreshing in its moderate use. (b) Never. (c) and (d) No. 42. Here it will be well to define what is meant by the moderate use of these drugs. It means in all cases in Sind short of intoxication. It is difficult with ganja and charas to stop here (short of intoxication), as a full inhalation is quite enough to cause temporary giddiness in the strongest. No respectable Sindhi would ever entertain the idea of indulging moderately in ganja and charas. The idea prevalent in Sind is that the use of ganja and charas "consumes the body;" it is called "but jo khát " (the body's house-breaker).  - Evidence of BRIGADE-SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. F. KEITH, Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Hyderabad, Sind


40. Bhang is said to be used by hakims for piles on account of its cooling properties, for stricture and ulcers. Not used for cattle disease. 41. Bhang used in moderation is believed to be beneficial as — (1) a digestive ; (2) alleviating fatigue, but only whilst its effects last, the reaction being great; but again it is believed that a person not indulging in these drugs is always better off than one addicted to their use; (3) not used as a febrifuge; (4) as an aphrodisiac. 42. Yes; harmless to a certain degree, as bhang in moderation acts as a digestive and has a cooling effect when partaken in the summer months.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR W. A. CORKERY, Civil Surgeon, Sukkur.


Hakims have long been in the habit of prescribing it for tetanus both in man and cattle. It was also in use, as stated before, as an antispasmodic, also externally as an anodyne. 41. I do not think so. Those who are in the habit of using them put forward the plea that they increase the appetite, give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviate fatigue. They do not act beneficially in any way, not even as a febrifuge or antiperiodic. 42. I consider the use of hemp cannot be said to be harmless. The intoxication produced by it in beginners may be of so violent a character as to lead the person under its influence to the perpe-tration of acts of crime. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon, EDWARD MACKENZIE, Manora, Karachi, Sind.


40. Subzi is largely used by native tabibs and hakims for medicinal purposes as an anodyne soporific, astringent and for gonorrhœa and gleet and in many uterine affections. Charas smoking is prescribed by some to relieve asthma. Ganja smoking is given in tetanus and scorpion bite. 41. From what I have seen of the working classes in Sind and from the information I have received, I consider that moderate use of subzi (a) increases appetite, (b) gives staying-power under exertion or exposure, and alleviates fatigue, (c) acts as a febrifuge in malarious tracts. Almost all whom I have asked have testified to the moderate use of subzi acting as a digestive and giving them staying-power under severe exposure and alleviating fatigue. While this jail was in Thar and Parkar district in some malarious places, but very few of the surrounding free population came to be treated for fevers at this jail hospital, and among these men the moderate drinking of subzi was prevalent. In April and May last, when my camp was at Khadi, Barogoza Bund, a malarious and outof-the-way place in Shah Bunder subdivision of Karachi district, there were over a thousand free labourers working on the Bund, and among them there were but a few cases of fever, and no case of sunstroke, although they used to work in the sun under a temperature varying from 130º to 140ºF., the temperature in the shade being about 110ºF. Although I was not in direct medical charge of these free labourers, still, in order to pro tect the general health of my prisoners, I used to go about amongst the free labourers to find out if there was much sickness or epidemic among them, and good many of these free labourers used to take moderate quantity of subzi in the day time after finishing their work. Khadi is a small village containing about 60 fishermen, who have their temporary huts at the place during the fishing season. These people used to take subzi in moderate doses and all appeared to me to be heathy. Sunstroke and fever were almost unknown among them. 42. The query does not call for any remark, my opinion being as stated above.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon, G. M. DIXON, Medical Officer and Superintendent, Nara Jail


40. Charas and ganja are not employed for medicinal purposes. Bhang was in vogue at one time, but at the present day very much less faith is placed in its medicinal effects by the native doctors. Its use is now limited chiefly to external applications, to painful sores and ulcers, local swellings, and painful joints, on account of the anodyne property it possesses. As a vermicide it is used for ear-aches caused by the presence of worms. Internally, it is brought into requisition in cases of fevers where insomnia is a marked symptom. It is not administered as a febrifuge, otherwise, because its later effects are supposed to be "heating." When employed in cases of fevers the drug is usually combined with such other substances as possess diaphoretic and refrigerant action. In a very dilute form (a quarter tola in 10 seers, or even 20 seers of water), with or without the addition of nitrate of potassium, it acts as a good diuretic, and is made use of in acute and chronic gonorrhœa. Administered for this purpose it not only dilutes the urine, but also, to some extent allays the burning pain during micturition. I have made no inquiries into the use of hemp in cattle disease. 41. Yes, bhang, but not either charas or ganja. (a) Yes ; (b) yes ; (c) no ; (d) medicinal purposes. 42. Compared with such intoxicants as opium or alcohol, or with its sister-products, charas and ganja, bhang may certainly be said to be harmless when consumed in moderate quantities. The enervating effects of charas and ganja are absent in bhang. Its harmlessness appears best en evidence in those who have used the drug over periods varying from 15 to 40 years, and have, notwithstanding, lived to a ripe old age. In my notes of 150 cases and upwards, fully two-thirds are over the age of 40, a good many have attained the age of 50, and not a few even 60 years and more . I have personally examined a large number of those between the ages of 40 and 60 years, and have found them to be not only sound in all their internal organs, but also of good bodily frame. Further, what might appear to be a strange thing is that most of them have even preserved good vision. Cataractous condition of the lens is, I observe, an uncommon thing among those who take bhang in moderation. In the case mentioned under section 31 ante, the individual possessed excellent visual power for his age. Both charas and ganja, even in moderation, tend to deteriorate the health.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon, J. E.BOCARRO, Lecturer, Medical School, Hyderabad (Sind).


40. Bhang is used internally by native doctors in dysentry and gonorrhoea, and locally as a poultice for boils and abscesses. 41. The moderate use of bhang is said to be beneficial as a food accessory. It also gives staying power under severe exertion. It has no effects as a febrifuge. It is used as a cooling drink in summer. The moderate use of charas and ganja is not beneficial in any of these ways. 42. I consider the moderate use of any of these drugs to be harmless. Reasons.—I have never seen any bad effects, either immediate or remote, from their use in this way. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon, MULCHAND GANGARAM, in charge Larkana Dispensary.


40. Yes, the use of these drugs has been prescribed for medicinal properties by eminent native hakims such as Mukhzan and Tib Akhburi, etc. Yes, the bhang (the hemp) is used in cattle disease. 41.(a) No. (b) Yes. (c) No. (d) It is sometimes used to allay thirst, and act as diuretic in a very dilute form. 42. Yes. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless, because the moderate dose of these drugs produces slight and temporary narcotic effect.  - Evidence of ELIJAH BENJAMIN, Jew, First Class Hospital Assistant, Shikarpur.


40. Yes, hakims do prescribe it for its medicinal properties and prepare a sweetmeat called majum, which is used for aphrodisiac purposes. Bhang is also used in the treatment of cattle. Horse condition powders and boluses are prepared from bhang only. 41. I do not know any beneficial properties except medicinal. 42. Charas and ganja, although used in moderation, will, in my opinion, leave injurious effects in the end. Bhang, on the contrary, if indulged in in small doses is harmless.  - Evidence of SHAIK ALI, First Class Hospital Assistant, Jacobabad


40. Yunani hakims generally prescribe bhang to alleviate pain as in orchitis, in which bhang soaked in water and mixed with nux vomica is applied to the testes. In neuralgic affections of the eyes bhang is both applied and instilled. Weak bhang is given internally in gonorrhœa. It is also prescribed, mixed with curds, in dysentery. Bhang and a pill containing ganja and black pepper are also given to prolong coitus. I do not know if charas is prescribed, by any class of native doctors. I cannot say that any of the drugs are used in cattle disease. 41. I do not consider the moderate use of ganja and charas to be beneficial in any way. Bhang may be taken as a digestive, a cupful of weak bhang being taken immediately or a little before meals by moderate habitual consumers. 42. I certainly consider the moderate habitual use of ganja and charas to be harmful.—vide answer to questions 45 and 46.  - Evidence of DR. S. M. KAKA, Medical Officer of Health, Karachi.


40. This drug is not prescribed as necessary by Greek physicians, nor should I think of prescribing it generally. 41. The habitual use is not beneficial in its effect, but the occasional use gives a temporary benefit. I am speaking only of bhang. 42. Bhang, if moderately used, is not injurious, but ganja and charas are injurious. For the intoxicating effects of bhang are less than those of the other two.  - Evidence of MAKHDUM DOST MOHAMMED MAKHDUM FAZUL MOHAMMED, Zamindar, Bubak, Karachi.
;

40. Bhang is prescribed by Greek and Hindu physicians for its medicinal properties. In some diseases bhang is prescribed, in other its seeds, and in others again majum (a new preparation of bhang). Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease, and it is very beneficial in certain cases. 41. The benefits of the moderate use of these drugs are given below; bhang aids the powers of digestion, and so does ganja, and charas if taken in small quantities. All the three give staying-power in cases of severe exertion. Bhang is not strengthening during exposure and does not alleviate fatigue. Ganja and charas give staying-power against exposure. Bhang is beneficial in hot weather. These drugs serve the purposes mentioned in (c), but not in all cases. Phlegmatic constitutions would derive benefit from charas and ganja; but bilious men would be benefited by bhang drinks. But in cases of phlegm and bile bhang is taken only by fakirs, middle class people and labourers, and not by rich men, who, in cases (a), (b) and (c), resort to other rich preparations. 42. If not beneficial, it is harmless; but if bhang be taken in winter and ganja and charas in summer without any necessity for them, they would probably be injurious.  - Evidence of SETH VISHINDAS NIHALCHAND, Zamindar, Merchant, and Contractor, Manjoo, Karachi.


40. There is a difference of evidence, but I gather that bhang is recommended in cases of venereal disease and that ground into powder it is useful for external application to piles. For the same disease a pinch of powdered bhang with an equal quantity of sugar is eaten by some in the morning. Tincture of charas and charas pills are said to be good for cough and asthma. When cattle refuse their food, bhang is often given to them to produce appetite. When a calf dies and the cow refuses to give milk when another calf is brought, bhang is given and the cow under the intoxicating influence of the drug gives milk and never refuses to do so afterwards. 41. (a) Bhang creates appetite, helps digestion, and, used moderately, may be beneficial. (b) Bhang may be useful, but I doubt whether in the long run a bhang drinkers would do more work than one who abstains. It does alleviate fatigue I am told. (c) No.
Charas and ganja are not beneficial even when used moderately. 42. All I have spoken to agree in saying that the moderate use of bhang is harmless, but that such use of ganja and charas is harmful. - Evidence of the REV. A. E. BALL, Missionary, Church Missionary Society, Karachi.


40. Bhang is often prescribed in syphilis and in piles. No further particulars can be obtained. I have not heard any of these being used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. I do not know that the use of charas is in any way beneficial in its effects. But bhang is sometimes beneficial in (a). I cannot say anything as to (b), (c), and (d). 42. They are not harmless, and I have given particulars under answer to question 33.  - Evidence of MAHOMED LAIK, Mukhtarkar of Hyderabad


40. Yes, bhang only. The twigs are also used with other medical drugs, and given in  piles and to check diarrhœa. Yes, bhang only. 41. (a) Yes; bhang only. (b) I do not know.    Charas Moderate use of and ganja are, however, stated to givethe staying power (bhang beneficial, but not that of charas and ganja). (c) No.  (d) I cannot say.    Videanswer to question 27. I refer to moderate habitual use of the drugs. 42. Yes, of bhang harmless, but not of charas and ganja.  - Evidence of PRIBHDAS SHEWAKRAM ADVANI Secretary, Band of Hope, Hyderabad, Sind.


40. Bhang is prescribed by native physicians along with poppy seeds as an antidote against cold in the head, and bhang unmixed with other ingredients is also prescribed ; and it is also used in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. Bhang is beneficial in aiding the powers of digestion. Charas and ganja give staying-power in cases of severe exertion and of exposure. This is because of their intoxicating effects. 42. The use of charas and ganja should be put a stop to, for moderate use leads to excess. Hence cough and asthma are produced, and the eyesight is affected and the manly power is weakened. Even moderate consumers suffer from cough, asthma and heart-burning. The moderate use of bhang is not at all injurious.  - Evidence of TIRITHDAS HASRAJMAL, Member of the firm of Denmal Sachanond, Karachi.


