Cannabis Usage in 19th Century India: Post-Harvest Processing, Packaging and Storage

 

Questions on the subject.

14. Are any of the following products of the hemp plant prepared in your province:— (a) ganja, (b) charas, (c) bhang? If so, where and to what extent?

15. Give any particulars you are able regarding the methods of such preparation, distinguishing specially the methods of preparation from (a) the cultivated, and (b) the wild plant respectively, and distinguishing also preparations for (A) smoking, (B) eating, and (C) drinking.

16. (a) Is bhang prepared generally by the people in their houses? (b) Can it be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown? (c) Can ganja or charas also be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown?

18. Does any of these three drugs (ganja, charas, and bhang) deteriorate by keeping? Does it quite lose its effect in time? How long does it keep good with ordinary care? What are the causes of deterioration? What special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration

My thoughts on the subject.

The post harvest processing, packaging and storage of cannabis in 19th century India, much like the methods of cultivation, appear to have been relatively uniform across the country. The primary objective of processing appears to be to separate out the twigs, seeds and leaves so as to make the crop, essentially the flowering spikes, ready for packing, transport and storage over longer periods of time to prevent deterioration. In the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission's report, the activities in Bengal have been described in greatest detail. Many people confuse the types of processing - flat, round and chur - with the varieties of ganja e.g. baluchar and pathar.

There is only one or two accounts of using the woody part of the plant to extract fibre. The leaves seem to have been largely discarded, unless used for bhang. The seeds appear in most cases to have been collected for further use, either in subsequent cycles of cultivation or to extract oil, as in a few cases.

Evidence of large scale resin or charas production is limited, with most places in India focusing primarily on the flowering tops or ganja. Most of the charas  production was on a very personal  level, with cultivators and processors scraping off the resin from their hands and feet after working on the plant. This was said to yield charas about the size of a pill for each person, a wonderful instance of getting paid back instantly for a day's work, methinks. The most elaborate details of charas production are from Yarkand, a place that was reknown for its quality of charas. Mind you, charas or hashish as it is known, where the resin that the cannabis plant produces is collected and used, is just the equivalent of preparing jams or pickling a particular food. Just like pickles and jams have higher concentrations of the fruit or vegetable in question, having often been sun dried and concentrated, it is so too charas or hashish, where the fine trichomes are essentially collected and processed from the sun-dried plants. When we look at the absurdity of the NDPS Act, where possession of certain quantities of charas or hashish attracts the death sentence, we can get an inkling of the clueless nature of India's lawmakers. Today, the processing of cannabis to extract resin involves all kinds of unsustainable methods, as does the packaging, both in places where the plant is legal and illegal.

In terms of storage, shelf life and deterioration, it appears that moisture and insects were the chief enemy of shelf life in those days. The elaborate process of treading on ganja and drying in the sun repeatedly aimed to remove as much moisture as possible and increase shelf life, besides compacting the ganja for packing, storage and transport. The life of ganja is said to vary between 1-3 years if properly preserved in air-tight containers such as those of earthen ware and porcelain and occasionally taken out and dried. Some witnesses suggest packing with bales of straw in gunny sacks. Charas appears to have a longer shelf life of 4-5 years, possibly due to the elaborate process of drying out for a month or more in the sun, as in the case of Yarkand charas. While the threats of contamination to ganja and charas were few in those days, due to the largely natural and organic ways of cultivation and processing, today we find in the US, in states where cannabis is legal, an expensive and elaborate system of testing labs whose approval is required before cannabis can be sold. This is mainly due to the use of dangerous chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the cultivation of cannabis, as well as the various chemical processes used for resin extraction, both of which pose threats to the health of the consumer.  

Packaging in those days appears to have been a simple process, with ganja sold in the open in retail outlets in baskets and jars made of earthen ware. Today, we find the use of many non-biodegradable materials in the process of packaging. Added to this is the paranoia that children and pets will access the product, which has lead to the creation of child-proof and pet proof packaging. Contrast this with the situation in the 19th century, when the openness of cannabis usage, and the awareness in society, meant that there was no need to have such fears. In fact, sweets, such as majum, were prepared containing dosages suitable for children and sold openly. The process of prohibition has only led to the increase in curiosity among children to try cannabis. In places where cannabis has been legalized, it has been found that the usage rates among teenagers has actually dropped since the incentive to try something prohibited has also decreased.

Going through the report's material, in terms of how the crop was processed post harvest in 19th century India, when groups of people danced and sang to the beat of drums, in a process that took a few days, using the sun and dew and materials that are eco-friendly, we can see how far we have strayed from what was once a beautiful way of life.

Summary findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission.

Following are the summary findings of the Hemp Commission with regard to the above listed questions.

220. The preparation of the finest sort of ganja is a somewhat laborious process, and requires skill and knowledge. For a full description of the preparation of flat, round, and chur ganja in the Ganja Mahal, the reader is referred to Babu Hem Chunder Kerr's report. Dr. Prain has given a shorter account of it. It must be remembered that the terms 'flat,' 'round,' and 'chur' are peculiar to the Bengal manufacture and excise system. Their exact meaning is rarely understood outside the province. The more important details of the processes may be briefly noticed. Bright sunny weather is essential to the best manufacture. The crop does not all come to maturity at the same time, and the plants must be manipulated within three or four days of maturity, or they become useless. These conditions have to be borne in mind in arranging for the manufacture, and it would seem that the plants have sometimes to be gathered before they are full ripe. The plants are cut in batches, as many as can be handled, by the available labour and means in three days. The Khasia plants are left standing, or, if gathered by mistake, are rejected in selecting the portions of the plant to be worked up.
 
The manufacture of flat ganja.
221. The manufacture of flat ganja takes three days, and is carried out on a piece of ground near the field which has been specially levelled for the purpose, and is called the chator or khola. The number of plants handled in each three-days' operations is usually about fifty or sixty. The first day the plants are cut in the morning, brought to the manufacturing ground, and spread out in the sun till the afternoon. They are then cut up one by one into lengths of about one or two feet. Those having flower spikes upon them are retained, and the rest is thrown away. The portions selected are spread out in the dew for the night. The work of the second day begins at noon. It consists in alternately pressing and drying the crop and getting rid of useless leaf and seed. The branches are piled by bundles of five or ten, flower spikes inwards and overlapping, in a circular heap about four feet in diameter. The workmen tread this down, moving round upon it and supporting one another. Bundles are added from time to time till the heap is about two feet high. A mat is then placed over the heap, and the men sit or place weights upon it. After half an hour of the pressure the pile is unstacked, the bundles are taken off and beaten together over a mat to shake out seeds and leaf. The heap is again built exactly as before, the upper layers of the previous heap being put at the bottom of this, and the processes of treading, pressing, unstacking, and beating are repeated. The bundles are now laid out side by side on mats and trodden individually, the workman holding the stem ends with one foot while he passes the other foot downwards over the flower. The bundles are turned and beaten against the mat during this process. When it is complete, they have been reduced in size, and consist of four or five twigs each. They are then laid in slanting position over a pole on the ground, and left for the night. The third day's work begins in the early morning. The twigs are separated, and again piled in bundles in the same circular form as before, trodden for a short while, and covered up. Work is resumed at 10 A.M. The heap is unstacked and the bundles are carefully handled to remove leaf. They are then laid out in rows and trodden. During this process they are turned over, and at intervals the sun is allowed to play upon them. They are then handled again and gently beaten, and spread out more completely than before. Those that have retained an undue quantity of leaf are stood up in the sun. The last process is to press the twigs individually with the feet in the way already described. The manufacture is now complete. The flower spikes have been pressed into flat masses, and the leaf and seeds have been as far as possible removed. In the larger specimens the branches stand out from the stem and one another, the whole being quite flattened. The twigs are gathered into bundles of two standard sizes—a certain quantity of large twigs in the one and of small twigs in the other. This is called flat or chapta ganja.

Manufacture of round ganja.
222. The manufacture of round ganja is not completed till the fourth day after the plants are cut. The plants are gathered somewhat later in the day and laid out under the open sky for the night. The sorting is done the next morning, a great deal more of the woody portion being rejected than in the case of flat ganja. The twigs are laid out in the sun till noon, when the men return to the chator and rolling is begun. A horizontal bar is lashed on to uprights about four feet from the ground, and mats are placed on the ground on each side of it. Bundles of twigs, either tied together by the stem ends or not, according to the skill of the treader, are set out on the mats. The men range themselves on each side of the bar, and, holding on to it for support, proceed to roll the bundles with their feet. One foot is used to hold the bundle and the other to roll it, working down from the stems to the flower heads. This process goes on for about ten minutes, and during it the bundles are taken up and shaken from time to time to get rid of leaf. The bundles are then broken up and the twigs exposed to the sun. A second but shorter course of rolling by foot follows, and then the twigs are hand-pressed, four or five together. After this the twigs are opened up and exposed to the sun again. Towards evening the twigs are made into bundles of about one hundred, and placed on mats and covered up for the night. The next morning the bundles are untied and the twigs again exposed to the sun. If they are sufficiently dry by midday, they only require a little handling and rolling to complete the manufacture. If they are not dry enough, the first course of rolling has to be repeated, after which the useless leaves fall off with a very little manipulation. The twigs are next sorted according to length and tied into bundles of three descriptions—short, medium, and long. In this process all useless twigs and sticks are eliminated. The bundles are placed in rows under a mat which is kept down by a bamboo, and left for the night. The manufacture is completed the next day by exposing the bundles to the sun, heads upwards, till the afternoon, and then searching them with hands and bits of stick for any leaves that may have remained in them. These are shaken out, and with them pieces of the compressed flower heads, which have been accidentally broken off, fall on to the mats.

The Bengal manufacture specially elaborate.
223. Babu Hem Chunder Kerr writes that when the preparation of the round ganja is carried out by the dealer who has bought the standing crop, much more care is taken to reject stick and inferior flower head than when the cultivator is the manufacturer. The round drug is the superior product, and contains much less useless matter than the flat. But it is plain that in both cases the process of manufacture in Bengal is technical and elaborate, and this is the point which it is desired to bring into strong relief. It may be noted that occasionally, when the weather is unfavourable, the drying is effected by fire, with the result that the ganja is discolored and reduced in market value.

The effect of the manufacturing processes.
224. Dr. Prain describes the purposes which are served by the above processes: "The drying process (a) removes the watery juices of the plants, and thus not only reduces its weight as an excisable article, but removes to a considerable extent the risk of mould; (b) causes the comparatively inert small leaves to shrivel, and so makes their removal more easy. The kneading process (a) removes more or less completely the comparatively inert leaves, still further reducing the weight. The article produced, being for its bulk more active in proportion to the absence of leaves, the more thoroughly they are removed, the better a sale does it command; (b) it presses together the resinous parts on which the active principle is most plentifully deposited. These being rendered somewhat sticky by the presence of the resin become more or less agglutinated, and are thus less liable to fall off in transit, and so reduce the active power of the ganja." And he discusses these principles with some care. The Commission would have been inclined to attribute a great part of the importance of the kneading process to its effect in shutting out the access of air to the interior of the ganja masses, and so tending to delay their deterioration.

Disposal of stick, leaf, seeds, and fragments.
225. It has been seen that a great quantity of stick, leaf, and seed, and not a little flower head, have been separated from the bundles of prepared ganja. The stick may be used as fuel. The leaf is winnowed from the seed and thrown away, though it has been proved by analysis to contain the narcotic principle in larger quantity than ordinary bhang. But it cannot be ascertained that it is used as bhang. The seeds are kept for the next year's culture, and the superfluity may find its way into the market. The seeds are not narcotic, and they are sometimes eaten, besides being used for the expression of oil and other purposes. The bits of flower head are, in the case of flat ganja, picked up and pressed into the mass of the flower heads again or burnt. The latter will probably depend on the vigilance of the Government supervisors. In the case of round ganja, they form the "chur" or "fragments" on which the excise tariff imposes the highest duty, because in that state the drug is absolutely free of leaf and stick.

Preparation of bhang.
226. Bhang as recognized by the Excise Department is the dried leaf of the wild plant. The drug that enters the Bengal golas is collected chiefly in the districts of Bhagalpur, Monghyr, and Purnea. But the bhang of Patna, Benares, and Behar is also spoken of as being of high quality. The preparation consists simply in drying the leaves. The plants are cut in April, the Chaitra Sankranti being considered an auspicious as well as a seasonable day, but the gathering goes on up to June and July. They are laid out in the sun, and one day may be sufficient to dry them so as to allow the leaves to be shaken or beaten off. The leaves are collected with precautions against the mixture of dust or dirt, packed in bags, and so conveyed to the local gola, and eventually to the shops. The early flowering stage would seem to be that in which the plant yields the best bhang. From the manner of collection and manufacture, plants of both sexes and also some flower heads must enter into the product. It is stated by one witness that the seed is as far as possible separated and rejected. This is probably correct. Another states that "wild bhang is collected by the people in Bhagalpur, Monghyr, and Purnea districts in two forms-one consisting of dried leaves and small stalks, and the other of the flowering shoots; this latter not to a great extent." This appears to refer to the collection for home consumption, and not that by the licensed dealers for sale. The flowering shoots here referred to are probably the female flower heads, in which there is reason to suppose the resin is occasionally secreted in more than the usual quantity, even when the plant is uncultivated. Bhang is gathered from the spontaneous growth for home use wherever that growth is found. There is considerable conflict of opinion as to the extent of the practice. The Commission are inclined to accept Mr. Gupta's view that "the use of untaxed bhang is general," and that, among the rural population at least, the consumers collect the drug for themselves whenever the plant is at hand. Looking to the prevalence of the wild growth over a great part of Bengal, and the absence of any technicality in the preparation of the raw article, any other view would require to be supported by strong evidence. The leaf is for the most part simply dried; but Mr. Jenkins, Collector of Dacca, reports that he has been told of a more costly process, which consists in the leaf being boiled in milk and water after being sun-dried, and again dried for storage. This is confirmed by a pleader of Dinajpur, who professes to know the method of preparation of bhang from the wild plant. He says, probably confusing the sexes, that the female plant is generally used, though the male may be also, and that "after the leaves are dried for some time, they are boiled in a mixture of from 10 to 25 per cent. of milk and 90 to 75 per cent. of water. After drying the leaves once again, they are fit for use as siddhi or bhang." It is, however, certain that this practice is uncommon, and that simple drying is the method by which bhang is almost universally prepared for keeping.

Preparation of ganja from spontaneous growth.
227. It has already been suggested that ganja can be got from the wild plant. The question is important, and must be examined in some detail at the risk of the discussion appearing elementary to many readers. It has been shown that the plant is not wild in the exact sense of the word, and for present purposes this fact must be emphasized. The plant is not only an old escape from cultivation, but its tendency to revert to the uniform characters of a wild species is being constantly checked by contact with cultivation. Its association with man frequently supplies it with the richest kinds of food, and with all vegetation this tends to the development of abnormal characters. The generative functions may thus be affected to the extent of partial or even complete destruction in individual plants or groups of plants, and these may be of either sex. It is possible also for the female plant to be secluded in a variety of other ways. The experience of cultivation justifies the presumption that if the female plant in healthy growth is prevented from freely developing its seed, its flower spike will be highly resinous. There appears therefore to be a strong probability a priori that the spontaneous growth quite untended should often produce a flower head which can be converted into ganja. Evidence is not wanting to corroborate this conclusion, for it speaks of wild ganja being collected and smoked; but it is impossible to pronounce positively with regard to any of it that the plants from which the ganja was gathered was altogether innocent of cultivation or tending.

Evidence as to existence of wild ganja.
228. The quality of this evidence may be judged from the following references. It leaves no doubt that many people are able to distinguish the plants of different sexes in the spontaneous growth, calling them by the names of ganja and bhang, and recognize the more narcotic character of the female or ganja plant, sometimes preserving it for the purpose of smoking. The Assistant to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, when enquiring regarding the spontaneous growth in Bhagalpur and Purnea, observed that a few selected plants, mostly females, were not uncommonly left in the ground. He reports: "These acquire a nice bushy appearance not unlike that of the ganja-bearing plant. All this made me suspect that the people knew a great deal more about the bhang plant than they were willing to avow. I was told by several persons, among them a European gentleman who has long resided in North Bhagalpur, that bhang is often used to adulterate ganja." Abhilas Chandra Mukharji says: "Jata bhang (Sivajata bhang).—The flower of this kind of bhang is whitish; it grows luxuriantly, and the plants are of a larger size than the ordinary wild ganja plants. The flowers resemble ganja flowers. The flowers and leaves agglutinate naturally, and look like Sivajata (cluster of hair of the god Siva, from which it derives its name). Its intoxicating properties are less than the Rajshahi ganja. The flowers are collected and smoked just like ganja. It grows along with other hemp plants rather scantily. It grows near Toke and in some parts of the Manikganj Sub-division of the Dacca district." He states again (9-23) that bhang is rarely smoked, and that only by the lower and poorer classes; that the part of the plant used for smoking is the sir-kali (leading flower spike), which is dried and preserved. Sosi Bhushan Roy says after remarks which show that he has a very fair idea of what he is talking about: "It may also be supposed that hemp in its degenerated and wild condition becomes what we call bhang or siddhi. I have myself seen that such bhang plants as have a luxuriant growth bring forth leaves, which sometimes get matted together, and, if collected before inflorescence, might to some extent serve the purpose of ganja." Witness (82) states (answer 23) that the Nepalese prepare a crude sort of ganja which they call bhang, and this they always smoke, and (22) gives evidence to the same effect. Mr. Maguire (23), Officiating Collector of Khulna, writes: "A sort of ganja is prepared from the wild plant wherever grown, but, except when prepared from female hemp, it is very weak." The Collector of Bankura (10) reports the possibility of preparing ganja of very inferior quality from the wild plant. Babu Suresh Chunder Bal (69) says: "I think ganja can be prepared from that particular variety of the wild plant which is known to the people as the ganja plant." Bhuban Mohun Sanyal of Purnea (225) states: "I hear that ganja cannot be prepared from the hemp plant generally growing wild in the district. I have, however, heard that it can be prepared from a plant sometimes seen (though very rarely) growing wild and known as ganja plant." These are all good witnesses, though the evidence of some of them is based on inquiry and not personal observation. It is unlikely that they are talking of anything but the hemp plant, for it is very well known in India generally, and specially in Bengal and Northern India. The descriptions given by witnesses 63 and 196 portray the female hemp plant very clearly. It appears then that a very inferior but smokable ganja may occasionally be obtained from the spontaneous growth. The great majority of witnesses nevertheless state that ganja is not procured from the wild plants, and undoubtedly what is ordinarily accepted as ganja cannot be so obtained. There is no evidence that it undergoes any process after being gathered but simple drying.