40. Charas and ganja are never prescribed by native doctors, but bhang is prescribed in certain cases as a drink and is used in majums. It is also used as an application on piles and other wounds. It is also used in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. (a) Bhang aids the powers of digestion. ( b )  Yes. (c) Bhang is used. as a febrifuge. (d) Old bhang is used by persons suffering from syphilis. Old persons use bhang for aiding the powers of digestion. Labourers and poor men use these drugs to give them powers mentioned in question (b). Fakirs and godly persons use bhang for concentration of their thoughts. Fifty per cent. of the classes mentioned above use the drugs. I refer to the moderate use of the drug. 42. The moderate use of bhang is both beneficial and harmless, but even the moderate use of charas and ganja is not only not beneficial, but it is not harmless.Reasons. Moderate use of bhang to a certain extent is a necessity for its medicinal properties, for the religious and social customs connected with it and for the fact that it creates fear of God. But ganja and charas in the beginning are taken as a luxury, and are not beneficial, but end in misery and wretchedness. They have heating properties, but that very heat of theirs destroys all manly power.  - Evidence of PESUMAL NARUMAL, Farmer and Merchant, Hyderabad.


40. Bhang is often used in treating human diseases and cattle disease. 41. (a) Bhang is used as a digestive. 42. In my opinion moderate consumers will not be injured.  - Evidence of AHRUMOL PRITAMDAS, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi.


40. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle disease and is used in many human diseases. It is prescribed by Unani (Greek) physicians and Hindu doctors in some diseases. 41.(b) Bhang  is  used  as a  digestive.  It  gives staying-power and alleviates fatigue. (c) The moderate use of ganja and charas is a stimulant and produces appetite. 42. In my opinion moderate use is harmless - Evidence of MANGHANMAL ALUMAL, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi.


40. They are not prescribed by native doctors for drinking or smoking. Native physicians sometimes use bhang in medicinal preparations. Only bhang is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. Yes(a)  Bhang alone. (b) Bhang gives staying-power under severe exertion, and charas and ganja in other cases. (c) No. (d) I cannot say. 42. Answer to this is given in 41.  - Evidence of DAYARAM KISHUNCHAND, Bhang, Charas and Ganja, and Opium Farmer, Hyderabad.


40. They are prescribed by physicians, and are used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. It is beneficial. 42. Even the moderate use will be injurious, but after a long time.  - Evidence of DIN MAHOMED, Contractor, Shikarpur


40. Native doctors prescribe it for medicinal purposes, chiefly for persons suffering from venereal disease. They also prescribe ganja smoking to persons bitten by venomous reptiles. 41. Moderate use of ganja and chards is bene-cial to digest food, to alleviate fatigue, and to prevent disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. The labouring classes, gosains, ascetics, and fakirs make use of these drugs in large proportions, while persons belonging to higher class make use of it in a very small proportion as luxury. Moderate occasional use is better than its habitual use. 42. Smoking is not beneficial nor harmless if they do not use substantial food.  - Evidence of C. SHAM RAO, Attachè to the Resident at Hyderabad, now at Pusad, Basim District.


40. Yes. 41. The ganja and bhang being digestive, the moderate use thereof may be beneficial in. its effects — (a) as a food accessory ; (b) being an intoxicant it may give stayingpower under severe exertion and may serve to alleviate fatigue ; (c) being hot, it may serve as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. 42. The moderate use of the drug is harmless so long as it is moderate.  - Evidence of KRISHNARA0 HARI, Officiatiny Extra Assistant Commissioner, Buldana.


40.I don't know. 41.I don't know. But bhang helps digestion and increases appetite.  - Evidence of A BARAO JAUROO, Maratha, Karbhari Patel and Special Magistrate, Khamgaon, A kola District.


0. Can't say. 41. No ; they simply produce intoxication. (a) , (b) and (c) No. (d) Do not know. 42. I believe it is harmless, for it simply produces slight intoxication, which pleases the conconsumer.  - Evidence of MR. A. ARDAGH, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Ellichpur


40. Yes, it is used as medicine and. also for cattle. 41. No, it is not beneficial at all. (a) No. (b) Yes, for a time being to a habitual smoker or drinker. (c) and (d) No knowledge. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is not harmless, because by moderate use it leads generally to excess.  - Evidence of MR. J. C. WATCHA, Excise Inspector, Ellichpur.


40. Ganja is used in the treatment of cattle diseases ; but it is said that if it is administered to cows, buffaloes, etc., their milk is stopped. It is also used by native doctors as medicine, and they state that they have got authority in the medical books. 41. The moderate use of any of these drugs is beneficial in its effects (a) as a digestive ; (b) to alleviate fatigue under severe exertions ; (c) as a preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts; (d) in no other way. Labourers only use moderately any of these drugs for the purposes above named. The excessive use of any of these drugs is injurious to the health. 42. I consider the moderate use of any of these drugs is harmless.  - Evidence of WAMAN GANESH, Tahsildar, Wun


40. Native doctors prescribe any of these drugs on account of its medicinal qualities. It is also used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. The moderate use of any of these drugs is beneficial in its effects — (a)as a digestive ; (b)to alleviate fatigue under severe exertion. (c)and (d) This is not known to me. For the purposes mentioned above, chiefly bairagis, fakirs; Gonds, Banjaris, etc., use these drugs moderately or excessively. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is harmless.  - Evidence of VICKOOJI NARAIN, Tahsildar, Kathapur.


40. See medical officer's report attached.* 41. Moderate use of ganja or bhang is beneficial
in its effects as a digestive, and also gives stayingpower under severe exertion or exposure and alleviates fatigue, and is also effective as a medicine in malarious and unhealthy tracts. No information can be given for clause (d). The labouring classes naturally use this drug in order to alleviate fatigue. But in this taluk such people generally use liquor instead of this drug, and next to this they use opium. 42. Moderate use of these drugs is to some extent beneficial, for which the explanation is already offered. It seems that the moderate use of these occasionally would be harmless, only perhaps it may harm during its intoxication for a short time.  - Evidence of VINAYAK APPAJI KAUR, Brahmin, Officiating Tahsildar, Darwa, Wun District.


40. The use of ganja is prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by Native Doctors. Its use is also made in the treatment of cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of ganja or bhang is temporarily beneficial in its effects—as a food accessory or digestive; (b) to give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or to alleviate fatigue;(c) as a febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. Generally travellers, such as fakirs, bairagis, gosawis, and labourers, use the drug for the above purposes. It is both the moderate habitual use and moderate occasional use of the drug which I refer to. The effects of the moderate occasional use of the drug are more beneficial than those of the moderate habitual use. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.


40. In few eases these drugs are used by native doctors in treatment of disease, but in the treatment of cattle disease only bhang is used. 41. It is said— (a) both ganja and bhang are used to give appetite and promote digestion; (b) ganja and bhang, but more especially ganja, are used to give staying-powers and alleviate fatigue; (c) in the Melghat forest and malarial district ganja is much used as a preventative against malarial fevers ; (d) I do not think that ganja or bhang is in any other way beneficial to those using them, as it is stated to be above. 42. From my own experience the moderate use of these drugs I consider harmless, but cannot say that it is beneficial in any way. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR C. L. SWAINE, Officiating Sanitary Commissioner, and Inspector- General of Dispensaries.


40. I cannot discover the use of the drug by native doctors. But it is said to be used mixed with turmeric and butter in the treatment of cattle for throat affections. 41. (a) Ganja and bhang increase appetite and assist digestion. (b) Ganja gives staying-power. Bhang is given to camels and bullocks occasionally when forced marches are required of them. (c) It (ganja) is also used as a febrifuge with good results. Used in small quantities as above, the drug may be beneficial. 42. Bhang, if used in moderation, is, I believe, harmless ; but the moderate habit tends to develop into the excessive.   - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. B. ROE, Civil Surgeon, Amraoti.


40. At times. Yes ; it is given to cattle. When a man wishes to sell his cattle (bullocks) at a bazar, he generally gives them a dose of bhang. 41. (a), (b), (c) Yes. (d) As an intoxicant. - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN E. W. REILLY, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Central Jail, Akola.


40. No. Not known. No information can be obtained on the subject. 41. The moderate use of ganja and bhang are beneficial in their effects, as detailed in (a) to (d). 42. The moderate use is both beneficial and harmless. There are men who have been in the habit of smoking ganja from adult to old age, and have not bodily suffered in any way, but give it as their experience that moderate smoking has often removed fatigues and stayed the pangs of hunger.  - Evidence of DR. O. W. JONES, Civil Surgeon, Basim


40. Charas and ganja are prescribed by native doctors. 41. I do not consider that the use of any of these may be of use either as a food. accessory, to give staying-power or as a febrifuge. 42. The human economy, I don't think, requires any of these drugs. Cannabis is prescribed in some diseases, e.g., neuralgia and spasmodic asthma, etc. - Evidence of DR. J. MORRISON, Civil Surgeon, Yeotmal.


41. It is supposed by natives to assist digestion and to be beneficial to the health. I have no doubt but it does assist digestion in habitual smokers. 42. Even the moderate use of hemp drugs is harmful. The mind becomes affected, and the person appears more or less silly.  - Evidence of DR. W. J.. MONTGOMERY, Civil Surgeon, Buldana.


40. By native vaidyas it is given on account of its narcotic effect in bronchitis, asthma, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, vomiting, insomnia, and colic. Externally for fomenting painful parts. In cattle diseases it is given in colic, retention of urine, and when ruminating power is weakened. 41. (a) Yes ; bhang particulary. (b) and (c) Yes. (d) Moderate use does good in commencing impotency. 41. Because it is next to impossible to stick to the moderate use, and as the same dose every day does not answer, requires the drug to be increased (without which its effect is nil) ; and as increased dose leads to a habit, and as the habit of any kind of intoxication is undesirable, so I consider the moderate use of this drug more harmful than harmless.  - Evidence of S. BAIJNATH, Medical Officer, Mady Hospital, Badnera


40. Ganja is prescribed for dysentery by both Hindu and Muhammadan native doctors in combination with opium and jagri. Ganja is sometimes prescribed for painful internal affections of cattle. Bhang is often given to bullocks for the sake of its supposed staying-power, before and after a long journey. 41. It is not beneficial under the 1st, 2nd and 4th headings. As regards the 3rd, these drugs are not used here either as a febrifuge or preventive of disease. 42. The use of any of these drugs is not harmless, as witness the worn-out, listless appearance of consumers, the wasted form and want of sufficient energy to carry out the ordinary duties of life, and defective will power.  - Evidence of DR. S. G. STEINHOFF, Medical Officer in charge, Charitable Dispensary, Khamgaon.


40. I am not aware that any school of native doctors has prescribed the drug on account of its medicinal properties; but it is undoubtedly very useful in the treatment of cattle diseases. 41. The moderate use of ganja or bhang is occasionally beneficial in its effects. (a) It is accessory and digestive. (b) It gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviates fatigue. (c) It is a preventive of diseases in malarious tracts. (d)It mitigates anxieties and cares, provided it is consumed occasionally. 42. On the whole it is not beneficial, nor is the moderate use of it quite harmless. Because for a time, when one begins to consume it, it proves beneficial, but when he is used to it he has no effect of it, and ultimately it brings on asthma, bronchitis, and loss of appetite,  - Evidence of MR. DINNER NARAYEN, District Superintendent of Vaccination, Buldana.


40. To the best of my knowledge and belief, these drugs are rarely prescribed by native doctors for cattle diseases. 41. (a) No, not permanently. (b) Yes, temporarily. (c) Yes, in some malarious districts to foreigners temporarily visiting such districts, but not to the permanent inhabitants. (d) Not that I am aware of. 42. No; I cannot consider even the moderate use to be harmless, because even the moderate use of the drugs for aphrodisiac purposes, and also the moderate use of the drugs has a decided tendency to develop into the excessive use.  - Evidence of M. DOORGIAH PILLAY, 1st Class Hospital Assistant, in medical charge, Akola Dispensary.


40. It is very scarcely used. 41. The moderate use of bhang, charas and ganja is in no way beneficial. (a) Not at all. (b) Yes ; it gives staying-power under severe exertion and to alleviate fatigue. (c) Never prevents in malarious unhealthy tracts. (d) No. 42. Even moderate use of these drugs is injurious, because it produces laziness, weakens the constitution, and acts on the generative system, and makes the man at last impotent. - Evidence of M. POONAMBALAM MOODELIAR, First Class Hospital Assistant, Shegoon.


0. Its preparations are used in hysteria, mania, insomnia, and uterine affections by the school of native doctors. Bhang is used in cattle diseases. 1. (a) , (b) and (c) Yes. Nearly 50 per cent, of the habitual moderate smokers of ganja use it for purposes mentioned in (a) and (b) , nearly 10 per cent. for purposes mentioned in (c) , and nearly 10 per cent, of the occasional moderate smokers use it as a febrifuge. I have been informed of cases in which attacks of intermittent fevers (ague) have disappeared by a single process of smoking ganja—cases I mean of jungle fevers, in which the administration of even large doses of quinine have failed to ward off the attacks or in districts in which quinine is not obtainable. 42. I think it is beneficial in cases mentioned in 41. It is beneficial in cases 41 (a) and (b) , in that poor people get an extremely inexpensive article as a digestive and as a stimulant, and also in 41 (c) in cases of malarious fevers.  - Evidence of G. V. KOT, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Amraoti.


41.It is supposed by the consumers of ganja and bhang that the use of both these drubs assists digestion and is beneficial to the health, but I have no belief in it and I think the use of them is injurious in every way. It gives immediate relief in some cases of disease, but the effect does not last long and results in injury. It is said that it is good for asthma, but I have seen many ganja-smokers severely attacked by asthma. 42.Even the moderate use of hemp drugs is not harmless. Ganja consumer turns a silly fellow if not a half-cracked.   - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMA.D SALAMULLA KHA.N, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District.


40. Native doctors do not prescribe the drugs, but as a home remedy ganja is alone used as a sedative and an astringent for dysentery. Ganja and bhang are used for vermicide in cattle. 41. (a) Yes, as regards ganja and bhang only. (b) As above. (c) Not known. (d) Ganja wards off the injurious effects of impure and unfiltered water (germicide). No particular classes can be selected or any proportion stated. A moderate habitual use is referred to. 42. The moderate use is considered harmless and beneficial in the ways indicated in reply No 41. The moderate use of both ganja and bhang produces activity and vivacity in addition to other benefits.  - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim


40. Not prescribed for men ; but ganja  and bhang is given to bullocks for some disorder of the stomach. It makes bullocks go faster. Bhang is taken internally for piles. 41. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) I don't know about fever ; but I have heard from many sadhus that the use of bhang and ganja protects them against diseases in unhealthy tracts, by which I mean places where water is bad. (d) don't know. Not restricted to classes. I refer to both moderate habitual as well as occasional - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District


40. In nervous diseases the use of ganja is prescribed by some native doctors. It is also used in cattle diseases. 41. The moderate habitual use of ganja and bhang is beneficial in its effects so far as it gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, or alleviates fatigue and acts like a prevention of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. In no other way it can be said beneficial. 42. The moderate habitual use of ganja and bhang is not harmless. It impairs the constitution and makes the man lazy and careless. It causes asthma in the long run.   - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir.


40. Native doctors use these drugs in medicines. They are used in the treatment of cattle disease also. 41. The use of the said three drugs would very possibly give staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or alleviate fatigue. If it is used in a country which is cold or where the climate is bad, it will not be possibly beneficial. These drugs will not be beneficial in any other way. 42. Moderate use of these drugs also will not be beneficial - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District.


40. Don’t know. 41. (b) Yes ; to horses. Rajas, Thakurs. Occasionally. 42. Bhang, moderately used, is harmless. Bhang made into sherbet is a very cooling drink for the hot season  - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere.


40. Bhang is prescribed for weakness, guineaworms, piles, etc, Yes; bhang is often prescribed for diseases of cattle. 41. Ganja. Charas. Bhang. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c)    Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Yes. Yes. Yes. (d) Don't know any other way. All classes. I don't know proportion. Both. 42. Ganja, if smoked in moderation, is, I believe, as harmless to most people as tobacco smoking. There are of course constitutions that it affects injuriously.  -  Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere.


40. Yes. Bhang is used as a remedy for cattle disease. 41. Yes ; the moderate use of bhang is beneficial for— (a) digesting food, (b) alleviating fatigue, (c) preventing disease in unhealthy tracts, (d) removing habitual constipation. Men of all classes use occasionally when required. 42. Bhang moderately used is thought harmless,  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. FF. MULLEN, Civil Surgeon, Ajmere.


40. Vaids, hakims and native doctors do prescribe the use of these drugs on account of their medicinal properties for dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, want of sound sleep, hydrophobia, spermatorrhœa, tetanus, neuralgia, delirium, and rheumatic affections. These drugs also remove fatigue. When an elephant suffers from agunbai, the symptoms of which are trembling of the body, hasty perspiration, sores in throat and excessive warmth in the body, native doctors prescribe bhang. If not attended to immediately, the elephant dies within three hours. The administration of bhang with other medicines thrice cures the animal. When the elephant becomes must and lustful and. does not eat, bhang with other medicines proves very effective. A camel can be cured of tetanus by giving him on three alternate days—bhang a quarter seer, sugar one seer, oil one-and-half seer. Bhang is sometimes given to a horse in the ease of stomach-ache or for removing fatigue. It is never given to buffaloes, cows, bullocks and goats. Ganja and charas are never prescribed. on account of their medicinal properties. 41. The moderate use of bhang is beneficial in its effects (a) as a food. accessory ; (b) to alleviate fatigue ; (c) it is aphrodisiac. Charas and. ganja give temporary staying-power under severe exertion or exposure and alleviate fatigue. They serve as febrifuge or preventive of disease in malarious tracts. 42. The moderate use of bhang may be harmless, but not its excessive use.  - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DR SHEIKH ELAHI BUX, Government Pensioner and Honorary Magistrate, Ajmere.


40. Bhang, charas, and ganja are used by many doctors in the treatment of diseases, and also bhang is used for the remedy of the cattle diseases, as loss of appetite, etc. 41. Moderate use of bhang is beneficial in its effects as a food accessory and digestive, alleviating fatigue, preventing malarious diseases in unhealthy tracts, and removing habitual constipation. In reality smoking of charas and ganja is very harmful in its effects.  - Evidence of ASGHUR ALI KHAN, Hospital Assistant, Ajmere Dispensary.


40. In some diseases Hindus are prescribed bhang. It is also used for treatment of cattle disease. 41. With my experience, I do not know if ganja and charas ever produce beneficial effects; their evil effects are many. No doubt bhang is useful to appetite and digestion. It is also used to ward off fever in special cases. It alleviates fatigue after severe labour of habitual consumers. 42. As far as my experience goes, ganja and charas are injurious to health, whether used moderately or otherwise, because they affect brain and lungs, contrary to bhang, which, if used moderately, is not injurious, but beneficial.  - Evidence of ABDUL KAYUM, Hakim, Ajmere.


40. Ganja and charas being injurious are never prescribed by baids. As stated in Yajur Veda Shaster, bhang is prescribed in certain diseases to which it is useful. It is used in the treatment of cattle-disease. 41. Bhang without ganja and charas creates appetite, digests food, increases strength (physique), and is beneficial to cholera, bronchitis, asthma, dysentery, hœmorrhoids, paralysis, loss of blood from uterus, brings on sleep, and generates bilious matter. It is prescribed mixed with other medicines. Yakuti (confection) prepared of bhang alleviates fatigue after severe labour. In cases of intermittent and other fevers, such as continued, quotidian, tertian, etc., it is very useful when given with cathartics. 42. Without ganja and charas bhang isbeneficial.  - Evidence of JATI AMAR HANSA, Baid, Ajmere.*


41.(b) Smokers say moderate use of ganja is beneficial, giving staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. (c) I think it is preventive of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts. I refer to moderate habitual use. 42.I think ganja is not beneficial and is not harmless, because I find the smokers weak in body and in intellect. They always appear to be dull and careless. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg.


40. Yes, but very seldom. 41. No information available.  - Evidence of BABU KEDAR NATH, Head Clerk of the Political Agent, Kalat


40. As far as I have known, no native doctor uses them for medicinal purposes. On enquiry I have found that none of them is used in cattledisease. 41. Not beneficial as a food accessory or digestive. Yes, it gives staying-power under severe exertion or exposure, and alleviates fatigue to habitual consumers. It is not known to me as a febrifuge, etc., elsewhere. Not known. 42. The moderate use of any of these is harmless. This explanation is given by those who use them.  - Evidence of MUHAMMAD YUSUF, Hospital Assistant, New Chaman.


40. Sometimes bhang and its compounds are used in tetanus, hydrophobia, rheumatism and in uterine diseases. 41. Bhang in its moderate use creates false appetite, but as stomach does not want really fooding to such a quantity as a man eats, therefore its preliminary results are dyspepsia and dyspeptic diarrhœa, etc. 42. I do not think use of these drugs more harmless than any other intoxicating drugs. - Evidence of WARYAM SINGH, Hospital Assistant, Pishin


40. (a) Yes, smoking of ganja leaves is prescribed in cases of spasmodic asthma with good result. (b) Used in cases of cattle before operation as prophylactic of tetanus. 41. (a) Yes; ganja and bhang, not charas, (b) Yes. (c) Smoking ganja leaves as a preventive or palliative in asthma.  - Evidence of MOHAMMAD AKBAR ALI KHAN, Senior Hospital Assistant, Quetta.


40. No. 41. No. (a) No. (b) Yes, to some extent. (c) and (d) No. 42.. It is harmful in every case.  - Evidence of BHUGWAN DASS, Khattri, Hospital Assistant, Quetta.


Maung Lu Maung, Thugyi of Yindaw (Yamethin district), states :— Ganja is said to keep off cold and fever. It is still used medicinally by some suffering from long-standing dysentery and diarrhœa. Maung Gyi, Myook of Lew (Yamethin district), states :—  was only Karens who cultivated large quantities of ganja for sale to timber traders (Thitgaungs), who use it as medicine for elephants. Every one possessing elephants is bound to keep ganja. Ganja is also used for curing dysentery and diarrhœa. It is then mixed with sugar or jagri in equal proportion. There are two kinds of ganja, one is black and the other is white. I do not know the difference in the qualities of these two kinds of ganja. It is also used as an aphrodisiac, being mixed with birds' nests, saffron, butter, plaintains, sugar, etc. Maung Gyi, Head Constable of Wundwin (Meiktila district), states: I was told that it was an antidote for fever. I also saw some putting a little in their curry. It was said to be very appetizing. Ganja plants were cultivated extensively in almost every Shan village for importation to the plains for sale to elephant owners. Ganja is largely used in medicine for elephants. Maung Lat, Myook of Wundwin (Meiktila district), states :—Ganja I am told keeps away cold and fever. I have seen children suffering from dysentery cured by rubbing ganja pounded and mixed in water on the navel. - Evidence of LIEUTENANT-COLONEL C. B. COOKE, Commissioner of Pegu.


40. Not that I have heard of. 41. I do not know, and have never heard that charas, ganja or bhang were beneficial. 42. I cannot say. I should doubt these being harmless.  - Evidence of MAJOR B.A. N. PARROTT, Officiating Commissioner, Southern Division.


42. I have never heard of any cases where the use of the drug has been found harmful. - Evidence of MR. A. R. BIRKS, Officiating Commissioner, Arakan Division.


41. I am informed that fishermen believe that by the use of ganja their powers of diving and remaining under water can be increased, and that, in spite of the prohibitions, it is occasionally used by them with this object. - Evidence of MAJOR W. F. H. GREY, Deputy Commissioner, Toungoo.


40. Yes ; ganja was used for dysentery by Burmese doctors, and it is considered invaluable as a medicine for elephants. - Evidence of MR. H. ADAMSON, Deputy Commissioner, Meiktila


40. (a) No. (b) Yes, for elephants. 41. No. 42. Even the moderate use seems to affect the nervous system.  - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui.


40. Not by Burman native doctors. - Evidence of MAJOR G. S. EYRE, Deputy Commissioner, Sagaing.


40. Yes ; both by Burman and Shan medicine men as a febrifuge and digestive and remedy for rheumatism - Evidence of MR. W. N. PORTER, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Chindwin.


40. Yes. The Karens give ganja to their elephants, and I believe it is used in the treatment of cattle-disease but being prohibited, the Burman agriculturist will not admit the fact. 41. The medical officers and Burman doctor consulted say ' yés.' 42. See reply to 41.  - Evidence of MR. J. S. D. FRASER, Deputy Commissioner, Pegu.