Preparation of ganja from illicit cultivation.
229. The methods followed in the homestead cultivation of Bengal and the Tributary States of Orissa and Chota Nagpur have been described. Regarding the possibility of preparing ganja from the homestead cultivation of Bengal, the Sub-divisional Officer of Jangipur may be quoted. He writes: "I have seen ganja plants detected in Bhagalpur and Jangipur. From their twigs ganja as good in appearance as in Naogaon (the particular sub-division where ganja is cultivated under Government Supervision) can be prepared, but it is alleged that the flavour is not so good as those grown in Naogaon." This cultivation is of course illegal in British territory, and it is probable that but little ganja is obtained from it. No information has been gathered as to any special care being taken in the preparation of it, and it is probable that the usual practice is simply to dry it.

Tributary States of Chota Nagpur and Orissa. Preparation of ganja and bhang.
230. In the Tributary States of Chota Nagpur and Orissa ganja is said to be obtained from the wild as well as the cultivated plants, but the evidence points generally to the plant being more or less cultivated in all cases. There is evidence also that some care is taken in preparing the drug (ganja), and it is probable that the same or very similar practices prevail in both groups of States. Mr. Grimley's inquiry of 1890 gives some information on this subject. Sirguja reports: "The first leaves are plucked away, and from the second leaves the ganja and bhang are made;" and again—"When the leaves grow intertwined, they are used as ganja." Udaipur—"It is exposed to the dew during the night, and afterwards the plants are bundled and dried in the sun. After two or three days they become fit for use." Gangpur-" When the plants mature they are broken off with all their leaves and branches, and are kept wrapped up for some days in the leaves of a tree called khair under straw." Bonai—"When the plants are ready, those that are intertwined are cut and dried and preserved, and while still soft are wrapped round with the bark of the plantain tree." The present evidence furnishes no addition to this information from the Chota Nagpur States. But the District Officer of Angul in Orissa states that "when the tree is ripe and the leaves assume a yellowish colour, the plants are cut, tied into bundles, or rolled in a mat or gunny bag, and then placed under heavy weights for two or three days. Then it is taken out, exposed to dew, leaves and seeds are shaken off, and then it is dried and tied into bundles and stored. This makes flat ganja." It seems clear that by the use of the word "flat" the witness is not referring to the Rajshahi drug, but to that of the country of which he is speaking. Mr. Taylor (36), who has had a long experience of Orissa, but admits that his information on the particular point has been recently acquired, says that "the hemp heads are cut on the seeds ripening in November. The heads are tied in small bundles and sprinkled with lime water, and then alternately buried and exposed to the sun for two or three months, when the ganja is fit for use." He says in his oral examination: "The plants are buried for a week at a time without anything to protect them from contact with the earth." These processes amount after all to little more than simple drying and removal of the coarser leaves. It is difficult to understand what purpose is served by the process of burying which Mr. Taylor describes, and it may be doubted if the description is accurate. The resulting product is far inferior to Rajshahi ganja. This has been amply proved by inquiries made in past years, in course of which the drugs were compared. The leaf bhang is prepared by simple drying, as in Bengal proper; but it will be seen that the weak ganja of the Garhjat is largely consumed as drink.

Hill Tippera.
231. The preparation of the drugs in Hill Tippera is certainly not more elaborate than that just described; but no information on the subject has been furnished.

Preparation of charas.
232. There is no evidence of charas being made in Bengal, though the resin is available in plenty in the cultivated plant of the Ganja Mahal, and in a less degree in other growth. This form of the drug is not appreciated in the province, and the absence of demand no doubt accounts for the art of manufacture not having grown up. An infinitesimal amount may be collected from the feet and hands of the operators in the ganja manufacture, but it is doubtful if this small supply is utilized.

Assam.
234. The dried tops of the wild hemp plant are used to some extent for smoking. But there is nothing to show that the article is prepared in any other way than by simple drying. The extermination of the male plant in connection with the wild growth does not seem to be practised either in the valley or on the hills within and on the borders of the province. This is an essential preliminary to the preparation of the superior form of ganja. The dried tops make bhang which may be used for smoking or drinking. Excise ganja is known among the consumers as mohini bhang. The epithet mohini or fascinating is never applied to the wild product. There is no evidence that charas is prepared or even known in the province.

North-Western Provinces. Preparation of ganja from plant cultivated secretly.
235. Mr. Stoker made special enquiries regarding the local production and preparation of ganja, and, as regards the extent of the practice, the results are given in a concise form in his memorandum. The evidence furnishes but few details of interest to add to his account. The cultivation of hemp for the production of ganja is not carried on openly. "The whole of the ganja offered for public sale is imported. At the same time it would be incorrect to say that ganja is nowhere grown or manufactured. Careful enquiry has elicited reports from several districts that a small amount of ganja is surreptitiously made." These are Mr. Stoker's words, and they exactly express the impression left by the evidence which the Commission have collected. No witness has given a detailed description of the method of preparation. Mr. Stoker received a report of the process in vogue in Ghazipur, which he says "closely resembles that employed in Bengal." This is only corroborated by two or three witnesses to the extent that the ganja is put under pressure. Specimens of ganja from Ghazipur and Sultanpur were forwarded to the Commission, and Mr. Stoker's opinion is that the Ghazipur specimen was superior to the ordinary pathar ganja, and not much inferior to Bengal baluchar (flat). The other was much the same as pathar.

Preparation of ganja from wild growth.
236. Regarding the preparation of ganja from the wild growth, Mr. Stoker has ascertained that the produce of the female plant is smoked in the Kheri and Bara Banki districts, and he says that there are indications of similar use in other districts. The evidence on this point is rather strong, and leads to the belief that wherever the plant is common as a wild growth, the poorer classes of consumers make use of it for smoking. The distinction between the male and female plants is well known, as Mr. Stoker states; and some of the witnesses say that the plants are operated upon by twisting the stems to prevent flowering. The plants so treated must be the ganja or females, though that is not expressly stated in all cases. But witness (155) may be referred to, who states that bhang is the natural plant; when it is twisted it is called ganja. A Deputy Collector (46) states that ganja can be prepared from wild female hemp plants if all the males are uprooted from their neighbourhood, and he is a witness who does not appear to be drawing on information he may have picked up regarding other provinces. It has been seen in connection with the cultivation that the advantage of isolating the females is known to some persons, the knowledge having been handed down from a time when ganja was openly cultivated, and it is difficult to believe that it should be confined to a very small number. The fakirs all over the country, who are mentioned as the principal secret cultivators, are certainly not ignorant on this point, and would disseminate the knowledge. The report of the Deputy Commissioner of Kheri, quoted by Mr. Stoker, that this art is not known, appears therefore to be open to doubt, or, if true, to be true only of the locality reported upon. The subject is probably one on which people are inclined to be reticent for the same reasons as actuated those of whom the Assistant to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture in Bengal made his enquiries. The rearing and tending of the hemp plant in the North-Western Provinces may not be illegal; but there is plently of evidence that the people think it to be so, and that would be sufficient to make them cautious in giving information. There is no evidence that the ganja gathered from the wild plant is prepared by any other process than mere drying. Witness (202), a raiyat of the Kheri district, and (48), a Deputy Collector of Lucknow, state that the ganja plants are gathered in November and December. This would seem to refer to the higher lands. The season of growth on the low lands appears to be from December to June. It may be noted that Mr. Wall, a late Commissioner of Excise, does not believe that ganja is produced by the wild plant, and that many other witnesses take the same view. The local production of ganja does not appear to have ever been so considerable, at least in recent years, as to attract the attention of Government in the Excise Department, and there is no reason to suppose that it has increased since it was suppressed in Oudh. The subject therefore is only of secondary importance.

Preparation of bhang.
237. Bhang is prepared by cutting and drying the plants, cultivated or wild, and shaking or beating out the leaves. This is done either by the contractors themselves, or by "residents of jungly tracts for sale to licensed vendors" (38). The districts where the cultivated bhang is produced have been named. The supply of wild bhang is drawn from various places in the belt of wild growth below the Himalayas. The gathering goes on from March to June. The zamindars on whose lands the plant grows appear to make some money by selling it to the contractors (247). Bhang is sometimes dried under straw or other covering, when it turns yellow, instead of retaining the green colour, which it does if dried in the sun (21, 248, 203). The object of this is not clear.

Preparation of charas.
238. In these provinces charas is prepared to a small extent from the crops grown for fibre in the Himalayas, to a less extent from the Himalayan wild growth, and to a still smaller extent from the wild growth of the plains. A very small amount may even be prepared from the plants cultivated in a desultory way. The methods of preparing charas from the fibre plants are described by witness (49). The sujango or female plants, having been cut in November, are spread out to dry for twenty-four hours. The people then sit round in the heat of the day, and pluck off the flower heads, which are now full of seed, discarding the coarser leaves. Each handful is rubbed between the palms for about ten minutes and thrown aside. In course of time a quantity of juice accumulates on the palms, which is scraped off and rolled into balls. These are charas. Sometimes the plants are trodden instead of handled, and the feet scraped. A more uncommon method, by which a choice kind of charas called chahar mulhi is obtained, is to pass the hands up the ripe plants while they are still standing in the field. This plan is not approved, the witness says, because it is supposed to damage the fibre. Other witnesses (21, 43) mention the practice of running through the crop or growth on a dewy morning, and scraping off the resin which adheres to the body. Witness (248) states that the resin, having been collected, is kneaded on hot stones; but the account of witness (49) that the process of manufacture ordinarily ceases with the making of the resin as scraped from the hands into balls is probably reliable. There is a considerable amount of evidence and opinion that charas is prepared from wild plants. Witness (49) states that in a small area at an elevation of 8,000 feet called Urgum in Palli Talla Pamkhanda, which appears to be a pargana of Garhwal, the wild hemp is of superior quality. It grows near a temple of Siva, to which fact the people attribute its superiority. Charas is made from it by the common process of rubbing with the hands, and is given to fakirs and pilgrims to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Witness (232) speaks of the manufacture from the wild plants, and states that the leaves after the rubbing form ganja or bhang, which is used for drinking. Witness (43) deposes to the production of charas from the wild growth in the Bhabar and Terai. Witness (109) has seen it made apparently in the Almora country. Witness (38) has seen the process on the banks of the Gogra which bounds the Nepal and British territories. And so we are brought down to the plains. Mr. Stoker writes that "in Garhwal a substance is produced which might be classed with either ganja or charas. After the charas has been extracted from the female flower, the powdered or broken flowers are mixed with hemp seed and smoked in a chillum. This seems akin to the garda of the Punjab."

Miscellaneous information about the preparation of charas.
239. The evidence from this province contains information about the manufacture of charas in Nepal, Yarkand, Peshawar, and Kandahar, which may be noted, though it is not all direct evidence. The Bhutias of Nepal scatter ashes on the plants in the evening. In the morning they enter and walk through the crop or jungle clothed in leather, to which the resin adheres. This is scraped off and makes a strong kind of charas. It may be noted that Dr. Gimlette, Residency Surgeon, Katmandu, was unable to verify the accounts he had heard of this process, but found that in the country 50 miles round the capital the drug was collected by rubbing the young flowering tops between the hands in situ (Watt). In Yarkand, according to witness (62), the dried plants are beaten over a cloth, and the greyish powder, which falls upon it, is collected and packed in bags, where it agglutinates by some process, of which exposure to the sun forms part. Witness (192) has "seen charas prepared near Peshawar and Kandahar. People go into the fields with leather leggings on, and the charas sticks to them, and is scraped off." The same witness has seen bhang prepared in great quantities at Hardwar, Lahore, Kabul, and Kandahar.
North-Western Provinces States. 240. Regarding the Native States in the North-Western Provinces, there is nothing to be added to the information collected for the province generally.

Punjab.
241. Though some witnesses make mention of the smoking of bhang leaves, there is no evidence of the preparation of the flower head either of the uncultivated or cultivated plant for use as ganja. The smoking of the produce of the plant in any form except charas is evidently extremely rare. According to witness (59), "the word 'ganja' is sometimes applied to charas."

Preparation of bhang.
242. Bhang is prepared both from the uncultivated plant and from the small quantity of cultivated plant in the ordinary way, viz., by simple drying. Mr. Drummond (13) says that the flowering tops are preferred. The zamindars do not generally take any payment for the bhang gathered from their lands. The plant grows from December to June-July. The usual time for gathering appears to be May. No. (73) says May or June. Lala Kesho Das, Extra Assistant Commissioner, reports that in June-July "the hemp plant acquires peculiarly noxious qualities, and hence it is during that fortnight that bhang intended to be used as a drug is cut." The bhang of some localities is regarded as superior, such as that of Ambota and Gagret, of Bhimbar in Kashmir, and of Gurdaspur. The cultivated plant may yield a superior quality of drug, but there is not much evidence of any preference for it over the wild drug.

Preparation of charas.
243. There is practically no evidence of charas being prepared below the mountains. The method of preparation followed in Kulu and the Hill States is that of rubbing the flower heads between the hands and scraping off the resin accumulated on the palms or on the feet if the operation consisted in treading the plants. The solitary piece of definite information supplied about preparation in the plains is given by Mr. Kirthi Singh (14): "Sometimes a cultivator may want a little charas for private use, in which case he beats the flowering twigs over a piece of cloth laid on the ground, and then collects the greyish white powder which falls. This requires only to be dried a little in the sun, and it is ready for use."

Charas in "Punjab Products."
244. In the "Punjab Products" the manufacture of this sort of charas called garda is described. The finest quality is when the dust is of a reddish colour. This is called surkha. When it is green, it is called bhangra. The most inferior is that which adheres to the cloth after shaking, and has to be scraped off or shaken off with more violence. This is called khaki. In each case the dust has to be kneaded with a small quantity of water into a cake, and then forms charas. It is stated that this drug is much in use. The specimens which formed the basis of the article were none of them from the plain districts of the Punjab, except possibly one from Dera Ghazi Khan. They came from Lahoul, Spiti, Bokhara, Yarkand, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Kashmir.

Preparation of charas in Yarkand.
245. It will be of interest to quote other descriptions of foreign manufacture. Witness (86) has been in the habit of visiting Ladakh for purposes of trade, and has there learnt the following details from Ladakh merchants: "In Yarkand bhang is cultivated in the month of Baisakh in waste lands and round the fields of other crops for the manufacture of charas. It remains standing for seven months, and is then reaped in the month of Katik, when the blossom is ripe, and then stored on the roofs of houses. It remains there for one month and gets dried in the meantime. The zamindars then thrash the plants after separating the larger leaves by night within their houses. The smaller petals and flowers then fall on the ground and are reduced to powder. It is then sifted thrice, put in bags, and sold to the traders. The merchants go on storing it up until the month of Jeth comes, when they place it in the sun, and a kind of oleaginous substance oozes out of the powder. It is then kneaded like tobacco and put in bags made of cloth. The following three or four kinds of charas are prepared from it - mushak, bahara, pai, and kuppi. They are then closed up in leather." Mr. Dalgleish is quoted by Dr. Watt as giving a description of the preparation similar to the above. The Deputy Commissioner of Bannu says that honey is mixed in the powder of the flowering tops, after which the stuff is packed in leather bags and kept for a year in the sun. Hari Chand, Assistant to the Commissioner of Excise, reported in 1890 of the Yarkand manufacture that "the leaves are ground in December. The flower is kept in bags of five sérs each till June. The bags are then put in the sun, and the flower rubbed with hands and feet till it gives oil. It is then put in leather bags and hammered till it becomes one block. The blocks are of 54 sérs each." There is a certain similarity in all these methods, and they probably give with fair accuracy the general outline of the important manufacture of Yarkand. Garda, as described in the "Punjab Products," would appear to be the Kashmir preparation. The word seems to mean merely dust in its common use.

Punjab States.
246. The memorandum on the province contains all available information regarding the Punjab States.