40. Bhang is sometimes used in medicine by the native doctors, and also for cattle disease, but for what particular ailments I do not know. I do not know if ganja or charas is used in medicine for cattle disease. 41. The moderate use of bhang is said to be a digestive, and people who take it consume large quantities of food, but I do not know if it gives staying-powers or is preventive of disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts. Ganja and charas destroy digestion, but give staying-powers under severe exertion, and are also used under the impression that they are preventive of malarious diseases, which I do not think is the case. 42. The moderate use of bhang, as far as I know, is harmless - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL P. N. MOOKERJEE, Civil Surgeon, Sagaing, Upper Burma.


40. In small doses it has been prescribed as an aphrodisiac, but in large doses it has been used in combination with dhatura as well as by itself, by jogis and ascetics as an anaphrodisiac. It has been also recommended as well as often used as a preventive against malaria and bowel complaints caused by change of climate or water or by marching through unhealthy districts. 41. (a) (b) and (c) Yes, it is decidedly beneficial. (d) In bowel complaints, beneficial. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR S. H. DANTRA, Civil Surgeon, Mandalay


40. Not that I am aware of. I cannot say. 41. I have not had sufficient experience with reference to the action of the drug to give any reliable information on these points. 42. The above reply applies to this question also.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR P. W. DALZELL, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Central Prison, Bassein


40. Not to my knowledge. No. 44. (a) Improves appetite in small quantities. (b) Yes, beneficial. (c) Not useful as a febrifuge. (d) Unknown, except to temporarily alleviate pain (rheumatic, etc.). 42. Harmless in moderate doses, otherwise it would hardly be used so extensively by various races and castes in Upper India..  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. T. THOMAS, Civil Surgeon, Moulmein.


40. Native doctors use it for diarrhœa and cholera ; also for poisonous bites, and a narcotic. For cattle-disease, I do not know. 41. (a) As a digestive. (b) Has a certain amount of staying-power. (c) Yes. (d) Narcotic, anodyne, and antispasmodic ; but the action of the drug under these heads is limited and uncertain. 42. I certainly think that to a moderate extent these drugs are beneficial, owing to their actions above named.  - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN R. H. CASTOR, Civil Surgeon, Yemethin.


40. Except bhang, which is prescribed by native doctors as a vehicle in cases of diarrhœa, I am not aware of any other preparation of the drug being used medicinally by them. Ganja is sometimes used externally for scabies, boiled in oil. 41. Yes ; moderate use especially of bhang acts as an appetiser, alleviates fatigue, and probably to some extent retards the wear and tear of tissues, consequent on severe bodily exertion or exposure. I am not aware of its anti-malarial effects, but I would quote an instance from my memory, where three persons were bitten by a mad dog and of these three one was an inveterate ganja smoker. This man escaped hydrophobia, whereas the two others succumbed to it. By this I don't imply that it is the specific for the cure of the malady. I have had no opportunity of giving it a trial. 42. I do consider that the moderate use of bhang to those accustomed to it for any length of time is not only harmless but beneficial. Sudden cutting off of the supply to those will be necessarily followed by symptoms of dyspepsia and lethargy in works.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON O. L. MOONSHI, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent of Jail, Maubin, Thongwa District.


40. Bhang is used as medicine by kabirajes, and as a family medicine in diseases of the digestive organs. Ganja is used in cattle disease. 41. From my limited experience I am of opinion that all the three in moderate doses are — (a) beneficial as a food accessory. (b)hey give staying-power under severe exertions or exposure and also alleviate fatigue. My reasons for (a) and (b) are what I have seen. People after drinking bhang eat a good lot, but those people ordinarily do not eat so much. In one case I recollect there seemed no end of the feed and the man had to finish because there was nothing more to give him. The few charas smokers I have seen were good eaters. Dooly-bearers in my part of Bengal are all ganja smokers. When their services are wanted they have to be fed, and the measure of their ration is not an ordinary one. Amongst all labourers their labour is the hardest. They will never grudge a distance nor take shelter from rain or sun if they get their ganja, extra for extra. (c) I do not recollect ever treating a ganja or charas smoker. (d) I have no experience in any other way.  - Evidence of MAHENDRA NATH ROY, Resident Medical Officer, General Hospital, Rangoon.


40. I have seen in my country, Punjab, native doctors sometimes prescribe bhang drinking for
menorrhægia, dysentery, insomnia, some forms of dyspepsia; and barbers generally give bhang to drink to Muhammadan boys before the operation of circumcision. I have never seen any one prescribing ganja or charas for any Bhang is sometimes used by the natives of India on cattle for stomach diseases. 41. The moderate use of charas, ganja and bhang is effectual as digestives, in alleviating fatigue, and as a nervine stimulant, but temporarily. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is harmless, as people using these drugs in small quantity once or or twice daily don't suffer any ill effects. - Evidence of SONA MULL, Brahmin, First Grade Hospital Assistant, in medical charge of Dispensary and Jail, Myanaung


It is also used medicinally, mixed with other drugs, in treatment of debility and dyspepsia. It is not used in the treatment of fever, but as a protection against malaria. I don't know if it is used for dysentery. I do not know of its being used for cattle ; but I have heard that it is given to elephants when they become lean and weak.  - Evidence of SAW MAUNG, ex-Sawbwa of Nyaungywe State.


41. No; but for a person addicted to its use it is necessary that it should not be given up at once; as in that case it will produce uneasiness. Bhang in small quantity is beneficial if not taken habitually. 42. Habitual moderate use is harmless, but when cold is severe, or when one feels costive, charas will do no harm and may do good. It is the habitual excessive use which is to be condemned.  - Army Answer No. 1


41. The moderate use of either charas or ganja is considered injurious. A moderate use of bhang on certain occasions is beneficial, e.g. in removing the feeling of fatigue and in rendering persons capable of performing excessive work for a few hours. 42. No, simply because they do no good except as explained in the second part of reply to question 41. - Army Answer No. 3


41. Moderate use is generally believed to have beneficial effects as follows:— (a) As a food accessory or digestive. (b) As affording staying-power under severe exertion or exposure or to alleviate fatigue. (c) As a preventive of disease in malarious or unhealthy tracts. Army Answer No.


41. The moderate smoking of charas, particularly in hill districts, is not injurious, as it cheers and invigorates the system. 42. In moderate use, the effects of indulgence in charas and bhang are at first harmless, and very evanescent, producing slight exhilaration of the spirits, and somewhat pleasing hallucinations; and the after-effects are less unpleasant than those of opium. Any further indulgence, however, would at once produce narcotism. N. B.—Bhang was used by hakims and baids in India for surgical operations before the introduction of chloroform. - Army Answer No. 6


41. Said to be so for a year or so; if continued for a longer period, it is deleterious, probably because taken in larger quantities. 42. Harmless at first if taken in small quantities; if the habit becomes confirmed, it is generally taken in larger quantities and time does harm. - Army Answer No. 7


41. I am not aware of any beneficial results arising from even moderate use of ganja or charas. The moderate use of bhang may be useful as a stimulant in certain cases, just as alcohol is. The most that can be said for it is that used ordinarily in moderate doses it appears to be productive of no harm, and, unlike ganja and charas, does not tend to establish a habit or create a craving. 42. Moderate use of bhang innocuous. Moderate use of ganja and charas is almost impossible. The tendency is almost inevitably to excess, and excess spells ruin, physical, mental and moral. - Army Answer No. 8


41. Charas and ganja are very injurious and bhang moderately. 42. No, because it produces an intoxicated effect which leads to severe attacks of asthma and tremour.- Army Answer No. 9


41. The moderate use of bhang may be beneficial perhaps. 42. There is not sufficient evidence here to enable me to answer this question. - Army Answer No. 10


41. All these things are intoxicants and at first, when taken in small quantities, they appear to be beneficial, and so the consumers acquire the habit; but after a little while they do no good, but harm, so it may be said that from first to last these intoxicating drugs are injurious. 42. Moderate use is not harmless or beneficial, for, under all circumstances, once the habit is acquired, the ill-effects mentioned in No. 33 become apparent, and they injure both the strength and body. - Army Answer No. 11


41. All these drugs are intoxicant and are grateful to tired persons, but this effect lasts only a little while, after which weariness returns, and consumers are then worse off than before. 42. Even moderate consumption is injurious. I cannot give any reason. This is merely my opinion. - Army Answer No. 12


41. In moderation ganja and bhang are considered to be beneficial; the former is said to be particularly good in its effect in cases of rheumatism. 42. Said by the consumers to be perfectly harmless - Army Answer No. 13


41. The men who consume the drug say that the moderate use of charas or bhang is beneficial, inasmuch as it increases the appetite and takes away the feeling of fatigue, and that bhang is also cooling and refreshing in the hot weather. Ganja does not appear to be consumed by any one in this regiment. 42. Moderate use is harmless, but there is danger of the amount of the drug consumed being gradually increased till the consumption is immoderate. Such immoderate consumers often become "fakirs."  - Army Answer No. 14.


41. I cannot say, having no knowledge. 42. Harmful, not harmless, I consider, as some at least who commence to consume these narcotic may break into an excess. - Army Answer No. 15.


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. - Army Answer No. 16


41. The moderate use of ganja and charas is said to put warmth into the body for a short time, while the moderate use of bhang mixed with mint leaves or aniseed is generally considered beneficial in its effects, especially during the summer months. 42. They are considered beneficial for reasons stated in answer to question 41. - Army Answer No. 17


41. Yes, to those using them habitually. - Army Answer No. 18


41. It is beneficial apparently as a stimulant in cold climates, but I do not think it does any real good. It is not used in fevers, but will enable a man to bear up under excessive temporary fatigue, such as a forced march. 42. The general opinion is that an abstainer is better than a ganjeri. A healthy man should not require a sedative. - Army Answer No. 19


41. Ganja and charas can do no good. Bhang, when drunk in moderation, does good; it moderates thirst and increases appetite. 42. Ganja and charas are not harmless; bhang is. - Army Answer No. 20


42. No special knowledge on the subject, though it is generally regarded by Mussalmans as harmful. - Army Answer No. 22


41. Yes; it increases the appetite and cools the system. Ganja not obtainable, - Army Answer No. 24


41. No, the use of these drugs are not beneficial in their effects. 42. A moderate use of bhang may be harmless, for it acts somewhat like a stimulant and dispels fatigue, etc., but ganja and charas-smoking is always injurious if taken moderately or immoderately, because these latter two affect the brain and the chest more directly, whereas this is not the case with bhang. - Army Answer No. 25


41. If in the hot season the bhang be used moderately, it conduces to the health and digests food properly. 42. If moderately used bhang is harmless. - Army Answer No. 26


41. Moderate use of bhang and ganja assists digestion, and the effects of bad water and air are not so felt, and it allures hunger for a time. Even the moderate use of charas is not beneficial. 42. Except bhang, the other forms of this drug are harmful. - Army Answer No. 27


41. The habitual moderate users of charas, ganja and bhang derive temporary relief owing to the mental faculties being stupefied. 42. This is injurious.  - Army Answer No. 28


41. The moderate use of bhang may be beneficial in some cases, but not in general. 42. The use of these drugs is harmless for diarrhoea and want of sleep, but ganja injures the constitution. . - Army Answer No. 29


41. Yes, when taken moderately. 42. Considered harmless by creditable statement of witnesses. - Army Answer No. 30


41. Decidedly not. 42. It is decidedly as bad, because its constant use leads to excess, and this is the reason. - Army Answer No. 31


41. The bhang is not injurious if not beneficial in its effect, but the ganja and charas are not at all beneficial in their effects. 42. The moderate use of bhang is harmless because it is a cool and light drink with a slight intoxication, but not the other two, viz., ganja and charas, which are harmful to the constitution. - Army Answer No. 32


41. Bhang is most used in hot climates, charas and ganja in cold. Troops of this presidency use the latter in Afghanistan in the winter. Vide reply to 44. 42. Quite harmless when taken in moderation. They never lead to disturbances.  - Army Answer No. 33


41. No beneficial effects from the use of any one of them. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs cannot be considered harmless, inasmuch as such moderate use cannot be maintained, but degenerates into excess to a greater or less extent. - Army Answer No. 34


41. Used in a moderate way, on occasions of privation or exhaustion, it seems probable that it may have a beneficial effect. 42. In this regiment no harm has been proved to result from the moderate use.  - Army Answer No. 36


41. No; it appears not so, except when taken on a few occasions as a medicine. 42. I am informed that even the moderate use of them may be considered harmful. - Army Answer No. 37


41. The moderate use of ganja or bhang seems to be beneficial. 42. The moderate use of ganja or bhang is considered to be harmless, because it does not in any way injure health. - Army Answer No. 39


41. Yes; the moderate use of bhang only is considered by the natives who use it to be somewhat beneficial. 42. The moderate use of bhang is supposed to be not only harmless, but even beneficial, as it increases the appetite and neutralizes the effects of climate, according to the ideas of consumers. - Army Answer No. 40


41. The moderate use of the charas ration once a day is held by the men to be an antifebrine. 42. If strictly in moderation, and in regard to the men who take it, I am inclined to believe the use of these drugs would not be attended with any harm - Army Answer No. 41


41. No. It is always injurious. 42. It is injurious to its smallest quantity, because the desire is due to increase, and the habit becomes stamped. - Army Answer No. 42


41. (i) No good for any body. (ii) Moderate use good with food; bad on an empty stomach for those accustomed to it. (iii) Better to be without; but to man used to it, moderate use no harm. (iv) Not known. 42. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), Vide last question. - Army Answer No. 43


41. No, not as a rule, unless taken after violent exercise, a long or cold march, etc. 42. I think it would be better if they were not taken at all. If once taken to it becomes a regular habit, and would in the end probably act injuriously. Sikhs drink a little bhang after a long march, etc., and are benefited by it temporarily.  - Army Answer No. 44


41. Not beneficial. 42. Not harmless. The person taking them gets thin, weak, loses appetite, and cannot do without the drug. - Army Answer No. 45


41. Charas and ganja are not beneficial. Some consider that the moderate use of bhang is beneficial. 42. I consider them all objectionable, though many Sikhs consider the moderate use of bhang useful in creating hunger, easing fatigue. - Army Answer No. 46


41. As before stated, the use of ganja and charas are looked on as baneful, but bhang is regarded as beneficial in the hot weather, when it is principally used. 42. I am unable to say of my own knowledge. I have seen cases of sepoys invalided on account of excessive indulgence in drugs, but am unable to say whether the drugs were opium, charas, ganja or bhang. The Jats and Sikhs, who principally consume bhang, are as fine men as are to be found in the native army. It seems therefore reasonable to suppose that the moderate use of bhang at any rate is harmless.  - Army Answer No. 47


41. My Bengal servants mostly use it and they seem better men and more intelligent than similar class in Madras. - Army Answer No. 48


41. No. 42. The continual use of these drugs for a lengthened period causes sickness. Two or three men have died in this battery from the continual use of these drugs about five years ago. - Army Answer No. 49


41. The men who take it state that they find it beneficial. 42. I should say it was harmless in moderation, as all these men carry out their duties in a satisfactory manner. The only combatant who smokes it is a Naik; he is superior in intelligence, etc., to the other combatants. - Army Answer No. 50


41. The occasional moderate use of bhang is decidedly beneficial in its effects. I cannot ascertain that any benefit arises from the use of charas or ganja. 42. Any consumption of charas and ganja is said to be injurious, but I have no personal experience of the subject. The harm arising therefrom is said to be physical, mental and moral. - Army Answer No. 51


41. Yes. 42. Yes. If taken in moderation, it enables men to stand fatigue. - Army Answer No. 52


41. I believe charas and ganja-smoking cannot be otherwise than injurious, even in moderation. The moderate use of bhang is quite harmless, and I believe acts as a stimulant to digestion. I once lived for six months with a Hindu gentleman, a Brahman. He and his friend and attendants used bhang moderately. He was a great shikari and a man of great activity and acute intellect. He told me he had taken bhang for several years and that it did no harm as whiskey did; that its use produced no illeffects on either him or his friends, and from personal observations I have arrived at the same conclusion. 42. Answered in reply to question 41. - Army Answer No. 53


41. The opinion of natives is that in moderate use it improves the appetite for food. 42. On the whole a man would be better off without it, the principal reason being that the habit is likely to grow on him, when it becomes injurious. - Army Answer No. 54


41. The moderate use of the drug is known to have a beneficial effect generally, having a quieting effect on the brain, increases the appetite, soothes pain, and causes sleep. 42. In moderate use, is considered not only harmless but beneficial. Moderate use is understood to render men less irritable, acts as a mental and physical stimulant and refreshes a tired man. Smoking ganja and afterwards drinking water is said to allay hunger. - Army Answer No. 55


41. Charas is said to be soothing in dysentery, but I am not in a position to express an opinion. 42. I do not know. - Army Answer No. 56


41. It is believed that even the moderate use of these drugs is not beneficial. No preparation of hemp can be so. 42. The moderate use is considered harmless to the constitution. - Army Answer No. 58


41. No, even the moderate use of any of these drugs is much deprecated as having a bad effect on consumers. 42. See answer to previous question. - Army Answer No. 59


41. No; except to a habitual moderate consumer, when, in the winter, a small quantity will keep him warm, and so is beneficial. 42. Yes, harmless if taken with food. A moderate use does not apparently affect a man more than make his eyes red and also alters his manner of speech for a short time.- Army Answer No. 60


41. It is considered beneficial when used as a medicine only. The use of the drugs habitually is considered bad. The consumer is not content to remain a moderate consumer; he craves for more from day to day, and increases the daily amount. 42. The use is not beneficial; it is harmful, and those who use drugs are bound to suffer from so doing. At about 40 years of age the habitual consumer will be useless for work; he will be weak and unable to walk, and unable to get his living, and in all probability will be an imbecile - Army Answer No. 61


41. No benefit from the moderate use of charas or ganja. Bhang is said to be cooling in the hot weather, and to give a good appetite when drunk before meals. 42. The moderate use of charas dulls the intellect for the time being, but apparently, it is said, increases the appetite. In small doses bhang does not harm. - Army Answer No. 65


41 and 42. They may be. - Army Answer No. 66


41. The moderate use of bhang is said to help digestion and promote appetite, and I can quite understand it having this good effect. Ganja-smokers also attribute the same good effects to their way of using the drug; but this is very doubtful, I should think. The use of these drugs is also said to destroy or lessen the injurious effects of drinking impure water. 42. The moderate use of bhang and ganja I consider to be quite harmless, and my reason for thinking so is that those who use them so are just as healthy as those who do not. - Army Answer No. 67


41. Natives consider that smoking ganja is a preventive of disease caused through drinking bad water, though I cannot say if such is really the case. 42. The moderate use of smoking does not seem to affect the efficiency of the men, and if anything there is less sickness amongst consumers. If, however, the smoker cannot procure the drug for even one day he becomes absolutely incapable and does not seem to know what he is doing, nor is he capable of any work until he has obtained the drug again. The moderate use of bhang I believe to be quite harmless. - Army Answer No. 68


41. Ganja said to be beneficial; bhang used medicinally as a cordial. 42. Certainly, as with tobacco, having regard to the difference of individual constitutions. - Army Answer No. 69


41. Medical officer states he does not consider it beneficial. 42. I do not consider it harmless, even in moderation, as it impairs the moral sense, induces laziness, and leads to increased indulgence, especially as a man gets older. - Army Answer No. 72


41. One and all the men I questioned say no, but most were agreed that the habit is one which must grow, and therefore can only be moderate in its initial stage, and then the effects are often as great as a large dose would be to a confirmed user. 42. From enquiries I made I imagine the effect always to be harmful and deleterious on the blood, but one witness held that if it could be possible for a man to restrict himself to a very small quantity, no harm would ensue.  - Army Answer No. 73


41. The moderate use of these drugs on an occasion may be beneficial, as it increases appetite and allays fatigue after severe work; but apparently a continued, even though moderate, use is sure to lead to bad results and to be decidedly injurious in its effects. 42. Although, perhaps, the least harmful of all these drugs is bhang, yet it is thought that the continued, even though moderate, use of them cannot be without harm. A long train of evils is sure to follow sooner or later, as will be seen in answer to question 45. - Army Answer No. 74


41. The use of these drugs even in moderation cannot be said to be beneficial in its effects. 42. Not if taken habitually, as men who are habitual consumers are inclined to be heavy, lazy, and stupid, and make poor soldiers. - Army Answer No. 75


41. I do not think that the use of charas or ganja, in moderation, can be beneficial. I do not know that the use of bhang, in moderation, is the reverse of beneficial. 42. I have never noticed any bad effects from use of charas or ganja, except that habitual consumers are inclined to be inattentive in their duties ("slack").  - Army Answer No. 76


41. The use of bhang is said to have a fattening effect. 42. The answer to this question depends on the meaning of moderate use, for I believe small quantities are considered injurious. - Army Answer No. 78


41. Yes. 42. Said to be harmless. I have no evidence to enable me to form an opinion. - Army Answer No. 79


41. The moderate use of bhang is said to render hard work easier, to aid digestion and increase appetite for food, especially for old men. There are numbers of men who state they have used it all their lives and have felt always better from it. Ganja is said, when smoked in moderation, to be beneficial in relieving cold and rheumatism. 42. The smoking of ganja and charas is said to cause irritation of the bronchial tubes and give aid to liability to bronchitis and coughs.  - Army Answer No. 80


41. Yes. (1) It improves the appetite. (2) Produces an agreeable exhilaration, with increased intellectual and motor activity. (3) Gives increased willingness for work. (4) Removes feeling of lassitude and fatigue and diminishes in this way risk of malarial infections. 42. See replies to query 41. - Army Answer No. 81


41. No; the general opinion is that it is detrimental in its effects. 42. Certainly not harmless; even moderate use when of rare occurrence, produces intoxication. - Army Answer No. 82


41. The moderate use of these drugs is considered beneficial in the prevention of malaria and disease. It also acts as a stimulant in the absence of food. Smoking charas and ganja is also considered to render the body less liable to the influence of cold. 42. The moderate use of these drugs I consider to be harmless. It is thus used by about 20 per cent. of my regiment, and its use does not appear to militate against them in any way either physically or mentally.  - Army Answer No. 83


41. Yes. 42. Moderate use harmless. - Army Answer No. 84


41. Probably not. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is probably harmless, because it is known that amongst the population generally the moderate use is common, whereas the effects of excessive consumption are very marked but seldom heard of.  - Army Answer No. 85


41. Moderate use of these may be beneficial; it is harmless in moderation. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmless: it promotes digestion and gives rest to nerve system. - Army Answer No. 86


41. The very moderate and occasional use of bhang is decidedly considered beneficial. 42. From my experience I should say that this very moderate and occasional use of bhang is harmless, as I have never noticed any one case of a man being affected by it, and as a rule all the men are subject to very severe physical work, and the non-commissioned officer and senior gunners to advanced intellectual strain also in professional subjects. - Army Answer No. 88


41. Probably not. 42. Harmless if very moderate. - Army Answer No. 89


41. Those who drink bhang in moderation say it benefits them during hot weather. 42. I think the probabilities are moderate use of these drugs is not adhered to.  - Army Answer No. 90


41. The moderate use of bhang may be considered beneficial. 42. No, not in the case of ganja or charas-smoking. 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.  - Army Answer No. 91


41. Bhang in medicinal doses might be useful in dysentery and diarrhœa. 42. The strictly moderate use of eating of these drugs is not attended with any evident harm, as many Sikhs take bhang regularly without impairment of faculty. Smoking of the drugs is usually distinctly harmful.  - Army Answer No. 95


41. It is believed that the smoking of ganja and charas (which is heating) is beneficial in a cold climate. Bhang is believed to be refreshing in warm climates and to increase the appetite. 42. We do not consider the use of hemp beneficial. Taken in moderation, in any form it may be harmless, but its use should be discouraged, as the habit always tends to increase. - Army Answer No. 96


41. Yes, the moderate drinking of bhang is said to be good; but the smoking of charas .and ganja in any quantity is harmful. 42. Vide answer last question. - Army Answer No. 97


41. No. 42. It is not harmless. It affects a man and makes him lazy and disinclined for work.  - Army Answer No. 98


41. Only when used medicinally. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is not considered to be injurious provided the consumer does not become addicted to the habit - Army Answer No. 99