Central Provinces. Preparation of ganja.
247. The method of preparing Khandwa ganja is described by the Deputy Commissioner of Nimar and the Excise Commissioner. The harvest begins in the first or second week of November. The flower heads, which the cultivators call mal or produce, are broken off with about twelve inches of twig, carried in baskets to the threshing floor, and spread out on it in a layer nine to twelve inches thick. Mr. Robertson states that on the first day a heavy roller is passed over them, but this detail is not contained in Mr. Drake-Brockman's report. The crop is exposed to the dew for the night. The next day the twigs are formed into heaps, and each heap is trodden in turn, and when not being trodden is turned over and exposed to the sun to dry. This goes on for four or five days, and results in the twigs being pressed flat and deprived of a great portion of their leaves and thoroughly dried. The produce is then removed to the cultivator's house, where it is built into a stack five or six feet high, and has heavy weights placed upon it. In about a week it is packed in gunny bags and removed to the storehouse at Khandwa.

Khandwa ganja inferior to that of Bengal.
248. In outward appearance the Khandwa ganja or pathar differs from that of Bengal or baluchar in being green in colour, and having a much larger quantity of leaf left in it. It does not bear any comparison in the appreciation of smokers with baluchar. The latter is a very special article, and no ganja will be found to compare with it in any province. Bhang is not produced in the Central Provinces. Khandwa ganja is used instead for drinking purposes by the commoner sort of consumers. Well-to-do people import their bhang from Central India. It is, however, difficult to believe that the leaf and fragments resulting from the manufacture of Khandwa ganja do not pass into consumption at all. There is some evidence that they do. In Bengal the ganja cultivators could afford to throw away the leaves, for the wild bhang was to be got for nothing within a reasonable distance, and made better bhang than the cultivated leaf, which was consequently of no value. In the Central Provinces the case is different, and it may be doubted if the people are altogether careless of the leaf as a secondary product. There is no evidence of charas being prepared in the Central Provinces. The ganja, having passed into the Khandwa godown, is picked before issue to contractors, and again picked before issue from the tahsils, so that about 45 per cent. only finds its way into the retail shop.

Feudatory States, Central Provinces.
249. The Feudatory States prepare no drugs.

Madras. Bhang not known as distinct from ganja.
250. In the Madras Presidency, especially towards the south, the name bhang is applied almost exclusively to the prepared drink, which may be made from the pure leaves, but is generally made from the material which is known and sold as ganja. Bhang as a distinct form of the raw drug is not known, It is even doubtful if the plant itself in the part of the country indicated is called bhang. It would seem that as the region of wild growth is left behind, the name by which the cultivated plant is known, viz., ganja, comes more into general use. It will not, therefore, be necessary to mention bhang in this chapter except where it comes into the description of ganja preparation. Charas is not manufactured at all in the Madras Presidency.

Preparation of ganja in North Arcot.
251. Mr. Benson has given a description of the preparation of ganja in connection with the regular cultivation in the North Arcot and Kistna districts. The methods differ materially. "In the Javadi Hills the plants are cut and carried bodily to the village threshing floor. They are there sorted, the flower spikes and upper leaves being retained and the sticks thrown away. The selected heads are spread out for three to five hours in the heat of the day to dry, and are then loosely rolled in the hand to work out such seed as may have been formed and to break up the leaf that remains. This working also causes the spikes to stick to one another to some extent. The broken leaf is then winnowed out, collected, and powdered." The flower heads are then placed in a thin layer in a basket which has been dusted within with leaf powder, and are trodden by one or two men according to the size of the basket. After the operator has passed over the layer four or five times, it is dusted with leaf powder, and a fresh layer of spikes is put into the basket on the top of the other, and the treading is repeated. This process goes on till the basket is full. The contents are then turned out on to flat hard ground, and a stone is placed on the pile with other stones to add to the weight. The material is left thus for the night. Next morning each layer is taken off separately, broken up, and spread in the sun. Each piece is trodden and turned over from time to time. In the evening the pieces are again re-piled and weighted for the night, and the next day the process of exposure is repeated until the material is thoroughly dry. "Great importance is attached to the thoroughness of the treading, the sufficiency of the pressing, and the completeness of the drying; the quality of the drug being said to depend on the manner in which those processes are carried out. If the latter are not dried sufficiently, they appear green and are of inferior quality, good ganja being brown." When fully cured, the drug is stored in the raiyats' houses under pressure till sold.

Preparations of ganja in the Kistna district.
252. In the Kistna district, if Mr. Benson is correct, the pressing is entirely neglected. The plants are cut bodily and laid out in the field for three days to dry. On the fourth day they are tied by bundles of ten and piled head and tail. "The heaps are opened and the bundles re-piled next day, the process being repeated over several days." If the quantity is small, the drying is done at the raiyat's house, but in all cases the crop is finally carried to the house. A month later the spikes are removed one by one, and spread out in the open for one night to soften and become pliable. In the morning the spikes are collected and put into large gunny bags, being packed closely therein by a man treading them down. The produce is then ready for sale.

Peculiar method of preparing bhang.
253. The process has been described shortly by other witnesses. They nearly all mention pressing as a part of it, though the methods may be different. Alternate exposure to sun and dew seems also to be generally practised. The drug is usually stored by consumers in earthen vessels. One witness (106) from Ganjam, after giving a careful description of the manufacture of ganja, proceeds to say that the dried leaves which have fallen out in the process are used as bhang or patti. "After carefully removing the stalks, the dried leaves are boiled in water for some time; and the boiled leaves are carefully squeezed with the hands to purge them of all filth and dirt, and then dried in the sun. The dried leaves are next boiled either in milk or cocoanut water. The quantity of milk or cocoanut water must be proportionate to the quantity of leaves boiled, so that the milk or cocoanut water might be entirely absorbed by the leaves. They are again kept in the hot sun for about three or four days. After they are well dried, they are preserved in earthen vessels for use." Similar processes were mentioned in the Bengal evidence, but they require so much care and time that they can hardly be common.

Travancore.
254. The following information seems to point to the preparation of ganja from the spontaneous growth in Travancore. It is said that poo ganja, or flowering ganja, is pressed together while still green so as to get matted, and when the mass begins to show signs of rotting, "it is dried in the shade and passed off in the market as chada ganja." Chada—jheda in Sanskrit—means tangled or braided, and chada ganja is the name of the imported article. Poo ganja is the local stuff, which from the description would appear to be little, if at all, cultivated. There is no other information of interest from the Madras States.

Bombay.
255. The preparation of ganja in Bombay is described by several witnesses. Mr. Ebden's (5) description, as coming from the district of largest cultivation in the Presidency, and being the most complete, may be quoted:— "(a) Ganja.—Harvesting methods differ somewhat. In some cases the tops are pulled off by hand; in some they are cut. In some the central largest tops are collected and treated separately as first sort ganja; the central tops of side branches form second sort, and other smaller tops arc third sort, and are called chur. The further process is much the same in all cases. The tops are heaped according to taste in narrow rows or in large squares about six inches thick, the different qualities when separately collected being separately heaped. The heaps are then trodden under foot. Some manufacturers tread the fresh tops at once; some let them dry first for various periods. After treading, it is turned over by hand and again trodden. The process of turning and treading is repeated at intervals of three or four days, with local variations of treatment in the intervals. In some places it is heaped in round heaps called chakis, and weighted at top till midnight, and then opened up and scattered and ventilated till dawn, when it is again laid out and trodden; and so on till it is judged to be ready, when it is packed in bags, and as a rule it is speedily removed by the wholesale purchaser. "The treading-floor is sometimes prepared like an ordinary threshing-floor with clay and cowdung. I have lately witnessed the operation of treading, and in that case the floor was simple moorum soil on a nalla bank, and had undergone no preparation beyond cleaning and sweeping. The ganja was spread in squares of fifteen or twenty feet wide and about six inches thick. A line of eight or ten men danced on it to the music of a tomtom. Treading began in the outer edge of the heap, and was continued in a spiral until the centre was approached, when the men fell out one by one as the space grew smaller. They followed close on one another, dancing sideways in the leader's footsteps. The tomtom appeared to be highly necessary, and kept them at it. "(b) Charas.—This is locally a bye-product which is not brought into account, but appears to be the harvesters' perquisite, who probably part with it to friends who smoke, if they don't want it themselves. It is the resinous substance that sticks to the hands or collects on the sickle when cutting or plucking the tops. The hands are now and then rubbed together, and the charas is collected in the shape of a pill, which is naturally half dirt and sweat and half charas. A piece about the size of a marble may perhaps be the reward of a day's work. "(c) Bhang.—This name is given indifferently to the refuse of the treading-floor where ganja is prepared, and to the produce of the seeded plants and of male plants when the crop has been grown for seed. In the latter case the tops are laid on a floor, and the seed is beaten out with sticks or trodden out by foot. The seeds are separated from the mass by means of a sieve, and the balance of broken leaves, etc., is called bhang." The bhang crop in Gujarat is turned into drug by drying the plants and shaking or beating them so as to detach the leaves, flower, and fruit. The character of the bhang of the Bombay Presidency must be noted. When it comes from the ganja crop, it consists very largely of pieces of the female flower head, and is in fact, as many witnesses have described it, largely composed of what is known in Bengal as chur. If the customer asked for chur, the shopkeeper would produce what he calls bhang. The preparation of the drugs is generally carried out by the cultivators themselves, sometimes by contractors.

Bombay States.
256. The States in the Deccan which cultivate ganja prepare the drugs in the manner already described. In the Northern Agencies there is but little cultivation, and that of scattered plants only. There is no evidence that the flower heads undergo any preparation besides simple drying.

Aden.
257. The drugs are not prepared in Aden.

Sind with Khairpur. Preparation of bhang.
258. The cultivation in certain districts of Sind and in Khairpur is said to be for the production of bhang only, and no doubt that is the principal product; but a small amount of superior flower heads is turned out which goes by the name of ghundi or ghundi bhang, and is occasionally used for smoking. Mr. Giles (2) states that when the crop is ripening, the upper portions of the plants are cut off and preserved separately. These are regarded as the "tit bits." They are dried with their seed and stalk, and do not appear to be subjected to any special process. They are called ghundyun, and are practically no doubt ganja. The rest of the crop is dried and flogged, and the broken leaves, flowers, and seed form bhang. A certain amount of this is winnowed for the seed; but the mass is sold as it is to the contractor, who seems generally to sift it and clean it of seed before retailing it.

Miscellaneous information.
259. Witness (5) from the Upper Sind Frontier, while stating that ganja and charas are not prepared in the province, gives in an appendix some information regarding the preparation of these drugs elsewhere, which may be shortly noted. Ganja is prepared, he says, by burying the flower heads in a pit four or five feet deep coated with goats' dung. The pit is filled in for fifteen or twenty days, after which the ganja is taken out and sold. The consumer picks off the smokable part, crushes it, heats it on a cinder, makes it into small lumps or cakes, and smokes it in a huka. Charas is collected by people walking to and fro through the bhang plants with greased leather coats on, and also by going clothed only in a loin cloth with their bodies smeared with oil. The latter process is followed, he says, in the Native States of India. He also mentions a process resembling that noticed in the Punjab, by which the dust made by beating the plant is collected on cloth. He stales that this process is peculiar to Afghanistan: "And the charas imported from there is well known for its pale green colour, and is highly appreciated."

Preparation of fibre.
260. It is interesting also to note that two or three witnesses, Mr. Giles being one, report the preparation of fibre from the hemp grown in Sind. Mr. Giles says: "Sometimes, but very rarely, the thick stalks of the plant are placed in water to rot, and with great labour rope or twine is made from them by individual persons for special purposes; but the plant is never grown for the use of its fibre or of its seed only." Witness (14) states that: "The bhang plant stalks are usually buried in soft wet mud for a few days instead of being soaked in water, as in the case of the sihata or the ak." The fibre production seems to be very limited in amount, but it is worth special notice because this is the only mention of its occurrence below the Himalayas in the evidence collected by the Commission.

261. The official memorandum gives the following description of the preparation of ganja in Berar. It is very imperfect, and Berar. the process probably resembles closely that followed in the Deccan or Khandwa: "The small outer branches are stripped off and put in towards the centre of the plant, which is then pressed with the foot (to flatten the heads), made up into sheaves, and stacked in a shed under pressure, the heaps being opened and the sheaves moved now and then to prevent their getting too hot. The leaves fall off when the plants are tied into bundles. They are collected and called bhang. The bare stalks remain with the heads in them." One witness (23) mentions the preparation by burying, which has been mentioned elsewhere. Witnesses (10) and (9) say that the crop is trodden by bullocks, which seems very improbable. It is clear that the bhang locally prepared is simply the refuse from the manufacture of ganja.

Ajmere.
262. There is nothing to show that the plant in Ajmere is subjected to anything more than a process of drying to produce bhang.

Coorg.
263. From Coorg it is stated that the female plants are cut down and exposed to the sun for a day. They are then collected into bundles and exposed to the sun by day and dew by night for three days, after which they are wrapped up in coarse cloths or kamblis, and so preserved. It is to be remembered that the cultivation consists only of the surreptitious rearing of plants on a small scale.

Baluchistan.
264. There is no information from Baluchistan.

265. There is no information that the ganja of the Shan country is prepared Burma. by any other process than drying. A specimen of Kachin ganja was forwarded to the Commission, and consisted of bundles of flower tops and leaves loosely rolled together. It looked like the produce of the wild plant.

Mysore.
266. The details of information describing the preparation of ganja in Mysore. sore are limited to drying in the sun and tying into bundles. Mr. McDonnell's memorandum does not give a description of the Mysore practice. What he says about the Vellore and Cocanada samples agrees with what has been learnt from Mr. Benson's bulletin.

267. The Director of Agriculture and Commerce gives a description of the Hyderabad. preparation of ganja which does not differ from the method pursued in the Bombay Deccan. Bhang is the leaf and other litter which falls away in the manufacture of ganja.

268. Such cultivation as exists in Rajputana, both regular and scattered, Rajputana. seems to be chiefly directed to the production of bhang. Jhallawar, however, reports a production of 165 maunds of ganja, and some of the superior drug appears to be turned out in Serohi also. An inferior sort, called makuria ganja, is spoken of in Marwar, but appears to be little better than the female flowers of a bhang crop of the ordinary kind. It is stated in the Jaisalmir report that the ganja produced there is never prepared by treading, and from other places that the drug, whatever it may be, undergoes no process but drying. One informant states that charas is supposed to be prepared chiefly by the Bhils in Jodhpur. No foundation for this statement can be discovered. Fakirs may rub the heads of the plants they have grown in their lands and get a little charas occasionally; but even that seems improbable, as it requires a great deal of flower head to make a reasonable quantity of charas.

269. Mr. Gunion's memorandum furnishes an account of the manufacture of ganja in Indore and Dewas. The processes com¬ prise the same three principal features as elsewhere, viz., drying, kneading with the feet, and removal of leaf. They occupy three or four days. In Indore the manufactured produce is kept under pressure till sold. From the description of the preparation of bhang in these States, it would seem that it is made from a crop grown for seed or bhang and not from the ganja crop. The plants are bodily dried and threshed, and the seeds are separated from "the crushed leaves and tender twigs, which are called bhang." It seems that "no charas is prepared in Central India except a little in the Bhopawar Agency for the personal use of the cultivators, or for presents from them to religious mendicants." The method of preparation is thus described by the Political Agent of Bhopawar: "Charas is prepared by rubbing ganja (sometimes mixed with bhang) violently for several hours on rough woollen blankets, which afterwards are scraped with a knife. The substance thus scraped off is first class charas. An inferior kind is then obtained by washing the blanket with the least possible amount of water, and then evaporating the liquid." The report of Gopal Ram at the close of the North-Western Provinces memorandum contains no information of special interest regarding the preparation of the drugs in Gwalior except that relating to charas as a bye-product of ganja cultivation. "A certain amount of charas is obtained in this (Gwalior) State by scraping off the resin which adheres to the hands in cutting the ganja plant. In tahsil Antri cultivators do not care much about the charas. In tahsil Kolarus, district Narwar, I hear charas is obtained in small quantities by the same process as in Kumaon and Garhwal."
 
Central India. Baroda.
270. Bhang alone is prepared in the Baroda State. It is of the same kind and prepared by the same processes as are found in the Gujarat Division of the Bombay Presidency.

271. The Governor of Jammu reports that neither ganja nor charas are made there, but only bhang. The Governor of Kashmir Kashmir gives an account in which the names of the three drugs are confused. He says first: "Almost all wild hemp, which is called talia in the Punjab, and is generally female plant in the above-mentioned tahsils, is used for the preparation of ganja locally known by name gard bhang (chura charas)." And further on— "The leaves of the hemp plant are trodden under foot, and cleaned by sieves to prepare gard bhang, and the process is continued until the leaves are reduced to powder and seed separated." This describes the preparation of bhang, pure and simple; but apparently this article is known by the three names—ganja, gard bhang, or chura charas. And "it would appear that this is the stuff which is occasionally smoked. Fakirs and a few Muhammadans and Pandits of the Srinagar city and towns smoke gard bhang (churn charas)........................ The total number of persons who do smoke ganja is, etc". Another informant says: "Charas is prepared in the capital cities and is termed garda," and he does not know if bhang is prepared. The preparation of garda is described, and finishes with the reduction of the material to a "resinous powder." The manufacture of garda or charas by the method given in the "Punjab Products" is not described by either of the only three informants. It is probable that charas is made by a further elaboration from the garda charas spoken of above which is practically bhang powdered to a state of more than common fineness, and that ganja is a name borrowed from India without any correct idea of its meaning beyond that it signifies the female plant. It may be noted that the price of garda bhang, three pice per tola, given in the Governor of Kashmir's report, is very high for simple bhang, and seems to indicate that the article is more like charas.

272. The manner of preparing ganja in Nepal is somewhat peculiar. The Darbar answers report that "when the plant is in the lata state, it is cut down and kept in the dew for about a week, and after that each lata is separately wrapped in a piece of fine plantain bark, and, being tightly tied with string, is put by. Some people flatten it by pressing it under a piece of tát (gunny). Two or three days after this it becomes fit for use." The manufacture of charas is thus described: "The ganja plant exudes a thin gummy water. That plant is squeezed between the palms of both hands, and the gummy substance which sticks to the hands is scraped into a vessel, and is called charas." Nepal ganja, Mr. Stoker states, is introduced in small quantity into the North-Western Provinces. Nepal charas is, on the same authority, of superior quality, though the Darbar answers say that Yarkand charas is preferred in Nepal. The Deputy Commissioner of Bahraich in the report attached to Mr. Stoker's memorandum states that the export of charas from Nipalganj is about 50 maunds, and that some years ago a very much larger quantity was imported into British territory. The latter statement is confirmed by evidence from Bengal, which shows that Nepal charas is now almost superseded by the drug which comes Nepal through the Punjab. Mr. Stoker reports that some of it passes into British Kumaon and Garhwal.

Summary.
273. It will be seen from the above detailed description that bhang, whether produced by the cultivated or wild plant, is prepared by simple drying. The processes by which ganja is prepared consist of pressing, drying, and removal of leaf. The manufacture is most perfect in Bengal. In other provinces it is not characterized by the same degree of care, and one or other of the three essential features of the manufacture is more or less neglected. Ganja collected from the wild plant and from the bhang crops of Sind, and probably also that yielded by stray cultivation, is simply dried. There are only two methods of preparing charas which appear to be used when the drug is produced on any considerable scale, viz., that by rubbing the flower heads with the hands as in Kumaon and Nepal, and that described as being practised in Yarkand, which may be called the garda method, and consists in beating the plant over cloth, and manipulating the dust that is thus deposited. The collection of the resin adhering to hands and implements in the course of harvesting ganja is worth remembering, for it is proved in Gwalior and Bombay. The practice of the Malwa Bhils is perhaps established. Other methods are unimportant, and the common report that charas is collected by men dressed in leather moving about in the hemp crops has not been definitely located. It is doubtful if this device is employed anywhere in India.
The results of the analyses of various samples of the drugs, which have been prepared at the request of the Commission, are shown in Vol. III Appendices.

Deterioration of hemp drugs.
274. Regarding the question whether hemp drugs deteriorate or not by keeping, the Commission, for reasons which will be explained later, are unable to state definitely the precise period for which the drugs will retain unimpaired their full narcotic power under ordinary conditions of storage. A large number of witnesses have tendered evidence relative to the question whether hemp drugs deteriorate or not by keeping. The general tenor of the evidence is to the effect that the fresher the drugs, the better. Regarding ganja, Mr. K. G. Gupta, Excise Commissioner, Bengal, states that the drug is "much valued during the first year; less so in two years—in fact, is not sold after the first year if new ganja is available; absolutely unsaleable after two years." Two years may perhaps be assigned as the limit during which the drug is popularly believed to retain its narcotic properties without any very material impairment. Some witnesses, however, give a longer period. The retention of properties without deterioration of course very largely depends on the care exercised in storage. Bhang being relatively far cheaper than the other hemp drugs, and owing to its being easily procurable for the mere plucking in a large number of districts, is probably not stored to the same extent as ganja. Mr. Gupta appears to place the limit for retention of properties between three and four years; and he makes an interesting remark to the effect that the value of bhang as a medicine is enhanced by age. Salig Ram, Punjab Witness No. 88, a drug contractor, states that freshly cut bhang produces great heat and is very intoxicating, while in the third year its intoxicating properties are lessened, and it goes bad. Regarding the keeping properties of charas, the information must necessarily be inexact, as it is an imported article, and it is practically impossible for the real age of any particular sample to be known. From its physical properties charas admits of being readily adulterated, and the strikingly marked differences in the physiological value of charas resin as determined by Dr. Evans would also appear to support this view. From the various modes which appear to be adopted for the preparation of commercial charas, it must always be a drug of more or less uncertain composition, and not undeserving of the appellation — "A foul and crude drug, the use of which is properly excluded from civilized medicine," which was applied to it by the famous pharmacologists Flückiger and Hanbury. Some witnesses appear to consider that charas is perhaps more stable than ganja. Gujar Mal, Punjab Witness No. 93, a drug vendor for twenty years, states that charas is very strong during the first year; after that it gradually loses its strength until the fourth year, when it becomes quite useless. Some witnesses refer to the deterioration being more rapid in the plains than at hill stations. A witness refers to charas produced in Bokhara which can be kept for six years in India without going bad.

Causes of deterioration.
275. The causes of the deterioration of ganja and bhang are usually ascribed to (a) damp and natural decay; (b) ravages of insects, and also popularly (c) to volatilization of the narcotic principle. Regarding the two first causes of deterioration, they are common to all vegetable substances; but the third cause is not tenable because hemp resin on which the narcotic property of the drug depends is non-volatile. There is no doubt, however, that by prolonged exposure to air the aroma of the drug is dissipated to a considerable extent, the aroma being due to the presence of a volatile oil. The popular view of the value of ganja is based on its physical appearance, and very largely also on its aroma; but it does not necessarily follow that because the aroma has been lost, the drug is therefore weaker in narcotic property; but it may be less pleasant to smoke than ganja which has retained its bouquet. The mere effluxion of time without other disturbing factor, such as damp, as a cause of the impairment in the narcotic value of the drug is a point of some interest. In medical circles there is a fairly general idea that the extract of Cannabis indica is an uncertain drug, and this is believed to be due to variations in age of the preparations which have been prescribed. This assumption may or may not be correct. Dr. Evans' experiments indicate that the physiological values of similar doses of all alcoholic resinous extracts from various ganjas are not the same, and, moreover, individual idiosyncrasy on the part of the patients as influencing the action of the drug has perhaps not been always recollected. The alleged diminution in power of the drug by ellluxion of time might be ascribed as being really due to a slow oxidation process, and that this might readily occur in ganja is explicable. But as regards the extract of Cannabis indica, direct oxidation would only occur superficially in the stratum exposed to air. But there is no evidence of any value to prove that ganja, which has been carefully protected from damp, and say five years old, is not as active physiologically as the fresh drug. The value of ganja for use has always hitherto been determined solely by its physical appearances. With evidence of mould and the effects of continued damp, the physical appearances are sufficient for an opinion to be arrived at; but when those signs of deterioration are absent, mere loss of aroma, in the form of tabloids lessens deterioration by exposing a smaller surface to the action of damp and air. The proposed system would also lessen very materially the bulk to be stored and facilitate transport. It would most certainly prevent to a great extent volatilization of the essential oil on which so much of the popular commercial value of the drug depends, and it would also to a great extent prevent the illicit drug from passing into the market. 

EXTRACT FROM MEMORANDUM REGARDING GANJA AND ITS PREPARATIONS IN MYSORE BY MR. J. G. MCDONNELL, SPECIAL ASSISTANT EXCISE COMMISSIONER IN MYSORE
1. Ganja.-There are three varieties of ganja, which are or have been utilized in the Province of Mysore:— (a) Mulki or Kulli Ganja—sample in bottle marked (A).—See para. II, clause (2), above for a description of the plant and para. III (a) for mode of cultivation, &c. As a rule the tiny leaflets are picked out by hand from the tops or agglutinated spikes as they appear when the plant is growing and the leaves are only seen on the larger branches and stems. The sample sent was not preserved by a professional cultivator, and clearly appears to have been prematurely removed from the plant, as the leaflets are apparent and large instead of being absent. The tops or agglutinated spikes are pinched off after heavy dew has fallen. In the sample sent it has been pressed instead of being preserved as usual in spikes. It will thus be seen that in good mulki or kulli ganja there should be very few or no tendrils at all: the resin, the flower, the ripe fruit, and a few immature seed all combined constituting the drug. The price is Rs. 75 to 80 per maund of 25 lbs. The ganja, when moistened with dew or water, is clammy to the touch as the resin is thus partially dissolved. The tops or agglutinated spikes when plucked are then put into a pot, the mouth secured against the action of the air with cloth covered with a coat of moistened clay and preserved for use. Thus treated and preserved from the action of the air, damp, etc., it retains all its virtues for a very long while. In one chemist's shop I saw the ganja preserved in a large glass stoppered jar. In another I observed the "tincture" to be kept in a crystal stoppered bottle, while the "extract" was kept in a loosely covered porcelain cup. In the latter case it must necessarily lose its virtues sooner than in the two former. In out-lying villages, where it is not pressed, it is exposed to the sun for three days, modified to suit the circumstances in Mysore, and then made into bundles, each containing twenty-four stalks 12 to 18 inches long with the tops or agglutinated spikes attached thereto as originally severed from the plant. (b) Vellore Ganja—sample in bottle marked (B).—This ganja is imported from the Vellore district in the Madras Presidency. It is obtained as the "kulli" is in Mysore, but the tops or agglutinated spikes appear to embrace a large number of the smaller leaflets. These tops or agglutinated spikes are spread out on a date mat and packed quite closely together. Another mat is then placed over this and heavy flat stones laid thereon to compress the drug into flat cakes half an inch or so thick and several inches wide. The ganja is then made into parcels of two and a half maunds each, which are covered over with goni (hemp) cloth. It is then ready for the market. It is not so much appreciated as the "kulli" or "mulki" ganja. There is a good deal of powdered ganja added in packing. This is generally due to some of the larger leaflets being utilized; but more frequently the parcels made up by the cultivator are opened by the " chetti," trader, and some of the rejected powder obtained from the retail dealer inserted between the cakes. The rejected powder is a regular item of trade for this fraudulent purpose. The presence of the resin is not so marked in the Vellore ganja as in the "kulli" or "mulki" ganja. In many cases I was informed the resin or charas has been extracted by the application of warm water applied over the mats and then dried to prevent its becoming mouldy. (c) Coconada Ganja—sample in bottle marked (C).—The spikes have been removed from the stalks. They seem fresh. This ganja is imported from the district of Coconadain Her Majesty's territory. When the ganja has become matured branches 6 to 9 inches long are wrenched off. A large goni-bag, about five feet long, to one end of which another circular piece of goni three feet in diameter has been stitched on, is provided. Into this goni-bag the ganja branches with the tops or agglutiuated spikes on, after being dried, are thrown in and two men trample them down. Another armful of ganja is then thrown in and trampled down; and so on till the bag is quite full. The bag holds about 10 to 12 maunds. The upper opening is then closed in with branches of the ganja plant with hemp cords passed through and laced to the edges of the goni-bag. It is thus easily tampered with en route. From the careless manner in which the drug is gathered, the larger leaflets are utilized. The longer it is kept the darker the colour becomes. The light green colour observed in the fresher stuff is generally absent in the drug imported into Mysore. The price is Rs. 3 to 4 per maund delivered in Bangalore. This is the rate when purchased from the producer (see para. III (b) under Cultivation). 2. Charas.—This is the concentrated resin exudation collected from the leaves and tops or agglutinated spikes of the ganja plant. Men dressed in complete leather suits pass through the ganja fields rubbing and crushing themselves roughly against the plants early in the morning, just after sunrise and when a fall of dew has taken place. The gummy matter is then scraped off from the leather suits and forms the ganja-resin of commerce. There are other ways of collecting the resin, either by rubbing the leaves between the palms of the hand or over a cloth, and then collecting the resin deposited from the leaves, &c., which in that case is naturally mixed with the chaff. To test the vitality of the drug a pinch of ganja is placed in the palm of the left hand and pulverized with the thumb of the right hand, and a little water is then added. If the powder becomes adhesive and can be formed into a ball, it is good. If not, it is mere chaff, especially if it appears stale and mouldy and is dark in colour and the drug has lost its characteristic odour.

Individual witness statements.

Individial witness responses (not exhaustive) to the above questions are as follows:

14. (a) Ganja in the parts above designated, the crop being generally six to eight thousand maunds. The highest since 1877-78 is 9,448 maunds in that year, and the lowest 3,768 in the year following. Last year it was 7,575. (b) None made. (c) Bhang is chiefly grown in Bhagalpur and Monghyr. 15. I can add nothing to the information given by Dr. Prain. 16.( a)Y es. (b) Yes. (c) No. By this reply, I mean that the amount of resin in the wild plant is so small as to be practically of no use as ganja or charas. 18. I agree with what Dr. Prain has written on this point. Ganja is absolutely useless, as now kept, after two years. The result of Dr. Prain's experiments will prove whether it will keep under other conditions. - Evidence of the HON'BLE MR. D. R. LYALL, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue, Calcutta


14. This is answered in the annual report by the Commissioner of Excise. 15. For the preparation of ganja see Watt's Dictionary. It is smoked with tobacco. Half a tola will last a smoker three or four days. For the preparation of bhang, the information noted by Mr. Fraser at Naihati is correct, so far as I know. 16. (a) I am not sure about this. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. All of them deteriorate. Ganja and bhang lose their effect in time. I am not sure about charas. By the time the new crop comes into the ware-houses, last year's ganja is not worth much. Damp, I should say, causes deterioration. It gets mouldy. Air-tight cases, of course, delay deterioration. I never tried oven-drying. I should think it would destroy the flavour.  - Evidence of MR. E. V. WESTMACOTT, Commissioner, Presidency Division; late Commissioner of Excise, Bengal


14. All under Government supervision in the Rajshahi District. (a) and (c) Also in the Tributary States of Orissa. 15. I know nothing of the methods of preparation. Ganja is smoked. Siddhi is drunk and sometimes smoked. Charas is smoked. The ganja that I have seen exposed for sale in the Tributary State of Dhenkanal, appeared to be sun dried. 16. Yes. This is probably the case in Bengal, Behar and Orissa, where its preparation is illegal; but in the Tributary Mahals it is: I have seen it exposed for sale in the bazar. So far as I know, bhang can be produced from the wild plant; also ganja and charas. 18. Undoubtedly all deteriorate, and I believe lose their effect in about one year. I believe damp is the chief cause of deterioration; but under the most favourable circumstances, it deteriorates by lapse of time. A dry well ventilated store-room is believed to be most favourable for its preservation.  - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division.