41. None from charas or ganja. Natives say that bhang taken moderately in the hot weather has a cooling effect, and they take it for the same reason that English officers take pegs of whiskey and soda. 42. Charas and ganja always injurious, in whatever quantities they are taken. If bhang taken in small quantities, it is not injurious. - Army Answer No. 100


41. Of the two former, no. The drinking of bhang in moderation is harmless and stimulates appetite. 42. The smoking of charas and ganja is harmful, producing as it does coughs and weakened chest. - Army Answer No. 101


41. I think so. In hot weather',bhang-drinking is said to keep off thirst, and in the cold weather charas-smoking is said to keep out the cold. - Army Answer No. 102


41. No. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is considered injurious generally to health; always a liability to increase the amount taken or smoked - Army Answer No. 103


41. The concoction, of which bhang is one ingredient, before-mentioned, is said by consumers to have a cooling effect, but the general opinion is that bhang, whether eaten or drunk, is merely taken for its intoxicating effect, and has no beneficial effects whatever, except that, like other stimulants, it may sometimes overcome a disinclination for food. 42. As far as my own experience goes, I have never known a consumer of bhang who was not a bad or at least indifferent character, and therefore I am inclined to believe that its use must be harmful. - Army Answer No. 104


41. I do not think so. 42. There is always the danger of the habit of charas-smoking becoming the master of the man using the drug. The Sikhs use bhang very much as tea is drunk during the hot season. They say it increases the appetite. Charas is used as a means of intoxication, but the after-effects are unpleasant. - Army Answer No. 109


41. Only in the case of bhang: this if drunk in small quantities acts as a tonic and is useful in some intestinal derangements. 42. Ganja and charas not being beneficial, a moderate use of these drugs is harmful, as it produces lung disease. - Army Answer No. 110


41. I dare say it might. 42. Quite harmless. I should say, as I have had good servants who I know were addicted to these drugs, and did hard work in the hills well. - Army Answer No. 112


41. Moderate use is decidedly beneficial. It assists digestion and produces an equable condition of temperament. 42. No harm if taken in moderation.  - Army Answer No. 113


41. I am told not. 42. I am told they are injurious - Army Answer No. 114


41. I believe not. Natives believe that there may possibly be some benefit in taking it when going to a new country, where they are apt to get fever and dysentery, but there seems no proof or probability of this. 42. I believe the moderate, that is occasional and rare, use of these drugs to be harmless; but as it is very unlikely to stop there, I believe the taking of them to be harmful in all cases. - Army Answer No. 115


41. It is apparently considered that in cold weather the moderate use of ganja and bhang promotes the warmth of the body and creates an appetite. To the habitual consumer it is beneficial, as to be without it makes him uneasy, irritable, disinclined to work and wanting in appetite. The moderate use of bhang has a cooling effect in the hot weather; a regular consumer of bhang is said to be comparatively free from the diarrhœa and slight dysentery which non-consumers amongst natives are so liable to on the march or in a new station from drinking water with properties they are not accustomed to. 42. The moderate consumption of charas and ganja by discreet habitual consumers is considered harmless; it apparently has no harmful effect on their health or disposition. The use of bhang is not considered harmless; it is said to dull the intellect of habitual consumers; to non-habituès it causes intoxication and renders them unfit and disinclined for exertion. Habitual consumers are considered liable to vary the doses, and sometimes take it in excess; if deprived of it, their health suffers and they become unfit for exertion. - Army Answer No. 116


41. No data to go upon. 42. I think the moderate use of these drugs is harmless. But natives are peculiar: they cannot use any intoxicant in moderation; at least, a few only can do so. - Army Answer No. 117


41. In moderation these preparations act as stimulants to the appetite and spirits temporarily, but their use is followed by depression 42. They are harmless if used in strict moderation - Army Answer No. 118


41. Beneficial only to moderate habitual consumers. 42. Moderate use to habitual consumers is not injurious physically, but has mentally a stupefying effect, and makes a man slow and dull.  - Army Answer No. 121


41. There is a decided opinion that no benefit whatever comes from the use of either charas or bhang. It becomes a habit which is very difficult to give up. 42. If moderate, harmless I should say. But that is the difficulty: the habit grows; teeth fall out at a comparatively early age; eyes become bloodshot, dim, and there is a lack of energy shown. It is a common reply when a native officer is referred to asking if this or that man understands what is said to him, or why an order is not promptly obeyed "Oh, he doesn't mean to disobey, but he consumes bhang." - Army Answer No. 122


41. Yes, from a medical point of view, when it is used as a hypnotic. 42. Except from a medical point of view, its use would not be beneficial. - Army Answer No. 124


41. It seems the general opinion that bhang is cooling for the body. No benefit appears to be derived from charas or ganja. 42. The use of these drugs is considered to induce chest affections, charas being the worst.  - Army Answer No. 125


41. Only when used medicinally. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is not considered to be injurious provided the consumer does not become addicted to the habit. - Army Answer No. 127


41. No. Destroys the intellect and makes people lazy and indolent, although stimulating at first. Vide answer to question 32. 42. No. Absolutely harmful, because moderate use impossible; habit increases and man becomes its slave. - Army Answer No. 128


41. It is not considered to affect a moderate consumer either for bad or good. 42. I consider moderate use harmless. My reasons for above are from no medical knowledge, but from experience. - Army Answer No. 129


41. I should not think so. 42. I should not consider them to be harmless, but I am unable to give any reason for saying so.  - Army Answer No. 130


41. Said to be in no way beneficial in very moderate use. 42. Moderate use cannot be said to be beneficial, as it affects the nervous system generally. - Army Answer No. 131


41. The moderate use will not be beneficial if continued long. 42. Moderate use would not be harmless if long continued, as it will eventually lead to a state of dyspepsia and general bad health. - Army Answer No. 132


41. They have a temporary exhilarating effect, but are of no benefit to the consumer. 42. Moderate use may be harmless for a time, but it sooner or later destroys the nervous system. - Army Answer No. 133


41. No. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is more or less harmful; the reasons are that the even moderate consumers are invariably lazy and stupid and soon become unfit for service in the army. - Army Answer No. 134


41. To use the words of the native officers, the moderate use of these drugs is three-fourths good and one-fourth bad, or three men benefit when one does not. 42. Vide answer to question 41 - Army Answer No. 135


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. - Army Answer No. 137


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. - Army Answer No. 138


41. No, unless the te porary raising of spirits followed by stupor and forgetfulness can be considered a benefit to men who are depressed or homesick. 42. Ganja and charas are always bad, as they make a man thin: they produce dulness of vision by affecting the brain, and make a man more liable to chest diseases. Bhang only makes a man idle and stupid, but otherwise is not harmful, if only taken in moderation. - Army Answer No. 139


41. Even the moderate use of charas, ganja, or bhang is looked on by natives generally as by no means beneficial. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs is not harmless either to the body or to the mind. It creates a state of semi-unconsciousness, during which a man is liable to all the ills that beset a man intoxicated by alcohol. - Army Answer No. 140


41. See replies to 33 and 39. 42. The moderate use of bhang, either as a cooling drink or as an appetiser, may be harmless, but native opinion seems adverse to its use. - Army Answer No. 141


41. No. 42. The moderate use of this drug is harmless. - Army Answer No. 142


41. The moderate use of ganja allays fatigue. 42. I should consider the use of all form of these drugs to be bad. I can give no reasons, except that it has been so reported to me. - Army Answer No. 143


41. It is not beneficial. 42. The moderate use for the time being is apparently harmless, but habitual consumers bear the appearance of premature age after years of consumption (personal observation).  - Army Answer No. 144


41. The effects of charas are not known. Ganja is an appetiser in small quantities. The moderate use of bhang is found most beneficial. 42. See 41.  - Army Answer No. 145


41. Said to be not beneficial in any way, as moderate use leads generally to excess. 42. Harmful under all conditions both for body and mind, unless used as a medicine under professional advice. Moderation cannot be observed by those ignorant of its ultimate effects.  - Army Answer No. 146


41. No beneficial effects. 42. Harmless if used in moderation, for the reason that I have not perceived any ill-effects on the use of it. - Army Answer No. 147


41. The moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang is not considered beneficial in its effects. 42. Yes, the moderate use of any of these drugs is considered harmful, as it would tend to weaken the nervous and digestive system of the body. - Army Answer No. 152


41. No. 42. Even the moderate use of any of these drugs is considered harmful, because it affects the physical constitution and intellect. - Army Answer No. 153


41. The moderate use of bhang is said to act as a tonic. 42. Moderate use of bhang harmless. Ganja never good. Native opinion in the regiment.  - Army Answer No. 157


41. It is said to increase the appetite—in fact, to be a sort of tonic. 42. I can only state that it is the general opinion of the native officers that taken regularly in small quantities these drugs are harmless or almost so.  - Army Answer No. 158


41. The Medical Officer of the regiment tells me he is not aware of any possible beneficial effect except the strictly medicinal uses, which are limited. Apparently the native officers think it allays hunger. - Army Answer No. 159


41. Supposed to ward off cold and fatigue. 42. Moderate doses probably harmless, but there may be a tendency to increase the quantity taken. - Army Answer No. 160


41. If taken in moderation, the use of these drugs is supposed to be beneficial, inasmuch as it is said to promote digestion, create appetite and nullify the effects of bad water. 42. I cannot say that the moderate use of these drugs is altogether harmless, as I consider that in course of time it destroys the digestive powers, and produces a craving to induce the consumers to become immoderate in the use of them - Army Answer No. 162


41. No, and the effects of these drugs would be injurious should they be used moderately. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is not harmless, as it weakens the brain, stomach and heart. - Army Answer No. 163


41. These drugs are beneficial as medicines. They say that the moderate use is beneficial. They believe that the moderate use of these drugs is a preventive against fever and many other diseases. - Army Answer No. 164


41. No, none of these drugs are beneficial. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is not harmless, as it leads to excessive use. - Army Answer No. 165


41. The moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang as a drink or an edible is beneficial because the preparations with any of them are with articles that natives value as health-giving and invigorating. 42 The moderate use of any of these drugs to the smoker is injurious. - Army Answer No. 166


41. Can form no opinion. 42. The moderate use is said to be harmless. - Army Answer No. 168


41. No. 42. It is not necessarily harmful when taken in moderation. - Army Answer No. 169


41. Yes, it is supposed to alleviate pains in case of chill and extreme cold; generates heat. 42. See answer 41 - Army Answer No. 170


41. Yes, but charas has a stupefying effect. 42. In moderate use they are harmless. - Army Answer No. 171


41. The medical officer of the regiment states that it is injurious taking any of these drugs except medicinally, bhang being less harmful than the other two. My native officers agree in the above opinion as regards ganja and charas, but consider that taking bhang in moderation is beneficial. 42. The medical officer's opinion is that all these drugs are harmful. The native officers only consider that ganja and charas is so because it excites the brain and weakens the body, bringing on insanity, dysentery, etc.  - Army Answer No. 172


41. The moderate use is not beneficial in its effects. 42. Moderate use is not harmless in that it leads to increased consumption.  - Army Answer No. 173


41. No A man may take of all three in moderation when tired and worn out; this will stimulate at first and then cause a deep sleep, but in the morning he will feel the evil effects. An habitual moderate use of these drugs is very rare. The longer a man takes them, the more often will he do so, increasing the amount. 42. No, the moderate use is harmful, as it becomes a habit not to be shaken off. The drugs also weaken the body by emaciation, and the senses become dull - Army Answer No. 174


41. No, not in my opinion; and this seems to be the opinion of the native officers, who are altogether averse to its use in any shape or form. 42. It is my impression, as well as the general opinion amongst Gurkhas, that the use of any of these drugs is not beneficial, but, on the contrary, decidedly injurious, for the reasons given in my answer to question No. 33. - Army Answer No. 175


41. Only if given medicinally. 42. It is not thought to be harmless, and is considered to be quite unnecessary. The medical officer thinks it would tend to have a detrimental action on the brain, and my native officers add, on the heart also. - Army Answer No. 176


41. No, it is in no way beneficial, though there seems to be some idea of drugs of this sort acting as a tonic. 42. No, quite harmless; but there is no doubt that it is possible to take them in moderation, and, unlike opium, the habitual consumer, unless excessive, does not suffer from deprivation.  - Army Answer No. 177


41. No. It does harm. 42. They say that even so little does harm. - Army Answer No. 178


41. Charas—Not taken. Ganja—Beneficial; taken in cases of men suffering from malarial fevers. Bhang—I do not know. 42. Harmless - Army Answer No. 179