14. (a) In Bengal ganja is, as described above, prepared only in Naogaon and the parts of Bogra and Dinajpur that lie adjacent. (b) Charas is very little, if at all, consumed in this district, and is manufactured, I understand, entirely in Nepal and some parts of the North-Western Provinces, from where it is imported into Calcutta and other consuming districts under cover of an import pass No. 121 issued by the Collector, and distributed to places where it is in demand. The importer brings the quantity passed by the Collector, and duty upon it is realised at R8 per seer, half before the issue of pass and half after the charas arrives. Bhang, I understand, can be and is used by many persons in every district of Bengal. The leaves of the wild plant are taken, dried and pounded, and then mixed with sugar and water, and taken in a draught. Any one can make this "sherbet" for himself. For this kind of use the Bhagalpur and Monghyr bhang is generally preferred. For purposes of taxation these dried leaves are called siddhi. A licensed vendor, authorized to sell, collects the leaves in the presence of an excise officer deputed by the Collector to attend when an application to be allowed to collect bhang is made to him. Duty is paid at 8 annas a seer according to weight. In siddhi-consuming districts the importer, a licensed vendor, stores siddhi in a warehouse, and pays duty for the quantity he takes out. There is no appreciable consumption of siddhi in Rajshahi. 15. I can speak with authority only of ganja, and this can be produced from the cultivated plant only. Ganja is used only for smoking, generally with an admixture of tobacco—to take off, it is said, the harshness of the inhalation. There are three recognised sorts of ganja manufactured for excise purposes, viz., flat, round, and chur. The two processes of the manufacture of flat and of round ganja vary in some matters of detail. After the plants are matured, they are cut for manufacture and removed from the field to the chatar, i.e., manufacturing ground. There the plants are cut into lengths of about 2 ft. each, and are then exposed to the sun and dew. So far, the process is the same in the preparation of flat or round. For manufacture of flat ganja, on the second day those plants which appear to have sufficiently withered are collected and placed layer upon layer in the form of a circle with a diameter of about 4 ft. Two or more men tread upon the ganja twigs thus stacked, with a view to compress them into a flat shape. This process is repeated at intervals of two to three hours, when the stalks are broken and exposed to the sun. Towards the close of the day the twigs are all arranged on mats in a line, and the men commence pressing them from the bottom to the top, care being taken to hold the twigs firmly under the sole of one foot. For the night the twigs are kept upright (by aid of a bamboo pole placed horizontally) on the ground and are covered with a mat. On the third day the twigs are placed together in a new stack, and kept under pressure for some time. The twigs are again taken out and again exposed to the sun. The leaves are then carefully brushed or scraped off by means of the feet, after which the manufacture is completed and the twigs are tied into bundles of two sorts, viz., flat large twigs and flat small twigs. The broken bits that drop off during the process are collected as chur. For manufacture of round ganja, on the second day the plants are rolled under the sole of the feet. When they acquire a rounded form they are exposed to the sun; and as soon as they become a little dried, they are taken up and pressed hard with the hands to give them a completely round shape. This is repeated several times until sunset. The twigs are tied up in loose bundles and kept under the cover of a mat for the night. On the third day, after 10 A.M., the bundles are untied and the twigs are exposed to the sun piece by piece. They are then taken up and pressed again with the hands and then laid bare and exposed to the sun till they become quite dried. Next the twigs are broken into lengths of 8 to 10 inches, and the bundles are tied together at the end, the bottom being cut uniformly. The ganja is then kept under the cover of a mat for the night. Some time after the bundles are made, the superfluous leaves are scraped off by the application of a stick cut and sharpened to an edge. The manufacture is then complete. The broken bits that fall off during the manufacture are collected as chur, also called rora. The leaves are always rejected. The chur is, I understand, nothing but the broken bits of flower that break off in the process of manufacture. I believe that the ganja leaf, i.e., the leaf of the cultivated plant, does not contain intoxicant property, and could not make bhang or siddhi. 16. Yes, from the wild plant, wherever it grows. No ganja or charas can possibly be manufactured from the wild hemp plant. This is my own individual opinion; but before committing myself to it, I have made inquiry from those who know about ganja, and I am told that the wild plant cannot produce ganja. I understand that this is due to the absence of flower. It is possible that by a little manipulation at a certain stage in its growth, some flower might be produced in the wild plant. But if it does thus flower, the produce would certainly be much less potent than the usual excise ganja. 17. Answered already. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It is not accounted to be worth much after two years. In three or four years it is fit only to be thrown away. In this respect it resembles tobacco. Like tobacco, were it compressed and enclosed in hermetically sealed tins, the progress of deterioration might be retarded. But under the present conditions it is kept exposed to all sorts of atmospheric changes, and loses what may be called its fragrance and aroma very soon. - Evidence of MR. J. C. PRICE, Magistrate and Collector, Rajshahi


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared in this district. It is suspected that in a very few instances leaves of wild hemp plant are used as bhang. But the consumption of the so prepared bhang is very inconsiderable. 15. The leaves of wild hemp plants are consumed after being ground into a paste and then dissolved in water and drunk. 16. Here bhang is not generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. On enquiry made it appears that charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant, but ganja of very inferior quality may sometimes be prepared. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang do deteriorate by keeping. They quite lose their effect after two years; with ordinary care they can be kept good for one year. By long keeping they lose the resinous matter and consequently their narcotic power; deterioration after two years cannot be prevented by any special measure.  - Evidence of MR. F. H. BARROW, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura.


14. Bhang is made from the wild plants. The average production is estimated at 200 to 300 maunds a year. Question 14 [oral evidence].—In this answer I was speaking of Shahabad with reference to the estimate of production of bhang. I have seen the wild hemp plant in flower. It seems to me to resemble that of the cultivated plant, but in miniature. The wild plant is much smaller than the cultivated plant 15. When the plants have attained a height of 2 to 3 feet, they are cut and sun-dried. They are then beaten with sticks to separate the leaves from the twigs. The dried leaves constitute bhang, and it is used either as the basis of an infusion or a sweetmeat. It is not smoked. 16. It is made generally by excise vendors at their homes. Yes, it can be prepared from any species of hemp. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by long keeping. They dry up and lose their power of intoxication. Deterioration arises from damp, the ravages of rats and the length of time during which the drug is stored. If tin-lined air-tight boxes are used, the drug can be kept for years.  -  Evidence of MR. F. H. B. SKRINE, Magistrate and Collector of Bhagalpur.


14. (a) Ganja in three or four villages in Thana Mahadebpur. (b) No. (c) Yes. 16. Yes; it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Ganja only deteriorates by keeping, but neither bhang nor charas. Yes, ganja loses its resinous substance after about two years, its rapid deterioration being due to its susceptibility to dampness. It can be kept in a good condition if protected from dampness. - Evidence of MR. A. C. TUTE, Magistrate and Collector of Dinajpur.


14. (a) In the Rajshahi, Bogra and Dinajpur districts. (b) No. (c) Illicitly prepared in this district, but the quantity is very small. 15. Only from cultivated plants different sorts of ganja are manufactured. I do not know much about the preparation of ganja and charas. Siddhi or bhang is prepared illicitly from the wild plants. The leaves are removed from the plants when they are flowering and then dried in the sun. After this process it is powdered and drunk after mixing it with water, milk, sugar, and spices. Ganja and charas are only smoked, generally after mixing with tobacco. Question 15. [oral evidence]—My statement regarding the preparation of siddhi from the wild plant applies to the 24-Parganas, where it certainly grows. The plant grows freely in all the alluvial districts. I am informed that it does not grow in the laterite districts. But I cannot vouch for that. I cannot say at present when the crop comes up. I understand that the plant should not be used before paying duty. Therefore I call this preparation illicit. I believe that for a person even to prepare a small quantity and use it without paying duty is illicit. We have specially licensed shops for the sale of siddhi in the 24-Parganas. Apart from the sum paid for the license-fees there is a direct duty on siddhi. That is, the stuff is sold from the godowns in Calcutta; and I understand that the price includes duty. 16. (a) Prepared to a very small extent in this district. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. The drugs deteriorate by keeping and lose their effect in time. Ganja and siddhi keep two or three years and charas four to five years. The evaporation of narcotic matter causes deterioration. If the drug is kept hermetically sealed in tin boxes, I think it might prevent deterioration.  -  Evidence of the HON'BLE F. R. S. COLLIER, Magistrate and Collector, 24-Parganas.


14. No. 18. All. They lose their effects in time, and keep good with ordinary care for a year only. Causes of deterioration have not been ascertained, and no preventive measures suggested.  - Evidence of MR, C. R. MARINDIN, Magistrate and Collector of Shahabad.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. See official note. 15. As regards preparation of ganja see H. C. Ker's report. No ganja is made from the wild hemp plant. Bhang does not require any special preparation. The plant is cut down and allowed to dry for a day or two. The leaves are then shaken off and collected with bits of flowers. These are kept in bags and used as bhang. Bhang is collected for the market in Monghyr, Bhagalpur and Purnea and stored in the licensed golas of the two firstnamed districts, which supply the whole province. The plant germinates after the rains and comes to maturity in the following May. Bhang is gathered in that month and also in June and July. Ganja and charas are always smoked and bhang is always drunk. Majum, which is a confection made from bhang, is eaten. Siddhi kachauri is a kind of fritter in which bhang is used. 16. (a) Bhang in small quantities is generally made by the people in their houses, especially where the wild plant is abundant, as in the rural areas of certain districts. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Ganja— Deteriorates by keeping. Fresher the better. Most valued during first year: less so in two years; in fact, is not sold after the first year if new ganja is available; absolutely unsaleable after the two years; this with ordinary care, without which deterioration may take place earlier. Damp and natural decay cause deterioration. Precaution is taken against damp. The question of preserving the active principle of the drug is under consideration with reference to Dr. Prain's recent enquiries. Bhang— Narcotic property deteriorates, but the value of bhang as a medicine is enhanced by age. Three to four years. Old bhang is much esteemed as a palliative in bowel complaints. Charas keeps longer than ganja.  - Evidence of MR. K. G. GUPTA, Commissioner of Excise, Bengal


14. (a) No. (b) No. (c) Neither ganja nor charas is prepared in this district. Ganja and charas are used for purposes of smoking only. They are never drunk. The ganja leaves extracted from the twig are crushed and mixed with tobacco leaves. These are then put into a pipe and smoked. Sometimes these leaves are eaten just like tobacco leaves. Powdered bhang is sometimes eaten by the sanyasis. It is generally drunk mixed with the following spices:—Black pepper, sugar, rose leaf, aniseed, cardamom, and milk or curd. 15. Not known. 16. (a) Yes. b) Yes. (c) No. 18. All these drugs deteriorate by keeping, and lose their effect after about two years. After two years a sort of worm appears, which eats up the intoxicating matter of the ganja. Ganja, if used after two years, will produce headache and will not act as stimulant. No special measure known can prevent deterioration. - Evidence of MR. L. HARE, Magistrate and Collector of Muzaffarpur.


14. Bhang only is prepared in this district from wild hemp (vide Question 3). It is not confined to any particular tract, nor is it prepared to a considerable extent; only rarely people have recourse to it. 15. The plants (wild bhang) when mature are cut down and dried in the sun. The leaves are then separated from the branches and prepared for smoking, eating, or drinking as detailed below:— (a) Smoking—Dry leaf of bhang is used for smoking purposes, like ganja, by poor peasants and fakirs of some places where ganja is not within the reach of the consumers. The cases are few. (b) Eating—Dry leaves of bhang are ground with black pepper and swallowed in the form of pills. (c) Drinking—The above preparation in (b) is diluted with water and drunk. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever it grows. 18. Ganja.—It does deteriorate. It entirely loses its effect in time. It keeps good with ordinary care for about two years. When it is old and kept for some time, it loses its effect. Damp climate and want of ventilation make it lose its effect rapidly. When placed above the surface of the ground or in tin-lined boxes and in ventilated places, rapid deterioration can be averted. Bhang.—It does not deteriorate for about two years. It begins to lose its effect after two years. It keeps good with ordinary care for about three years. The causes of deterioration are the same as of ganja. To prevent deterioration the same special measure may be taken as for ganja. Charas.—It is never used in this district.  - Evidence of MR. G. E. MANISTY, Magistrate and Collector of Saran


14. Yes, but I can give no details of my own knowledge. 18. Ganja deteriorates if kept over a year and loses its strength. The same rule applies to charas and siddhi.  - Evidence of MR. J. KENNEDY, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad.


14. (a) Very seldom. (b) Never. (c) Bhang is generally prepared in this district from the wild hemp. 15. The bhang from the wild plant is usually prepared by letting the branches or leaves dry in the sun and then storing these up. A more costly method of preparation is boiling the leaves with milk and water. The leaves are afterwards dried in the sun and stored. This practice is resorted to by few only. In rare instances the dried leaves are smoked when sometimes they are mixed with ganja. Bhang is commonly drunk. The drink is prepared by grinding the bhang leaves with bhang massala, a compound consisting of the following ingredients, and by making a dilution of the paste: —Coriander, black-pepper, salt, sugar, cucumber seed, kahu, kasni, gokkhur kánta, aniseed, poppyseeds, rose petal, dhatura roots. The latter is sometimes made into pills and eaten or swallowed with water. To add to its flavour, rose-water or attar, cocoanut water, or the juice of its kernel are blended with the mixture. Ganja is smoked with tobacco leaves. Ganja is sometimes added as a remedy against coughing. 16. (a) Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. (b) Yes. (c) No. As far as is known here. 18. These drugs deteriorate by keeping, and lose their effect in time. Ganja keeps for 2 years; charas for one year; and bhang one year. The cause of deterioration of ganja and charas is the drying of the resinous substance. Bhang is liable to be eaten by worms. To prevent rapid deterioration, ganja should be packed with straws and kept in gunny bags in dry warehouses.  - Evidence of MR. T. L. JENKINS, Magistrate and Collector of Dacca.


14. Ganja is prepared under official control in Rajshahi and the neighbouring districts. I have never seen charas, and know nothing of it. Bhang, meaning hemp tea, is prepared in Orissa. I cannot give figures showing how much is prepared of each. 16. I think that bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. I think it is generally prepared from the male hemp plant. A sort of ganja is prepared from the wild plant wherever grown, but except when prepared from female hemp it is very weak. 18. Ganja, I know, deteriorates by keeping, but I cannot answer the other questions - Evidence of MR. H. F. T. MAGUIRE, Magistrate and Collector of Khulna


14. Vide answer above. 16. In the Bettiah sub-division it was usually reported that the people used the wild bhang as a medicine for cattle. 18. These drugs deteriorate by keeping, and quite lose their effect in time. They will keep with care up to about two years. Damp affects them most injuriously. Deterioration can be prevented by keeping the drugs in tin-lined boxes in dry properly-built godowns. - Evidence of MR. W. R. BRIGHT, Deputy Commissioner of Palámau


14. No. 15. None prepared in this district. 16. None prepared in this district. 18. I have no experience. Vendors say that ganja deteriorates within a year, and quite loses its intoxicating quality in three or four years. Exposure is said to be the cause.  - Evidence of MR. N. K. BOSE, Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Noakhali.


14, 15, 16. Ganja, charas, and bhang are imported and not made in this district; that is to say, the dried leaf from which the decoction or infusion called bhang is made is imported. Bhang could be prepared from the leaves of the wild plant, and in fact, as will appear from the section of the Excise Manual quoted above, it ordinarily is so. 18. The drugs lose their narcotic properties, as ordinarily kept, in little more than a year. Ganja is kept in tin-lined chests in dry golas, but the Board of Revenue are conducting experiments to see if it will keep better if hermetically sealed.  - Evidence of MR. L. P. SHIRRES, Magistrate and Collector of Midnapur.


14. Not in this district. 15. See answer to question 14. 16. No bhang is sold by licensed vendors and is not prepared generally by the people. It can however be prepared from the wild hemp plant, but it is doubtful whether the people use it. It is generally given to cattle suffering from disease. 18. Ganja and bhang do deteriorate by keeping, and lose their effect after about six months. Dampness of soil and exposure to air cause deterioration. They arek eptt iedu p in bundles ofs traw,t hen packed up ins acksw hich are again kept in tin-lined wooden boxes - Evidence of MR. J. H. BERNARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Nadia


14. (a) Ganja is prepared in the tract where the ganja plant is grown. (b) Charas is not prepared in the plains of Bengal. (c) Bhang is prepared by people for their own consumption from the leaves of the wild plant. 15. Ganja is prepared from the cultivated plant in the manner described in the report of Babu Hem Chunder Ker. The ganja so prepared is used for smoking. I am informed that it is also occasionally used for eating; but this is rare. Bhang in this district is prepared by the con¬ sumers in their own homes from the leaves of the wild plant. I am informed that the leaves are boiled in milk and then dried, and subsequently pounded, and from the pounded leaves an emul¬ sion is made with milk and sugar. There are also other methods of preparing the drink, but I have not got accurate information about the details. I am informed that ganja smokers sometimes smoke bhang leaves when they cannot get ganja, but this is exceptional. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the consumers in their houses. In districts where bhang is sold the first stage of preparation of the leaves is carried out by the vendor, but the drink is always prepared by the consumers at home. In the plains of Bengal bhang can always be prepared from the hemp plant wherever found. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. After two or three years it loses its effect completely. With ordinary care it will keep good for a year. Exposure to the atmosphere appears to be the cause of deterioration. It might perhaps be preserved longer if kept in air-tight cases, but I am not aware that the experiment has been tried - Evidence of MR. A. E. HARWARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector,

14. No. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It retains its properties for about two years from date of its preparation if kept with ordinary care. Dryage of the resinous substance is the cause of deterioration. No means are known here to prevent deterioration. Regarding charas nothing is known, as it is not used in this district. Siddhi is a little more durable than ganja. In the case of ganja people prefer to have fresh ganja, while in the case of siddhi they prefer stuff two or three years old. Siddhi also deteriorates by dryage and consequent breakage - Evidence of COLONEL C. H. GARBETT, Deputy Commissioner of Hazaribagh


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are imported into this district (Manbhum), but not produced or prepared here. 15. I have no personal knowledge. 16. Bhang is not ordinarily prepared by the people in their own houses. It has generally to be bought. But it can be obtained from the hemp plant (uncultivated) wherever it grows. But ganja and charas cannot, I believe, be prepared. 18. Ganja, which is principally used in this district, is prepared in Rajshahi in Phalgun and Chait (February and March) and imported into this district. Generally keeps well for a year or two and then deteriorates and loses its potency. Exposure to damp injures it, and after three or four years it nearly loses all its effects, so that the consumers won't buy such old and useless stuff. It is therefore necessary to keep it well packed in bags and in closed boxes. - Evidence of Mr. C. A. S. BEDFORD,* Deputy Commissioner of Manbhum


14. In this province (Bengal), yes. In my district no, so far as I know. 15. I have no knowledge on these subjects. 16. Bhang not in this district. Ganja, I know, can be prepared from the wild plant. I have come across cases in which people have been prosecuted for so preparing it. I have no inform¬ ation in regard to charas. 18. Yes, it deteriorates by keeping; it loses its effect in time. It remains good for a year with ordinary care. Moisture and dampness are the causes of deterioration. To prevent deterioration it should be kept in a tin-lined box placed in well ventilated rooms. - Evidence of Mr. R. H. RENNY, Deputy Commissioner of Singbhum


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in all parts of the country; but nowhere land is specially set *Was summoned to attend at a meeting of the Commission for oral examination, but was unable to appear apart for its cultivation, a few plants being grown here and there. 15. The stem and branches of the plant being twisted, the female plants produce ganja. When the tree isr ipea nd the leaves assume an yellowish color, the plants are cut, tied into bundles, or rolled in a mat or gunny bag, and then placed under heavy weight for two or three days. Then it is taken out, exposed to dews, leaves and seeds are shaken off, and then it is dried and tied into bundles and stored. This makesf latg anja. The leaves are collected, dried, and kept for use as bhang. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever it is grown. There is no wild ganja here. 18. Ganja is said to keep well for a year or two. Bhang for two or three years; then it gradually deteriorates. But I do not know of these having been kept for a longer period and with what effect - Evidence of RAI NANDAKISORE DAS, BAHADUR,* District Officer of Angul, Cuttack