41. I cannot say that it might not in certain rare instances. 42. No, I do not consider the use harmless, as usually it leads to excess. - Army Answer No. 180


41. Taken moderately in a very cold climate, seems to be beneficial, as the natives have an idea it warms the blood. 42 I consider from what I hear that moderately taken it may be beneficial to a native. - Army Answer No. 181


41. It is a bad habit and not beneficial like the moderate use of opium. 42. I have known no cases of injury to health by the use of any such drugs - Army Answer No. 182


41. Yes. 42. Vide reply to 41. - Army Answer No. 184


41. I consider that the moderate use of either preparation may be beneficial in its effects, and undoubtedly is of great value to the indigent labourer, enabling him to perform more laborious duties than he could otherwise do on his scanty allowance of food, acting as it does as a nerve tonic and stimulant, enabling him to sustain fatigue till the end of the day, when he can obtain rest. That this actually is the case, I can assert from knowledge. 42. I have already stated that under the ordinary conditions of life of the poor cooly the moderate use is beneficial, for the reasons already stated. - Army Answer No. 185


41. I do not know. 42. Do not know anything about these drugs. - Army Answer No. 186


41. I am informed by my native officers that they know of no beneficial effects. 42. I cannot reply to this. I know so little of the subject.  - Army Answer No. 187


41. Yes, except charas; it wards off cold and fatigue, and maintains health. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang is beneficial and harmless. - Army Answer No. 188


41. I think not. It is probable that the temporary exhilarating and sustaining effects are exaggerated by the devotees of the drug, and that they are too dearly purchased, but it is possible that deprivation of ganja might drive moderate consumers of it, in some instances, to excess in alcohol, or to other and perhaps more deleterious drugs. 42. I know moderate smokers who show no obvious impairment of moral or physical health. These are, perhaps, instances of survival of the fittest. - Army Answer No. 189


41. It keeps a man in good spirit and removes indigestion and very useful in cold season. - Army Answer No. 190


41. Any use of charas and ganja is considered harmful, but the moderate use of bhang is not considered injurious. 42. As in 41.  - Army Answer No. 191


41. Ganja is said to counteract the effects of bad water and unhealthy climate. It is also said to enable greater fatigue to be undergone - Army Answer No. 192


41. The opinion seems to be that it is not beneficial, but it is said to be soothing in irritation and consoling in time of trouble. 42. Though it does not appear that the occasional smoking of ganja has done any harm to the few men in the corps who indulge in it, the general opinion, in which the Medical Officer concurs, is that it cannot but be harmful. - Army Answer No. 193


41. I do not think so. 42. If moderately used, both castes consider ganja and bhang do no harm. - Army Answer No. 194


41. Yes. 42. Yes. Their physiological action being soporific, anodyne, antispasmodic, and nervine stimulant, they are useful for the relief of painful affections. - Army Answer No. 195


41. Yes, that of bhang only. 42. With the exception of bhang, it is not harmless, but the contrary  - Army Answer No. 196


41. The answer to above question also applies to this. 42. No experience, there being so few cases in the regiment, and all these take it in moderation, and appear not to suffer. No cases having ever come to my notice. - Army Answer No. 197


41. Not considered beneficial. 42. Yes. - Army Answer No. 198


41. That such use of ganja and bhang might be beneficial is an opinion not held by many. 42. The moderate use of ganja and bhang leads men into low society and certainly does the consumers no good, and possibly does them harm; the practice is not approved by respectable natives. - Army Answer No. 199


41. Those who use the drug assert that the moderate use is extremely beneficial. 42. Can not say whether harmless or otherwise - Army Answer No. 200


41. I am informed by the native officers and others that no benefits are derived. 42. I do not think the moderate use harmless, as those who indulge even moderately very soon use it to excess.  - Army Answer No. 201


41. See answer 33. 42. The consumption of ganja and charas is injurious even if only taken in small quantities (see answer 33). The moderate use of bhang is beneficial. - Army Answer No. 202


41. I believe it to be so, and that by their use men are enabled to withstand fatigue, hunger and exposure better than others not so fortified. 42. I have seen a great many habitual moderate consumers, they appeared well, and the Medical Officer reports that within his experience they nearly always had sound constitutions. - Army Answer No. 203


41. Yes. If given in small quantities to young children to allay puerile pains, e. g., teething. (2) To adults for diarrhœa, and allaying pangs of hunger. (3) Often used beneficially if applied externally. 42. Moderate use appears to be harmless. Have not noticed any ill-effects. - Army Answer No. 204


41. Yes. 42. It is considered beneficial. - Army Answer No. 205


41. The men do not seem to think smoking charas has any beneficial effects. 42. Yes. The smoker does his work just as well as other men who do not smoke. - Army Answer No. 206


41. The natives believe so. 42. Moderate indulgence in these drugs does not come to the notice of superior officers. It is only when excessive use has produced a species of intoxication or mania that the habit comes to light. - Army Answer No. 207


41. No practical benefit, except to stop dysen¬ tery or diarrhœa. In such cases opium is preferred. 42. Moderate consumption does harm. Vide answer to question No. 33. - Army Answer No. 208


41. Yes, when taken for a temporary purpose medicinally, but not as in the case of a habit, moderately or otherwise. 42. I have known one single inhalation of ganja to produce insanity for many weeks in a recruit. The congestion of the eye till recovery occurs in habitual moderate ganja-smokers is a sufficient answer to any careful observer, the eye being the index to the state of the brain. It has the reputation of not only temporarily occasionally affecting memory, but often of finally injuring his faculty and producing insanity. - Army Answer No. 209


41. No beneficial effect. 42. A moderate consumption does little or no harm. - Army Answer No. 210


41. Ganja smoked in cold places is said to pro¬ duce warmth in the body, whereas drinking bhang is said to lower the temperature of the body. 41. The use of ganja is said to be good for stomachic disorders. The use of the other two drugs is not supposed to be beneficial except in so far as they are narcotics. 42. The moderate use of ganja is said to be harmless in so far as it produces a feeling of warmth, but does not interfere with the smoker's working, nor is it said to produce any feeling of lassitude. Charas is said to produce a cough in the user. Neither charas nor bhang is used at all in this regiment. - Army Answer No. 211


41. Charas is believed to be never beneficial. It is injurious. The other drugs have the effect of stimulating some people without injuring them when taken in moderation. 42. See answer to 41. - Army Answer No. 212


41. The moderate use of bhang is said to be beneficial, improving the appetite and rendering more labour possible. The Sikhs resort to it when they have to undergo any great fatigue and say it enables them to do so to a greater extent than without it. Charas does not seem to be beneficial. 42. Moderate use of bhang seems harmless. Moderate use of charas is said to be injurious, but no cases have ever come under my notice of illeffects from either. - Army Answer No. 213


41. Certainly. In cases of great fatigue, when past eating and almost drinking proper food, a small dose of bhang is most beneficial for a time. As in most things, the abuse and not the use of this drug does the harm. 42. See above. Army Answer No. 214


41. No. 42. The moderate use of them is not considered harmless. - Army Answer No. 215


41 and 42. No. 43. Yes.  - Army Answer No. 216


41. I think not. 42. Cannot say - Army Answer No. 217


41. Once the habit is contracted the effects of moderate consumption may be said to be beneficial, as without them the consumer suffers; but this is of course a relative good, and positively speaking it would seem not to be beneficial. 42. Harmful, because the habit once contracted causes a longing for the indulgence, and this in¬ dulgence would seem to lower the moral tone generally. - Army Answer No. 218


41. A little ganja or bhang taken with bread is the same as vegetables with meat, and is therefore used by poorer classes to make inferior food more palatable, and taken in this way it is beneficial. Bhang and ganja are both beneficial when a man is tired. 42. Moderate use of ganja and bhang is both beneficial and harmless. - Army Answer No. 219


41. Yes, to those accustomed to it. 42. The moderate use is harmful, I think, except in cases of confirmed smokers; the latter must have it.  - Army Answer No. 220


41. Even the moderate use of charas, ganja or bhang is not beneficial in its effects. 42. The moderate use of any of these drugs, instead of being harmless, is always injurious. Forgetfulness, indolence, loss of intellect, emacia¬ tion, cough, bronchitis, hard breathing and similar other ailments are the results of habitual long use of these drugs. - Army Answer No. 221


41. There are no beneficial results from the use of these drugs, but sometimes, when sick, it is taken with some food, with beneficial results. 42. It is not beneficial, and even the moderate use of these drugs is harmful and enervating. - Army Answer No. 222


41. It is not thought to be beneficial by any man. 42. It is harmful even in small quantities. - Army Answer No. 223


41. Yes. 42. Vide answer 41.  - Army Answer No. 225


41. It may be, if taken occasionally to relieve pain. 42. Not harmless, for the habit undoubtedly grows, and the effects of continued use of even moderate quantities show themselves. - Army Answer No. 226


 41 and 42. I have no experience. - Army Answer No. 227


41. The moderate use is not beneficial. 42. The moderate use is not perfectly harmless. - Army Answer No. 228


41. May be used medicinally as a hypnotic. Sometimes by men as a sedative in cases of mania. Also sometimes used as an antispasmodic during fits of asthma. 42. Medically beneficial; otherwise the habit grows on use and larger and larger doses are employed. - Army Answer No. 229


41. I cannot judge, as they are so little used: the 4 men who do so are all healthy men and capable of doing hard work. 42. From the amount used, I should say harmless.  - Army Answer No. 230


41. Moderate use, according to temperament keeps the constitution in order. (Or, in certain temperaments, moderate use does not impair the constitution.) 42. The moderate use of bhang is certainly harmless; but the use of charas is injurious to the brain. - Army Answer No. 232


41. If used medicinally, I am told that the drug has a beneficial effect, and that the moderate use of it seems to have neither a good or a bad effect. All asked agree in saying that if the use of it were never begun the want would never be felt. That, in fact, is a luxury that can easily be done without, but that, if used in moderation, and that moderation adhered to, it seems to do neither harm nor good. 42. As shewn in my answer to question 41, the moderate consumption of Indian hemp appears to do no harm, but should the consumer have, by any chance, to go without, he becomes restless, uneasy and miserable and gets ill, so, speaking as a Commanding Officer, I cannot consider the moderate use even as harmless for a sepoy; as should the occasion arise when on active service that the consumer had run out of his stock, or was unable to get more, he becomes useless as a sepoy. It is true that it is obtainable in most places where sepoys are likely to serve, and I have seen it brought in by Chins for sale to my own camp, but at the same time the above contingency is quite possible. There seems to be no harm in the moderate consumption of it, the harm becoming apparent when the moderate consumer has to do without. - Army Answer No. 233


41. Even the moderate use of charas and ganja is not beneficial. Bhang, of course, if used, moderately, does create appetite and will serve as a safeguard against the disagrecableness of the climate, though it causes acidity. 42. As noted under question 33, all the three drugs are injurious and creative of weakness. - Army Answer No. 234


41. Bhang, if taken moderately during the hot weather, viz., the month of Jeth and Har, is beneficial to some extent; likewise ganja, if used in small quantities in a snowy country, is preventive of cold. 42. If used moderately as a medicine, it is harmless. - Army Answer No. 235


41. It does no good at all. 42. Even the moderate use of these drugs is not harmless; for moderate use often leads to excess. The use of charas and ganja, whether moderate or excessive, will surely cause the aridity and weakness of brain, languor of body and weak ness of eye-sight. - Army Answer No. 236


41. Its moderate use by the mendicants saves them from sins, concentrating their minds towards
God, but it is of no good to a layman. 42. In my opinion none of these drugs is harmless. - Army Answer No. 237


41. No, on the contrary, it is injurious; as it emaciates the consumer, but cures the watery mouth. 42. The moderate use also is not harmless. It is more injurious to the health of the consumer as well as the comfort of his neighbours. - Army Answer No. 238


41. It does no good. 42. Even if it be used moderately (sic), still it is injurious. Some people who often fall ill, or whose health is impaired, use bhang to increase their appetite and it thus serves as an accessory to food. - Army Answer No. 239


41. The moderate use of bhang during summer, i.e., in the months of Jaith and Har, has a cooling and beneficial effect to some extent. 42. The medicinal use of these drugs is not harmful. - Army Answer No. 240


41. During summer the moderate use of bhang containing milk, sugar, &c., has a cooling effect. It also sharpens the appetite of the consumer. The use of ganja in snowy countries protects the consumer from cold, otherwise its use is not beneficial. 42. The beneficial qualities of the drugs have been stated in the preceding answer. Regarding their bad results, I may say that the consumer of bhang can pull on without taking the drug if he is in poverty and has no money to purchase the bhang with, but the consumer of ganja feels serious privation if he cannot get the drug to satisfy his craving.  - Army Answer No. 241


41. No. 42. Although the moderate use of the drugs is less injurious than its excessive use, yet it is not harmless. - Army Answer No. 242


41. The moderate consumption of bhang is even not harmless. It creates laziness, aridity and emaciation in the body. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is not harmless, because it creates aridity. - Army Answer No. 243


41. The moderate consumption of bhang is even not harmless. It creates laziness, aridity and emaciation in the body. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is not harmless, because it creates aridity.  - Army Answer No. 244


41. Moderate use produces no beneficial effects. 42. Probably even the moderate use is harmful and injurious. - Army Answer No. 245(a)


41. No. It is injurious. 42. A moderate consumer feels pain on giving up the habit. No pain, if given up gradually. - Army Answer No. 245(b)


41. Bhang if used in moderate dose is always beneficial to health. But ganja and charas are always injurious to health. 42. Bhang is harmless, but ganja and charas affect the lungs, and produce cough, make weak, cause to lose memory. - Army Answer No. 246


41. A moderate use of bhang keeps the constitution in good health. The use of charas and ganja cause intoxication, and are in no way beneficial to health. 42. A moderate use of bhang is harmless, while that of charas and ganja is not so. Consumers of charas and ganja get their constitution sadly injured. Sometimes their brains are also spoilt. Such is not the case with those who use bhang.  - Army Answer No. 247


41. The moderate use of these drugs is bene¬ ficial, because they keep up the faculties of the consumer fresh in working longer than usual. He feels no fatigue even though he works hard. 42. The moderate consumption is harmless, as no bad effect is seen over the consumer. - Army Answer No. 248


41. The moderate use of bhang and ganja is beneficial in its effects. 42. The moderate use of bhang and ganja are by no means injurious, as, for example, a moderate consumer can do a tedious task very easily. - Army Answer No. 249


41. The moderate use of ganja (witnesses are not charas or bhang-consumers) is to some extent beneficial. It pulls a man together after hard work, produces appetite and enables him to sleep well. 42. The moderate use of ganja is, as stated in previous answer 41, supposed to be beneficial to some extent. The witnesses do not use any other preparation. - Army Answer No. 250


41. Not so considered. 42. The moderate use of these drugs is harmful. - Army Answer No. 251


41. Charas and ganja are mischievous in every way. The moderate use of bhang is believed to sharpen the eyesight, cure dysentery, and calm a hasty temper. 42. There is supposed to be some good in bhang, as already stated. - Army Answer No. 252


41. No. 42. No. The use makes a man lazy and indolent.  - Army Answer No. 253


41. During summer the use of a small quantity of bhang mixed with milk, sugar and blackpepper is beneficial, as it creates appetite to some extent. The moderate use of charas in cold countries is also beneficial. My object in saying the above is that there is nothing in the world without some sort of benefit; but, as far as my experience goes, the use of these drugs, even moderately, is not beneficial. 42. I have already stated the benefit of the drugs in the preceding answer, and now I am going to relate their evils. The consumer of bhang can continue to satisfy his craving even if he becomes penniless, because it is not costly and can easily be procured; but if a smoker of charas has no money to buy the drug, it is probable that he would have recourse to unfair means for obtaining money. - Army Answer No. 254


41. The moderate use of bhang is beneficial. It increases the digestive power and protects the consumer from the bad effect of unwholesome water. 42. Even the moderate use of charas and ganja is not harmless. For reasons see answer to question 39. - Army Answer No. 255


41. Out of these drugs the moderate use of bhang mixed with other cool ingredients is beneficial to some extent, as it creates appetite, regulates the digestive power and protects the consumer from the bad effect of unwholesome water. 42. The moderate use of bhang, as stated in the preceding answer, is harmless, but that of drugs is injurious. See answer No. 33 - Army Answer No. 256


41. No. 42. No. Please see answer 33. - Army Answer No. 257


41. No. On the contrary, it impairs the health of the consumer, as the moderate use often develops into excessive. 42. As already stated, the use of these drugs does not remain stationary. It gradually develops into excessive, and does harm to the consumer. It has often been seen that the use of these drugs, whether moderately or excessively, sharpens the appetite, but does not enhance the digestive power. Hence the consumers generally suffer from dyspepsia, which is the master of the stomach diseases. - Army Answer No. 259


41. The use of charas alleviates fatigue caused by hard work or journey. The moderate consump¬ tion of bhang creates appetite and exhilaration. Excessive use of both the drugs is harmful. 42. See the preceding answer.  - Army Answer No. 260


41. The moderate use of bhang sharpens the appetite, but the use of ganja and charas is not beneficial at all. 42. The moderate use of bhang is beneficial, because it sharpens the appetite and fattens the consumer's body, while the use of ganja or charas, whether moderate or excessive, is injurious, because it creates aridity, indigestion and weakness. - Army Answer No. 261


41. Not exactly beneficial, but not harmful. 42. Yes. - Army Answer No. 262

Related articles.

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Medical uses for humans and other animals
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/07/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Police play doctor as ruling classes lay foundation for global reefer madness
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/05/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india.html
 
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Methods of cultivation
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/09/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Areas of cannabis cultivation and wild growth
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/01/areas-of-cannabis-cultivation-and-wild.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: The manner and forms in which cannabis was consumed
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/08/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india.html
 
Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Conditions suitable for cannabis cultivation
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/conditions-suitable-for-cannabis.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Post harvest processing, packaging and storage
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/09/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century-india_28.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: The classes of people who consumed and cultivated ganja
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/19th-century-indian-cannabis-user.html

Cannabis usage in 19th Century India: Findings on the immediate effects of cannabis consumption
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-immediate-effects-of-cannabis.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Myths of harmful physical and moral effects
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/04/creating-myths-of-harmful-physical-and.html

The 108 names of cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-108-names-of-cannabis.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Trade and movement
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/trade-and-movement-of-cannabis-in-19th.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Notes on chemical, physiological and biological analyses of Indian cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/notes-on-chemical-physiological-and.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Exploring the myth that cannabis causes crime
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/03/exploring-myth-that-cannabis-causes.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Consumption rates and associated costs
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/26.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: The public opinion farce amid near total opposition to ganja prohibition
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/02/near-total-opposition-to-cannabis.html

Cannabis usage in 19th century India: Unheeded warnings regarding the harms of alcohol
http://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/01/alcohol-and-cannabis-comparison-in.html

Draft Cannabis Policy for India 2022
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2022/01/draft-cannabis-policy-for-india-2022.html
 

Government Resolution appointing the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1893
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/06/government-resolution-appointing-indian.html

Cannabis and India

https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/cannabis-and-india.html

 

With no scientific basis global drug laws are invalid
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/06/with-no-scientific-basis-global-drug.html

A Look At The NDPS Act 1985 From A Cannabis Perspective
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-look-at-ndps-act-1985-from-cannabis.html  

Cannabis usage in 19th century treatment of infectious diseases
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/03/cannabis-usage-in-19th-century.html

19th Century usage of cannabis as medicine by Indian physicians
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/03/19th-century-usage-of-cannabis-as.html

Cannabis and Insanity
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-insanity.html

References to medicinal cannabis in ancient texts
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/03/references-to-medicinal-cannabis-in.html

Cannabis and Equity
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-equity.html

Cannabis and the Media
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-media.html

Cannabis and the UN
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/cannabis-and-un.html

Cannabis Opposition
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/cannabis-opposition.html

Cannabis and Crime
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-crime.html

Cannabis Advocacy
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-advocacy.html

Cannabis convictions and imprisonment
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-convictions-and-imprisonment.html

Cannabis and the Black Market
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-black-market.html

Cannabis and Law Enforcement
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-law-enforcement.html

Cannabis and Pharma Companies
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-pharma-companies.html

Cannabis and Youth
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/03/cannabis-and-youth.html

Cannabis and the Environment
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-and-environment.html

Cannabis as an Agricultural Crop
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-as-agricultural-crop.html

Cannabis as Medicine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-as-medicine.html

Cannabis for Recreational Purposes
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-for-recreational-purposes.html

Cannabis and Research
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/cannabis-and-research.html

The Business of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-business-of-cannabis.html

The Economics of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-economics-of-cannabis.html

The Legality of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-legality-of-cannabis.html

The Politics of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-politics-of-cannabis.html

The Social Usage of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-social-usage-of-cannabis.html

Cannabis Patients
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-patients.html

Cannabis and the Elderly
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-elderly.html

Cannabis and the Armed Forces
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-armed-forces.html

Cannabis and Methamphetamine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-methamphetamine.html

Cannabis and Opioids
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-opioids.html

Cannabis and Harm Reduction
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-harm-reduction.html

Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-synthetic-cannabinoids.html

The Recreational Cannabis Consumer
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-recreational-cannabis-consumer.html

The History of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-history-of-cannabis.html

Cannabis and the US Federal Government
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/cannabis-and-us-federal-government.html

Cannabis and the Medical Industry

https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-medical-industry.html

 

Cannabis and Cocaine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-cocaine.html

Cannabis and Benzodiazepines
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/11/cannabis-and-benzodiazepines.html

 

Cannabis and the Brain
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-brain.html

Cannabis meets the requirements of  Universal Medicine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-as-universal-medicine.html

Cannabis and Anxiety
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-anxiety.html

Cannabis and Autism
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-autism.html

Cannabis and Cancer
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-cancer.html

Cannabis and Dementia
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-dementia.html

Cannabis and Epilepsy
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-epilepsy.html

Cannabis and Pain
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-pain.html

Cannabis and PTSD
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-ptsd.html

Cannabis and Sleep
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-sleep.html

Cannabis for Animals
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-for-animals.html
 

Cannabis and Wellness -https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-wellness.html

Cannabis Laws
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-laws.html

No medicinal value?
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/02/no-medicinal-value.html

Cannabis and Harm Reduction
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-harm-reduction.html

Cannabis and Politicians
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-politicians.html

Cannabis in the Workplace
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-in-workplace.html

No medicinal value?
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/02/no-medicinal-value.html

Cannabis and the Digestive System
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2020/03/cannabis-and-digestive-system.html

Cannabis and the Heart
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-heart.html

Cannabis and the Liver
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-liver.html

Cannabis and the Lungs
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-lungs.html

Cannabis and Dermatology
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-dermatology.html

Cannabis and Orthopaedics
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-orthopaedics.html

Cannabis and Renal disease
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-renal-disease.html

Cannabis meets the requirements of  Universal Medicine
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-as-universal-medicine.html

Cannabis and Arthritis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-arthritis.html

Cannabis and Glaucoma
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-glaucoma.html

Multiple Sclerosis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-multiple-sclerosis.html

Cannabis and Obesity
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-obesity.html

Cannabis and Sex
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-sex.html

Cannabis as an Antibiotic
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-as-antibiotic.html

Cannabis and Cancer Patients
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-cancer-patients.html

Cannabis and Alcohol
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-alcohol.html

Cannabis and Tobacco
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-tobacco.html

Cannabis and Parkinson's Disease
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/06/cannabis-and-parkinsons-disease.html

Cannabis and HIV
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/cannabis-and-hiv.html

Recreation is Medicine with cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2017/12/recreation-is-medicine.html

Women and Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/women-in-cannabis-industry.html

The Medical Cannabis Industry
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-medical-cannabis-industry.html

Recreational and medical cannabis interplay
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/recreational-and-medical-cannabis.html

Cannabis and Wellness
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-wellness.html

Cannabis and the Media
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-media.html

Cannabis Biology
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-biology.html

Cannabis Research in Universities
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-research-in-universities.html

Government Research on Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/government-research-on-cannabis.html

Cannabis and Scientists
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-scientists.html

Cannabis and Cooking
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-cooking.html

Cannabis Events
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-public-events.html

Cannabis in the Workplace
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-in-workplace.html

Cannabis and Musicians
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-musicians.html

Cannabis and Sports Persons
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-sportspersons.html

The Recreational Cannabis Consumer
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-recreational-cannabis-consumer.html

The History of Cannabis
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-history-of-cannabis.html