14. None prepared in this sub-division. 16. Yes; it is drunk or eaten in balls. Occasionally it is smoked. 18. They deteriorate by being kept a long time exposed. Ganja is sometimes kept for several months in Government ganja golas without any appreciable deterioration - Evidence of MR. W. MAXWELL, Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhenidah, District Jessore


14. Flat ganja is prepared in the Tributary States. Charas is not prepared. Bhang is prepared all over Orissa. I cannot give the extent, but it must be very considerable. Gurjat ganja is admitted on payment of a lower duty than Rajshahi round ganja. Patti is also admitted. A good deal of ganja is also smuggled into the three regulation districts of the province from the Gurjats and Madras. 15. The hemp heads are cut on the seeds ripening in November. The heads are tied in small bundles and sprinkled with lime-water, and then alternately buried and exposed to the sun for two or three months, when the ganja is fit for use. In the Tributary States of Barambu and Narsinghpur ganja is not buried, but is first dried in small bundles and then pressed. The flower heads only are used for smoking and called "kali ganja." The leaves, when dry, are steeped or boiled in water or milk; the water or milk in which they are steeped or boiled is thrown away, and the leaves ground up with black pepper and spices, such as cloves and cardamoms, mixed with water, sometimes sweetened, and made into a drink called bhang. Prepared by first boiling in milk the bhang is said to be cooling (thanda), but if boiled in water it is said to retain its heating (garam) or intoxicating properties. Question 15. [oral evidence] — I have recently learnt from en¬ quiry in the Gujrats that burying is a part of the process of manufacture. The plants are buried for a week at a time without anything to protect them from contact with the earth, and the process of alternate burying and exposure goes on for two and three months. 16. (a) and (b) Yes. (c) I have never seen the wild plant. 18. Ganja, if not well kept, gets mouldy and loses flavour, but it is said to get stronger by keeping. Bhang will not keep. I know nothing of charas. Damp, fermentation and insects are the main causes of deterioration of ganja. The ganja should be kept in a very dry and airy place and occasionally exposed to the sun. It will keep good with care for two or three years.  - Evidence of MR. W.C .T AYLOR, Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, East Coast Railway, and Pensioned Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Khurda, Orissa


14. None that I am aware of. 15. (b) I have seen no preparation made from wild plants. I have seen ganja prepared for smoking, and bhang for drinking purposes. The articles were of cultivated hemp plant purchased from abkari shops. Ganja for smoking is prepared by cutting it to pieces or squeezing it with dried tobacco leaves, and bhang is made into a paste and mixed with spices and made into a beverage for drinking. 16. Bhang is prepared in houses. It can, I believe, be prepared from wild hemp plant too, but I cannot say whether these grow wild or have the same intoxicating property like the leaves of plants cultivated. 18. Cannot speak much of it. Bhang, how¬ ever, is said to lose its intoxicating property by long keeping, but its medicinal property is said to increase by time. Ganja is said to deteriorate by exposure and long keeping. With ordinary care both do retain intoxicating property for a year or so. Safety from exposure to moisture prevents deterioration. - Evidence of BABU RAM CHARAN BOSE, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Alipur, 24-Parganas.


14. These products (ganja, charas and bhang) are not prepared in this sub-division. 15. Not known. 16. Bhang is not prepared in the houses of people, but it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja can be prepared from the wild plant. But it is not liked by smokers, as it does not produce much intoxication, but makes the eyes burn and gives a bitter taste in the mouth. Not known about charas. Question 16. [oral evidence] — I have not seen ganja prepared from the wild plant, nor have I seen a specimen. I am told it can be prepared, but I have no reason to suppose that it is prepared to any extent worth notice.  18. Ganja and bhang will remain for one year. The former quite loses its effect in time and can not be kept with any care for a longer period. It gets spotted with mildew, turns black and rots This is caused by moisture. Charas, it is said, can be kept even for five years like opium. It is not known whether bhang and charas lose their effects and can be kept, without their deteriorating, for a longer period.  - Evidence of MR. E. MCL. SMITH, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.


14 and 15. No. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Not known. 18. All deteriorate by keeping; they become useless after two years. Weather is the cause of deterioration, which might be prevented by keeping the drugs in a dry place and preventing moisture.  - Evidence of BABU GOPAL CHUNDER MOOKERJEE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Diamond Harbour


15. (A) Ganja is smoked with tobacco leaves and prepared tobacco, after having been well moistened, cut, and then broken up by pressure of the thumb on the palm of the hand. Well-to-do persons moisten it with a sprinkling of rose-water when being rubbed on the palm of the hand. (B) Ganja is not eaten, but siddhi or bhang is. (C) Bhang, when well prepared, is made from wild hemp leaves boiled in a mixture of milk and water and then dried. It is well kneaded with anise seed and pepper, generally in a stone pot by a nim sonta or stick. It is then mixed with a good quantity of water and drunk. With a view to make it agreeable to taste, milk, sugar, spices and sprinkling of rose-water are also mixed up with it before being drunk. The addition of sugar, however, increases its intoxicating power. Most of the lower classes of up-country men drink siddhi, They say it cools the stomach and prevents diarrhœa. Charas is mixed up with prepared tobacco and smoked. Siddhi is also drunk at times by respectable people during the hot season. 16. Formerly, before bhang was included as an exciseable article, it was prepared by the people at their own houses. Siddhi is prepared from the leaves of the male hemp plants. Ganja and charas are never prepared from the wild hemp plant known as siddhi. 18. Siddhi with occasional exposure to the sun may be preserved without deterioration for about two years. The same may be said with regard to ganja. Dampness and insects spoil them.  - Evidence of BABU NAVIN KRISHNA BANERJI, Brahman, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, District Manbhum


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. 16. Yes, it used to be largely prepared by a large number of people in their houses. Before 1878 there was a general impression that bhang preparation was not illegal. Many did not know that it was an exciseable article. In 1878 a special excise establishment was appointed, and since then the excise detective establishment has been increased. The excise officers as well as the police since then have detected many cases of pre¬ paration and possession of bhang in large quantities, and people have now come to know the law on the subject, and I think its preparation in houses without licenses has much decreased. It can be prepared from hemp plant wherever grown, but bhang prepared from plants grown wild in Bengal is not so good. Monghyr and North-Western Provinces bhang is considered much superior, and is the favourite. In Bengal people prepare it for their own consumption, seldom for sale. Ganja can also be prepared from wild hemp plant if great care is taken and the plants are well nourished and the male plants grown with them extirpated. I have not known of charas being clandestinely prepared in Bengal. 18. These drugs deteriorate by keeping and lose their effect in about a year. If well seasoned and proper care taken it keeps even for two years. The leaves dry up and gradually lose the narcotic effects. By keeping the ganja in air-tight boxes, safe from exposure and dampness, the deterioration may be delayed.  - Evidence of BABU PRAN KUMAR DAS, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Burdwan.


14. (a) None here—in the hills. (c) Bhang is produced, but just sufficient for the consumption of the people and for medicinal purposes. It is produced everywhere. 15. No ganja and no charas are prepared here. Bhang is prepared from the wild hemp. The leaves are simply plucked and dried in the sun. These are stored up and used for eating and drinking with sugar or gur; also used for medicinal purposes by washing in water and drying. 16. (a) Prepared by the people in their own houses. (b) Yes, from the hemp plant growing wild. 18. Bhang deteriorates by long keeping. It may keep good for six months. Ganja deteriorates by long keeping, say, for two years. Bhang and ganja quite lose their effects in time, but ganja will take a much longer time. Exposure to damp and air is the cause of deterioration. Deterioration may be prevented by keeping these in air-tight boxes - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA BASAK, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Brahmanbaria, Tippera District.


14. No. 15. Not known. 16. Can't say. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Yes, after two or three years; they keep good for one year with ordinary care. Exposure to air and damp is the main cause. If kept in tin-lined air-tight boxes, they can be preserved for a great length of time. - Evidence of BABU DINA NATH DÉ, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Nadia.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No. In Naogaon ganja tract. From 7,000 to 9,000 maunds. 15. Only from cultivated plants, ganja is manufactured in Naogaon. The process of manu¬ facture is simple and indigenous. When the plants are mature they are cut and put in the sun from three to four days. It may be noted that the plants are cut into two or three pieces according to the size of the plant, each piece being about two feet in length. Three or four hours after, when the ganja leaves are dry and partly fall off, the cultivator selects the pieces which would produce ganja and rejects those that would not yield ganja. Thus far the process is the same for manufacture of both round and flat ganja. If the cultivator wants to make his ganja flat, he would take the selected parts and put them in a circle in one layer. A gang of two to five men stand upon the plants and press them down with their feet. This is done in the open field and in sunshine, the place, of course, being made clean beforehand. When the first layer is sufficiently pressed, another layer is put in. Thus the process is continued till the layers come up to the height of two feet. A cultivator who has a larger number of plants to manufac¬ ture will make pressing-places according to the quantity of ganja and the number of men at his command. The first day's pressing being finished, weights are placed on the heaps of ganja plants so pressed. A chatai or country mat is put on the top of the heap below the weight, in order partly to give uniform pressure and partly to protect from rain and dews. It is also noticed that the pressing men themselves sit upon the top of the heap and act as pressing weights. On the second day the plants are taken out from the heaps and again put in the sun for about three to four hours. When some of the leaves fall off again they are pressed in the manner described above. The pressing process is continued from three to four days. When the cultivator finds that the flower with small leaves has taken a flat shape and resinous matters sufficiently adhered together, the plants are spread over the field to dry; and when they are dry, they begin to brush off the remaining long leaves by means of their feet. The plants are then, at their convenience, made into bundles of about two seers in weight. The process of making the round ganja is almost the same as flat, with this difference, that the former is rolled down with hand and feet to give it a round shape. The chur ganja is not separately manufactured; the bits that drop down during the process of manufacture are collected and separately stored and is called chur. Recently, however, the culti¬ vators, in order to get a ready sale, take off the flowers from the flat ganja and sell them without the branches. (a) Naogaon ganja is only smoked. I am not aware of people eating or drinking it. The pro¬ cess of smoking is this:—Smoker would take a small quantity of ganja, put it on the palm of his left hand and pick out the seeds and leaves that might be in it with his right-hand fingers, occasionally blowing with his mouth to separate them. He would then bathe the ganja with water in order to clear off any extraneous substance. He would roll it up with a small bit of tobacco leaf, and then cut it fine with a sharp knife, as they cut the American tobacco before smoking. He would put it in a small-sized chillum. Some smokers first put the ganja and then a layer of native tobacco upon it. A huka is scarcely used for smoking ganja. The difference between smoking tobacco and ganja is this:— The former is smoked with easy pulls, whereas in smoking the latter a smoker would pull his pipe so long as he can keep his breath. 16. Bhang may be prepared generally by the people in their houses. It may be prepared from hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from wild plant wherever grown. 18. The drugs deteriorate by keeping. It quite looses its effect in time. From two to three years it keeps good with ordinary care. Evapora¬ tion of the narcotic matter is the cause of deterioration. If the drug is kept in hermetically sealed tin boxes it might prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU GANENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Naogaon.


14. (a) (b) (c) Not prepared in this district. Ganja is prepared in the ganja-mahal referred to in the above. Charas is not prepared in the pro¬ vinces of Bengal and Behar. I do not know where bhang is prepared. Having never been in Rajshahi, I cannot say to what extent ganja is manu¬ factured in the ganja-mahal. 16. Bhang is not prepared in this district. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. I do not think ganja can be prepared from the wild hemp wherever grown, because male and female plants growing promiscuously and the former not being extirpated, the female plants will run into seed and thereby make the flower tops useless for the purpose of smoking. Of charas I do not know anything. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping, and so does bhang. Bhang and ganja lose their effects in time. With ordinary care ganja will keep good for two years and bhang for one year. The cause of the deterioration for ganja is the loss of its intoxicating power, while bhang is liable to be eaten up by maggots. I do not know of any device, nor do the persons dealing in these drugs seem to know of any for preventing deterioration. - Evidence of BABU GANGANATH ROY, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong.


14. Yes; ganja plant only is prepared in the districts of Bogra, Rajshahi, and Dinajpur. 16. Yes; bhang can be and is prepared generally by the people in their houses from the indigenous hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Yes. Bhang loses its effect in two years; ganja in four years, and charas in eight years. Exposure to moisture and damp causes deterioration. If these are kept in tin-clad chests, placed in well-ventilated room, it may prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRO NATH BANDYOPADHYA, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jalpaiguri.


14. Yes. (a) In Rajshahi. (c) In Monghyr to a large extent, most of the bhang consumed in the province being prepared there. 15. There is no particular method adopted in preparing bhang. The leaves are plucked and dried in the sun, and then stored as bhang. 16. Yes; in Dacca and Mymensingh the wild hemp plant is cut down and left on the thatch of the house to dry, and then kept stick and leaves together for use as bhang. I have seen wild ganja plants, but not in flower. (I was told in Darjeeling that ganja could be prepared from the wild hemp, but the preparation was unattractive.—W. O.) 18. Gauja and bhang deteriorate by keeping, I do not know anything about charas. They do not quite lose their properties. With ordinary care they keep good about two years. Damp is the cause of deterioration. This might be prevented by keeping the drugs in tin-lined boxes.  - Evidence of BABU JAGA MOHAN BHATTACHARJYA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to Commissioner, Chittagong


14 and 15. I notice the products under Chapter V. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Not necessarily. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping. Bhang loses its effect in a day or two. It can be kept for twelve to twenty-four hours by covering and keeping it cool. Ganja loses its effect in time—six to twenty-four months. Dampness is its chief enemy. The flowerheads are attacked by a fungoid growth and by white insects; while the pattis are attacked by a whitish insect with reddish tinge. The more carefully the bales are packed, and the less they are exposed, the longer will their intoxicating effects remain.  - Evidence of BABU MANMOHAN CHAKRAVARTI, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jajpur, Cuttack, Orissa.


14. Bhang is prepared in Bhagalpur and Mon¬ ghyr. In Bhagalpur it is annually collected from three to five hundred maunds, in Thana Bihipur and Kisanganj. 15. The wild grown bhang plants are cut and spread in the sun. The leaves are separated and broken to pieces. They are then husked by females. This much is done on the spot, and then the leaves are put in bags, which are brought and stored in licensed warehouses at head-quarters. This method of preparation of bhang from wild plants is for drinking purposes, and is very simple and cheap. 16. I have seen bhang being prepared generally on threshing ground called "khaliau." It can also be prepared in houses, i.e., baris. Bhang can be prepared from hemp plants wherever grown, but bhang of certain places is preferred, e.g., bhang of Thana Bihipur is said to be preferred to that of other places in Bhagalpur. I am not aware of any particular reason for this. The bhang goladars of Calcutta importing from Bhagalpur may be aware of such reason. I have seen ganja plants detected in Bhagalpur and Jangipur. From their twigs ganja as good in appearance as in Naogaon (the particular sub¬ division where ganja is cultivated under Government supervision) can be prepared, but it is alleged that the flavour is not so good as in those grown in Naogaon. 18. I speak of ganja and bhang alone in replying to this question. Both ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Both lose their effect in time. Ganja is kept good for two years in tin-lined wooden boxes; on the third year too it can be sold for its purpose with diminished intoxicating power. After that no smoker considers it worth while to purchase. On the third year it produces something like powder, there being no cohesive resinous matter, which shows that it has deteriorated. Bhang is generally kept in gunny bags and keeps good for three or four years. I am not sure for how many years it is kept good in Lower Bengal. But I am aware that old bhang of six or seven years' stand¬ ing is used for medical purposes. Any inordinate exposure to heat, air, and moisture deteriorates ganja as well as bhang. Air-tight boxes like those intended for keeping stamps in trea¬ suries may enhance the period; but I think to prevent deterioration completely is impracticable, as the manipulation of ganja and bhang must ex¬ pose the same to air and heat.  - Evidence of BABU NAVAKUMAR CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jangipur, Murshidabad.


15. Bhang procurable in the bazaar is cleansed of dust and the seeds separated. The dry leaves are soaked in hot water for about an hour or so, and then dried in the sun. A quantity of this is then pounded in a stone jar with the following ingredients by means of a rod of neem or lemonwood into a clay-like consistency, and eaten either in pills, or after being mixed with water or milk with name of "Bom Mahadeo." The ingredients are one or more of the following according to the means and taste of the person who drinks:— (1) Gol mirich (pepper); (2) sarip (seeds of cucumber); (3) spices (ilachi); (4) sugar.  -  Evidence of BABU HIRA LALL BANERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Monghyr.


14. (a), (b) and (c) Yes. Ganja and bhang in Rajshahi. 15. Have no personal knowledge. 16. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. These drugs deteriorate by keeping, and quite lose their effect in time. They keep good about two years. Damp and exposure are the causes of deterioration. Dry air and heat can prevent deterioration. - Evidence of MAULAVI ABDUS SAMAD, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum.


14. (a) In the Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur districts. (b) No. (c) Illicitly prepared in this district, but the quantity is very small. 15. Only from cultivated plants different sorts of ganja is manufactured. I do not know much about the preparation of ganja and charas. Siddhi or bhang is prepared illicitly from the wild plants. The leaves are removed from the plants when they are flowering and then dried in the sun. After the process it is powdered and drunk after mixing it with water, milk, sugar, and spices. Ganja and charas are only smoked, generally after mixing with tobacco. 16. (a) Prepared to a very small extent in this district. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Yes, these drugs deteriorate by keeping, and quite lose their effect in time. Ganja and siddhi keep good for two to three years and charas four to five years. The evaporation of the narcotic matter is the cause of deterioration. If the drug is kept hermetically sealed in tin boxes, I think it might prevent deterioration. - Evidence of BABU GUNGADHAR GHOSE, Excise Deputy Collector, 24-Parganas


14. (a) Ganja is prepared in Naogaon, Rajshahi, and parts of Dinajpur and Bogra. (b) Charas is not prepared in this province. (c) Bhang is prepared in Monghyr. Majum made everywhere. The extent of preparation cannot be stated. 15. (a) Different kinds of ganja are prepared in the manner described by Dr. Prain. (b) Bhang or wild hemp requires no special care or preparation. When sufficiently advanced, it is cut, dried, and the leaves are stored. A.—Ganja is smoked. Never eaten or drunk, except when used in lieu of bhang. The twigs and leaves are taken out from the actual flower. Pounding is then necessary. The flower is put on the palm of the left hand and pounded by the right thumb. The pounded stuff is then enclosed in a piece of dried tobacco leaf. Thin slices are then made by a sharp knife. It is then pound¬ ed a second time, so that a thorough mixture of the tobacco is made with the ganja. When thus prepared, it is placed in a long chillum or bowl and smoked by the application of fire. Sometimes small hukas are used. Charas is also smoked by the addition of a little prepared tobacco (or tobacco with molasses) in the chillum. B.—So far as is known, these drugs are never eaten, except ganja, which is eaten with bhang balls. C.—Bhang is drunk, never smoked. It is pounded by means of a small round rod being turn¬ ed over and over again in a thick stone cup. Often a little water is placed with the bhang. Sugar, milk and spices are then applied according to the taste of the consumer. It is then eaten in lumps or turned into liquid by addition of more water. This liquid stuff is then drunk after being strained on a piece of cloth. D.—Majum is prepared by frying bhang leaves in ghi, the proportions being equal. The extract of bhang thus obtained is then mixed with sugar, the proportion being 1 to 16, i.e., for a seer of sugar, one chhatak of extract of bhang is required. When this mixture is brought to a proper con¬ sistency by slow firing, the stuff is made into cakes for sale in the bazaar. The rate of sale is one rupee to the seer. 16. Bhang is repared for use generally by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the wild hemp plant wherever grown. But ganja or charas cannot be so prepared. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Nothing is known of charas. Both ganja and bhang lose their effect in time. With ordinary care they keep good for two years. Damp and exposure are the chief causes for their deterioration; spacious godowus, all tinned, and raised platforms made of planks are necessary to save them from early deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna.


14. (Answer relates only to bhang.) Bhang is prepared hero (Monghyr district) annually to the extent of 300 maunds. 15. Bhang is prepared here from the wild plants. In April or May the plants are cut off and left to dry in the fields for about a week. The leaves are then shaken off the twigs (stem) and collected. The seeds are separated as far as possible. The dried leaves are then carried to warehouses as being fit for the market. Preparation for eating.—Leaves soaked in water for a few hours and then ground to paste in a jar with spices, viz., aniseed, seeds of cucumber, pepper and sometimes endives. The paste is swallowed in the form of balls. Drinking.—The above when mixed with water, sugar, or rose-wator and milk, forms drink. Ganja is smoked with dry tobacco leaves, both being pressed together. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Bhang loses its intoxicating effect by keeping, and quite loses it in more than five years. Old bhang is used rather for medicinal purposes than as intoxicant. Ganja also loses effect by keeping, and at the same time old ganja is considered injurious to constitutions. Scientific causes not known. Preservation from air and damp may prevent deterioration for some time.  - Evidence of BABU SURENDRANATH MOZOOMDAR, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr.


14. In the three districts mentioned in question 7? to a considerable extent. 18. Yes, all these drugs deteriorate by keeping; not quite, but to some considerable extent. Said to keep good for two years. Exposure to damp is the cause of deterioration which might be prevented by preservation of the drugs in air-tight rooms, unexposed to damp, and in tinned boxes.  - Evidence of BABU A. K. RAY, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bangaon, Jessore District.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. In the Tributary States of Orissa. As regards extent, vide my reply to question No. 7. 15. The particulars about the preparation have been given in my reply to question No. 9. The cultivated and the wild plants are treated similarly. (A) Gurjat ganja is smoked as well as drunk as patti. In one particular instance I have seen Gurjat patti smoked. The man, a fakir, resorted to it on account of high price of Rajshahi ganja. The drug is mixed up and well compounded with a little of tobacco leaves and smoked. (B) Majum, a sort of confectionery, is prepared with sugar from the decoction of ganja (both Rajshahi and Gurjat) or patti and is eaten. I have seen a man to chew ganja and to swallow it. (C) Patti as well as Gurjat ganja is drunk with the addition of certain spices and sugar. For particulars of the spices used—vide reply to question No. 29. Well-to-do persons sometimes adopt a different plan. They boil the leaves with cow's milk and sometimes with cocoanut water. The milk or water is thrown off; but the leaves are strained and dried and stored up for use with spices and sugar. Some, when going out on a journey, prepare large pills, with patti and spices, which they swallow with or without water. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) I do not know anything about the preparation of charas. Ganja is prepared from the wild plants in the Gurjats. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping: both of them lose the greater part of their effect of time. I am not sure whether they entirely lose their effect. They keep good for about two years, though they deteriorate gradually. The causes of deterioration are—(1), production of insects in the drugs, (2) dampness on account of ill ventilation of the warehouses, and (3) loss of resinous matter in the ganja on account of damp and air. A thicker covering of the bales in which ganja is imported and better ventilating arrangements of the warehouses will stand in the way of deterioration. The full prevention of deterioration cannot, I am afraid, be effected, except by scientific measures, which will be prohibitive on account of their high costs. Tin cases like those used for storing tea are likely to prevent much deterioration. NOTE.—I have no personal knowledge about charas. My answers, therefore, will be confined only to ganja and bhang. - Evidence of BABU KANTI BHUSHAN SEN, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector of Cuttack.


14, (a) Ganja, yes (vide answers to questions 7 and 8). (b) Charas, no. (c) Bhang.—Wild bhang is prepared in all the districts in Bengal to a small extent. 15. Particulars regarding methods of preparation:— Ganja—Cultivated.—As in Babu Hem Chandra Ker's report. Uncultivated.—As Sibjata bhang (answer to question 4). The flowers with the leaves are dried in the sun after cutting the plant. There is no difference in the preparation of ganja for (A) smoking, (B) eating, and (C) drinking. Bhang—Cultivated.—No experience. Uncultivated.—Wild bhang plants are cut and dried, and the leaves are then removed from the plant and stored. There is no difference in preparation for (A) smoking, (B) eating, and (C) drinking. In Dacca wild hemp plant is gathered on the last day of Chaitra, for the bhang gathered on the Maha Bishub Sankranti is considered auspicious. It is popularly believed that bhang drinkers obtain success in every undertaking. Wild bhang leaves are at first dried in the sun. They are next boiled in milk and water, and dried again in the sun and kept in earthen vessels. Every family keeps it. Bhang plants are used as fuel. Milk boiled with dry bhang plant as fuel becomes sweet and tasty. In Rangpur bhang leaves (sak) are fried with other vegetables and eaten like any other sak with rice. It produces intoxication and allays fatigue and bodily pain. Charas.—Charas is smoked in Bengal. No experience about its preparation. 16. (a) Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses where wild bhang grows. It is sometimes illicitly cultivated and reared. (b) Bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. (c) Charas.—I have no experience. Ganja can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown if the flower is formed. The method of preparation is very simple (vide Babu Hem Chandra Ker's report). 17. Ganja.—The ganja manufacturers in the ganja mahal are ordinary cultivators. They are generally Muhammadans. Bhang.—Wild bhang is manufactured by all classes of the people where they grow, especially for medicinal and intoxicating purposes. Ganja. Bhang. Charas. 18. (a) Deteriorate by keeping Yes. Yes. Yes. (b) Does it quite lose its effect in time ? After After Keeps 3 years. 3 years. longer. (c) How long does it keep good with ordinary care ? 2 years. 2 years. Ditto. (d) What are the causes of deterioration ? Ganja.—The cause of deterioration is the absorption of moisture and the consequent loss of its resin, that is its intoxicating properties. Exposure to air and damp atmosphere causes deterioration. Insects also grow and eat away the active properties. Bhang.—Before the rains the wild bhang leaves keep well on standing plants. After the rains the leaves fall off and lose much of their intoxicating properties. Bhang plants can live for one or two years. The leaves do not deteriorate for two years, after which insects eat them up (partially). Everything has its assigned life, and the active properties are decomposed naturally. (e) Special measures for preventing deterioration:—I think if it is kept hermetically sealed, it can be preserved in a good condition longer. - Evidence of BABU ABHILAS CHANDRA MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal.


14. See answer to question 7. The cultivation and preparation of ganja are conducted at the same place by the same persons. 15. See answer to questions 5 and 9. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. I am unable to speak about charas and bhang. But the periodical inspections of the ganja golas under my charge show that ganja is very quickly deteriorated by damp. Otherwise ganja keeps well for a year or more. The practice in this district is to destroy by fire on the 31st of March every year all ganja more than a year old. To prevent the effects of damp, I would construct the golas with corrugated iron with wooden walls and floors. In brick-built golas there should always be apertures for the admission of light and air. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda.


16. I think ganja, charas and siddhi can be prepared wherever they may be grown. 18. I know ganja deteriorates by keeping. As it gradually loses strength in time, it may also lose it quite. How long it will keep good with ordinary care, I am not able to say. The causes of deterioration are damp and exposure; other causes might contribute. Any measures that will remove these causes may check the deterioration. I don't believe deterioration can be prevented altogether. A certain quantity of ganja was kept in the Howrah Treasury (of which I am in charge) for custody, when it was found to possess a strong smell. The ganja was cultivated at Sibpur. The officer from whom it was received reported that the ganja was of a good quality. It was examined after some time, and many officers declared that it possessed little or no narcotic property. It lost also the strength of its smell.  - Evidence of BABU BRAJA DURLABH HAZARA, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Howrah.


14. Bhang is prepared in this district out of the wild plants. The average production is 200 to 300 maunds a year. It should be observed that all bhang that grows is not prepared, but only a part of it. 15. The method of manufacturing bhang from the wild plants has been fully stated in reply 3. When the plants have attained a height of two to three feet, they are cut and left to dry. When they are sufficiently dried, they are beaten with sticks by which process the leaves are separated from the twigs. The leaves thus cleared of dust and twigs form bhang. As regards bhang, the preparation is one and the same for eating and drinking. I have never known bhang being smoked. 16. (a) Prepared by bhang goladars in the fields. (b) Yes. (c) Can't say. 18. Ganja and bhang have been known to deteriorate by long keeping. They dry up and lose their power of intoxication. They are said completely to lose their power in the sense that they fail to produce intoxication, but I hardly believe this. For one year or a year and a half at most they keep good. Dampness and length of time are the causes of deterioration. Can be kept long if protected from dampness. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CHANDRA KAR, Excise Deputy Collector, Bhagalpur


14. (a) and (b) Not prepared in this district. (c) Almost all over the district for home consumption and for medicinal purposes. It is generally kept in small quantities, as the possession of more than a poah of bhang is illegal. 15. The preparations of bhang are always from (b) wild plants in this district, The branches of the plant are cut and dried in the sun. The detached leaves are then stored. (A) Bhang is not generally smoked. It is only used as a make-shift when ganja is not available. The immediate preparations for smoking are the same as those for ganja The bhang leaves are steeped in water for some time and then made into a ball by pressing them between the palm of the hand and the thumb. The ball is then enclosed in a tobacco leaf and cut into very small pieces. They are again pressed into a ball and again cut until the whole is reduced to a very fine powder. It is then smoked. (B) Bhang is boiled with milk, sugar, and cocoanut to the consistency of a paste. It is then made into balls and taken on the occasion of certain Hindu religious festivals. Another preparation for eating bhang is made by frying the green leaves in ghi (clarified butter). The fried leaves are taken with sugar. Powdered bhang also enters into the constitution of certain sweetmeats, which are taken for producing intoxication. (C) For drinking bhang is made into a solution with salt and water and sometimes with milk and sugar. Spices are also mixed with the above solutions. Ganja is generally smoked. The immediate preparations for smoking are exactly those described for bhang. I am not aware of ganja being eaten or drunk. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja cannot be so prepared. I have no experience about charas. 18. Ganja and bhang both deteriorate in their intoxicating properties by keeping; but bhang, which has been in store for one year, is said to be best in its medicinal properties. They do not quite loose their effect in time. With ordinary care bhang keeps good for a year and ganja for a year-and-a-half. Exposure to heat and moisture are the principal causes of deterioration, as the resinous constituent is dissipated thereby. Bhang is also generally eaten away by worms whose growth it is rather difficult to prevent. The deterioration may to a great extent be prevented by keeping the drug in tin-lined boxes.  - Evidence of BABU RAJANI PRASAD NEOGY, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh. (With marginal notes by Mr. A. Earle, Collector of Mymensingh.)


14. In Monghyr and Bhagalpur bhang leaves are gathered and exported to other districts. Five or six hundred maunds are annually exported from these districts. The leaves are gathered from wild plants. No ganja or bhang plants are cultivated in those districts. In this district (Lohardaga) the drugs are neither cultivated nor prepared from wild plants. 16. Illicit preparation of bhang by persons in their houses was three times noticed in this district, and the offenders were brought for trial. Bhang can be prepared from wild plants wherever they grow. As regards the preparation of charas, I have no personal knowledge. 18. Charas is not consumed here. Bhang and ganja deteriorate by keeping. When they are two or three years old they are rejected by consumers, and the wholesale dealers destroy them. But in three years, if kept with ordinary care, they do not lose their effect completely. I think in five or six years the drugs lose their intoxicating power in consequence of the glutinous matter being fully dried up. Deterioration can to some extent be prevented by keeping in air-tight boxes.  - Evidence of GHULAM LILLAHI, Excise Deputy Collector, Ranchi, District Lohardaga.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. Ganja is prepared in Rajshahi. Nearly 7,000 maunds of ganja are raised in a year. Bhang is raised in Bhagalpur and Monghyr. 15. Three sorts of ganja are in use in this province—(1) flat, (2) round and (3) chur. The dried flower-tops of the ganja plant being trodden upon by foot, assumes a flattened shape and the ganja thus manufactured is called flat ganja. When the flower-tops are not trodden, but rolled under foot, they assume a rounded shape and this gives rise to the name round ganja. Round ganja is the twigs and the flower-tops. Chur ganja is only the flower-tops without the twigs, and may consist of broken particles of both flat and round ganja. Siddhi is simply the dry leaves of the hemp plant. The preparation of charas is unknown in this province. 16. (a) People generally prepare bhang in their own houses for the purpose of drinking. (b) Yes. (c) I think ganja can be prepared from that particular variety of the wild plant which is known to the people as the ganja plant. I cannot say this about charas. 18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping, and quite lose their effect in time. They keep good for one year. Deterioration might be prevented by keeping the drugs away from a damp room, and closely compact in bales or bags.  - Evidence of BABU SURESH CHUNDRA BAL, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Howrah.


14. (a) Ganja and (b) charas are not manufactured in any of the districts of the Patna Division. (c) Yes; bhang is manufactured by private individuals partly for their own consumption and greatly for their cattle. There are no statistics in the office as to the quantity of bhang gathered annually by the people; nor is the drug openly manufactured and gathered by them from which an approximate idea of the quantity so gathered could be formed. It is, however, presumed that 200 maunds of the drug is annually manufactured and stored in the district, viz.— Maunds. In Samastipur (where the plant grows more abundantly than elsewhere) 100 In the remaining part of the district 100 TOTAL 200. 15. Ganja and charas are used for smoking only, and though they are not manufactured in this district, I know how each is manufactured. The harvest commences, in January or February when the ganja is ready. The plants are cut and divided into four or five parts and exposed to the rays of the sun until the leaves wither, when the stalks are spread on mats and prepared into flat and round ganja; the first is so called owing to the ganja assuming a flat shape from being trampled upon while being dried, and the second, from the shape which the rolling of each branch and the simultaneous removal of the thickest portion of wood give it. The third kind of ganja is chur or rora. This consists of the fragments of the leaves and flowers. (Chur in the vernacular means fragments). Charas is prepared in up-country and in Nepal. In January when resin exudes from ganja flower and leaves, the people engaged in the business go early in the morning and walk in their ganja fields with leathern garment on, and while they move amidst the dew-bespangled plants, the resinous exudation sticks to their garment which is daily exposed to the rays of the sun and dried. This process is repeated for several days till the garment is thickly covered with this substance which is subsequently scraped from it and gathered. This is called charas. 16. Yes; bhang is prepared by the people generally in their houses. Yes, it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. My Assam experience agrees with this. 18. As charas is not consumed in this district, I have no idea as to how long it can be kept good and when it deteriorates. But, as it is a resinous substance, I think it can be kept good for a long time. Ganja begins to deteriorate after two years and loses its effect after three years. Bhang begins to deteriorate after one year if not carefully kept, and if carefully kept, it loses its effect after two years. These drugs deteriorate soon if kept in a damp and dark place. Insects eat them up. - Evidence of BABU ROY BRAHMA DUTT, * Kayasth, Excise Deputy Collector, Darbhanga.


18. I have no experience of charas. Bhang does not seem to deteriorate much, if kept with ordinary care, for one year. Ganja appears to deteriorate by keeping, but it remains good for a year with ordinary care. The cause of deterioration seems to be the loss of resin in case of ganja. I think protection from damp and excess of heat may tend to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU BANKU BEHARI DUTT, Excise Deputy Collector, Backergunge


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared in the districts of which I have knowledge, but wild bhang is generally collected by the people in Bhagalpur, Monghyr and Purnea districts in two forms, one consisting of dried leaves and small stalks and the other of the flowering shoots—this latter not to a great extent. The possession of bhang is now very much restricted. 15. Vide answers to question 14. (a) Sometimes dried leaves and dried flowers of the wild bhang are smoked mixed with tobacco. (b) Mixed with milk, sugar, fruits and spices into a sweetmeat or majum of green colour. (c) Made into an infusion or pounded with spices and then drunk as a heverage or sherbet, (d) It is also used as medicine for cattle. 16. Yes, but I cannot say if ganja or charas can be prepared from the wild bhang. They are generally male plants. 18. Yes, they do deteriorate if kept carelessly or exposed to damp or moisture. With ordinary care it keeps good for a year. If kept in airtight receptacles and dry places they don't deteriorate and keep well for a year. - Evidence of BABU WOOMA CHARAN BOSE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector; Manager, Raj Banaili, District Bhagalpur.


14. Dry leaves of wild hemp (bhang) are kept by a few people for using as medicine, both for men and cattle, but very rarely for intoxicating purposes. 15. The dry leaves of bhang are crushed or powdered with spices and sugar, and mixed with water for drinking purposes. 16. Leaves taken and dried from the places where the wild hemp grows spontaneously. The drink referred to above is prepared at home. 18. Both ganja and bhang deteriorate in time. They are kept good for about two years.  - Evidence of BABU RASIK LAL GHOSE, Court of Wards' Manager, Dinajpur.


14. All the products of hemp are prepared in the district of Rajshahi. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their own houses. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant. 18. These drugs deteriorate in time; for instance, ganja, when fresh from Rajshahi, is preferred by the smokers to old ganja. I am under the impression that, if kept air-tight, the drug would not lose its intoxicating power.  - Evidence of BABU GOUR DAS BYSACK, Retired Deputy Collector, Calcutta.


18. Ganja deteriorates after a year. The old ganja is always burnt under the Board's rules. In a couple of years I should say it would be perfectly useless. No charas and bhang are brought to this district for sale.  - Evidence of MR. W. SARSON, retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, formerly Abkari Superintendent, Chittagong.


18. All deteriorate, and perhaps quite lose then effect in time. Ganja more than a year old is hardly saleable. I don't know what are the causes of deterioration. Good storing is the only feasible plan.  - Evidence of MR. W. M. SMITH, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.


14. See answer to question 7. 15. For a full account of the method of the preparation of ganja, which is used for smoking, from the cultivated hemp plant, see paragraphs 61 to 78 of my report. Charas, which is also used for smoking, is the pure resinous matter which exudes naturally from the flowers or leaves of the hemp plant. The collection of this exudation is made in various ways, generally from the leaves and flowers of the cultivated female plants in the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan regions, This substance is, however, never collected by the hemp cultivators of Bengal. Siddhi or bhang, which is used for drinking, is prepared by drying the green leaves of the hemp, plant. It is prepared from either the cultivated or the wild hemp plant. A preparation of siddhi mixed with sugar, butter, etc., is called majum. It is used for eating as a confection by the dissolute. 16. Yes. It can be prepared from the leaves of the hemp plants grown only in the plains and also in the lower hills. In cold countries the narcotic passes away into the resins which exude through the leaves and the flowers. The wild plants do not yield ganja. Charas can, however, be obtained from the wild plant. 18. Ganja, retains its narcotic qualities for about a year, after which it begins to deteriorate and becomes absolutely inert after two years. Ganja is a substance which is peculiarly amenable to atmospheric influence, and its narcotic property loses more or less according to the quality of drug, the state of the weather, and the length of the time it is kept in the godown. It is mainly to the influence of the atmosphere that the deterioration caused to ganja is due. The deterioration may be prevented to a certain extent by minimising the risks of exposure to sun and air. (Vide paragraph 122 of my report.)  - Evidence of BABU HEM CHUNDER KERR, Kayasth, Retired Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sub-Registrar of Sealdah.


14 and 15. Siddhi does not require manipulation like ganja. It is enough for a man to cut some full-grown wild hemp plants and dry them. The leaves when dried are taken off and stored in for consumption. No other process is necessary, whether the drug is intended for drinking, smoking or eating. 16. Bhang is sometimes prepared by the people in their own houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever it grows. I do not believe that ganja and charas may be so easily, and therefore safely, prepared as bhang. I know no case in which ganja or charas has been so prepared from the wild hemp plant. This is probably due to the ignorance of the people in general as to the art of preparation or manipulation. 18. Ganja and bhang usually deteriorate at the end of a year, though kept with ordinary care. The drugs lose their effects in time, and at the end of two years, calculated from the date of storage, are almost sure to lose their narcotic property. - Evidence of BABU KALI DAS MUKERJI, Sub-Deputy Collector and Superintendent of Distillery, Serampore, Hughli.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared. I do not know how far charas indigenous in Bengal. Import from Nepal and the North-West is resorted to for supply of charas. Ganja is prepared in the district of Rajshahi in the Naogaon sub-division. Bhang is more or less prepared in every district. The ganja prepared gives supply to the whole of Bengal, besides export to other provinces. Bhang is prepared in small quantities for private consumption, and, under licenses, when required to be prepared in large quantities for sale. 15. [a (A) ] The ganja seeds are sown in a wet ground and when the seedlings grow they are transplanted. They are cut after four or five months. The male plants are weeded out by experts, employed for the purpose. After a little drying, the leaves and flowering tops are pressed with foot or rolled, and ganja for smoking is prepared. Ganja is sometimes smoked by being mixed with tobacco leaves. [a (B)] The dried leaves of both the male and the female plants are either made into pills which are swallowed or mixed with sweets called majum or [a (C)]; they are powdered and mixed with water and the mixture is again sweetened by addition of sugar and milk for drinking. The resinous matter at the flower tops of the plant is charas, and is smoked with ganja. [ b (A. B. C.) ] Wild plants are subjected to the same process. In this district, however, the Nepalese people who alone are acquainted with the use of this plant use it always in smoking and do not know the preparations for eating or drinking. 16. Bhang is often prepared at home. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Charas is not prepared from the wild plants as they are never so vigorous as the cultivated ones. Even ganja cannot be prepared from the wild plants unless the plants are taken care of and tended. 18. Yes. Ganja, charas and bhang will keep for eight or nine months. It will, however, take some years for them to be entirely devoid of their intoxicating properties. Dampness is the agency which primarily deteriorates the properties of the hemp preparations. The storage of the articles should be made on a certain elevation from the ground and should be protected from damp as much as possible.  - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA NATH MOZUMDAR, Brahmin, Deputy Inspector of Excise, Darjeeling.


14. (a) In Rajshahi, Bogra and Dinajpur Districts. (b) No. (c) Illicitly prepared in the districts I have served; but, except in Jessore, the quantity of such preparation is very small. Question 14. [oral evidence] — The illicit preparation I refer to in this answer and in 15 and 17 is that of the wild bhang which grows abundantly in some districts. Up to 20 tolas such preparation is not illegal, and by illicit, therefore, I mean preparation which is apart from excise arrangements. 15. Only from cultivated plants different sorts of ganja is manufactured. I do not know much of the preparation of ganja and charas. Siddhi or bhang is prepared illicitly from the wild plants. The leaves are removed from the plants when they are flowering and then dried in the sun. After this process it is powdered and drunk by people by mixing it with water, milk, sugar and spices. Ganja and charas are smoked only, generally by mixing with tobacco. 16. (a) As far as I know, it is generally prepared by the people in their houses in those districts I have worked. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Yes, they deteriorate and lose their effects. Ganja and siddhi last two to three years and charas four to five years. The evaporation of the narcotic matter causes deterioration. If the drug is kept hermetically sealed in tin boxes, I think it might prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU DIGENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Inspector of Excise, 24-Parganas.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No. Ganja is prepared in the ganja mahal. It is prepared from 7,000 to 9,000 maunds. 15. I know the particulars regarding the methods of the preparation of the Naogaon ganja from the cultivated plants, which is used for smoking. Three kinds of ganja are prepared at Naogaon, viz., flat, round and chur. The method of preparing the flat is different from that of the round; chur ganja has no separate process of manufacture. The blades of ganja that drop down at the time of the manufacture of flat or round are collected as chur ganja. Chur is also nowadays deliberately made by breaking twig ganja. Flat ganja manufacture—1st day.—For the manufacture of the flat sort of ganja the plants are cut in the morning, and carried to the chatar (manufacturing yard), which is held in an open grassy field, with a hut or two raised therein for accommodation of men and protection of the drug (manufactured). The plants are laid out to the sun on the grass of the chatar till about 1 or 2 o'clock in the afternoon. They are taken up one by one, and cut to the lengths of one to two feet. The non-ganja bearing twigs and bare stalks are now thrown away, and only the ganja bearing twigs or the selected stalks are laid on the chatar yard for exposure to dew. 2nd day.—At about noon, or when the twigs have assumed a withered-up appearance, the twigs are collected and formed into bundles of five to ten twigs, and placed in a single layer in a circular form over a durma mat spread on the chatar yard, with the top of the plants or twigs pointing to the centre and overlapping each other. The circle formed is generally of about 14 feet in circumference. On this three or four men ascend, holding each other by the hands, and commence treading and trampling upon the twigs. They stamp and press down the twigs with one foot, while they hold them with the other. The pressing is continued for about five minutes, or to the time the ganja bearing flowers on the twigs do not assume a flat shape. A man places a fresh layer of bundles over the first layer, and trampling goes on. When the second layer is completely pressed, a third to the fifth or sixth layers are placed and trampled on till the stack rises to the height of about 2 feet. The men get down, and a mat or two are spread on it. Two or three men sit on the stack, or some heavy weights are placed thereon. About half an hour after, a man spreads two or more mats close to the stack. One or two men take out the twigs or bundles by twos from the stack, and holding one in each hand beat against each other over the mat. The seeds and the crumbled leaves fall off. The bundles are then placed in a layer on one mat, and they are pressed and trampled as before and a new stack is formed from the first. It is, as before, covered now with mats and weights placed thereon. After some time some mats are spread on the chatar yard, and bundles taken out from the stack are laid out on them in a line, and the men commence, with their one foot, pressing the bundles from the bottom to the top of the twigs, holding the same with another. The process is repeated several times. The twigs are turned upside down, and pressed and trampled as before. When the trampling is finished, the twigs are kept in rows in a slanting posture over a bamboo placed horizontally on the yard (chatar) and covered over with mats for the night. 3rd day.—On the next morning the cultivator or his men pick up the twigs one after another and pile them up in a stack and put pressure as before. At about noon the cultivator takes out twigs from the stack, exposes them to the sun for about quarter of an hour, and presses gently with hands and feet to remove the useless leaves. When the cultivator finds that the leaves have been sufficiently removed, the twigs are tied into bundles of ten mota antees or into bundles for sale and export. At the time of removing the superfluous leaves and tying the bundles, a few blades of ganja drop down. These are collected as flat ganja chur. The flat small twig ganja has no separate process of manufacture. In tying bundles for export, the large twigs are used in forming large twig bundles, and the small ones into small twig bundles. Manufacture of round ganja.—Round ganja is prepared from the superior kind of the crop. The plants for the manufacture of round ganja are generally cut in the afternoon. They are brought to the chatar and exposed to the declining ray of the sun and the dew of the succeeding night. 2nd day.—In the morning they are cut to the lengths of 1 to 1½ feet, and dried in the sun till they have assumed a withered-up appearance. At noon a line of mats is placed below a horizontal bamboo, supported by two posts of about 4 feet high. On both sides of the bamboo some ten to fifteen men stand over the mats in two rows facing each other and holding the bar. Some ten to fifteen twigs are placed under the feet of each man. They commence to press and roll the twigs with their feet. The process is continued for about ten to fifteen minutes. The men then take up the twigs in their hands, and shake off the leaves and seeds. The twigs are again put under the feet and rolled on again till the twigs have assumed a roundish shape. The twigs are then put to the sun for about quarter of an hour or till they have dried a little. The men then sit on the mats, and, taking in their hands the twigs, press them hard with their hands for about five minutes. The twigs are repeatedly exposed to the sun and taken up and pressed with the hands till sunset, when they tie the twigs into loose bundles and keep them under cover of mats for the night. 3rd day.—On the noon of the following day the men unloose the bundles and cast to the sun the twigs piece by piece. When they find that they have well dried, they are taken one by one and pressed with the hands. The work of tying up bundles then commences. The tying can be done by experts only. The twigs are arranged one after another according to their lengths. The smallest ones are generally placed inside the bundle. The bundle is pressed hard with the hand and tied with a thin string at the stem, a portion of which is now cut off. In the portions cut off there remain blades of ganja. These are collected as chur. Chur is also collected from the bits of ganja that drop down during manipulation. It is also deliberately made from inferior ganja rejected at the time of tying up bundles. The chur of round ganja is called rora. Ganja is not prepared for eating or drinking. 16. I have no knowledge of the method of preparing bhang. It can be prepared from the ganja plants, but the drink will be a little too strong. I do not know whether ganja or charas can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It commonly loses its effects after two or three years. It keeps good with ordinary care for about two or three years. It deteriorates on account of evaporation of its narcotic properties or strength. To prevent deterioration, it might be kept in tin boxes hermetically sealed. The answers given under this chapter refer only to the ganja manufactured at Naogaon.  - Evidence of BABU SIR CHUNDER SOOR, Satgope, 1st Assistant Supervisor of Ganja Cultivation, Naogaon, Rajshahi.


15. In Bhagalpur I know that a slightly intoxicating drink is made from steeping the leaves in water, and I know that some preparation of the resinous substance is used in sweetmeats by the better class of Hindus. 16. I never heard of any one using the wild bhang for smoking.  - Evidence of MR. W. D. PRATT, District Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur.


14. Ganja and bhang are used and prepared in Bogra, but ganja only from the cultivated plant. 15. The methods of preparation in use are (1) for flat ganja; (2) for round ganja; and (3) for bhang or siddhi. (1) The cultivated ganja, having flowered, is cut down close to the ground (i. e.) stalks, leaves and flowers are taken in Falgun. It is then arranged in circular heaps (each plant radiating from the centre of the circle, the flowers being near the circumference) upon a bamboo mat; and another mat being placed on the heap, weights are placed on it, or the members of the cultivator's household sit on it, so that the heap of plants is subjected to considerable pressure for one day. (The above process is adopted after one day of sun drying). The heap is rearranged, each plant being turned upside down, and is again pressed (on the third day) between the two mats. The resin is washed off the mats, and then the plants are arranged in long shallow heaps (on a series of mats), and over these the cultivator, his family, and any friends he can impress into his service, walk up and down, treading the plant into the flat condition which makes it "chepti" or flat ganja. (2) Round ganja is only dried for half-a-day, is not pressed between mats, and, instead of; being trodden on and flattened, is rolled under foot and then compressed in the hands. In both cases the leaves remain on the stalks till the process is complete, and are then picked off as valueless. In the flat ganja long stalks are allowed to remain, but in the round ganja they are cut off just below the flowers. Both these perparations are said to be used for smoking only in this district. No use is made of the resin which exudes during process of manufacture. (3) Bhang or siddhi is made by boiling the leaves of the wild hemp with milk. 16. Bhang is generally prepared for home consumption wherever the plant grows wild. It is not reported that bhang, siddhi or patti (as the wild plant is indifferently called) is used for manufacture of ganja. 17. The use of ganja is characteristic of individuals rather than classes, but it is extensively used by cultivators, and almost invariably by bairagis, fakirs, sanyasis, and other religious mendicants. 18. They are reported to degenerate and lose their effect, by exposure, in time. Dryness appears to be an essential condition of preservation.  - Evidence of MR. W. C. FASSON, District Superintendent of Police, Bogra.


14. Yes, in the district of Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur(a). 15. I am unable to do so. 16. (a) No, for restrictions imposed upon it. (b) Yes, can be prepared. (c) Yes. 18. Yes, it does lose its effects if kept over a year. It can be kept in tolerably good condition for a year or so with ordinary care. The resinous matter becomes dried up owing to atmospheric influences. Deterioration can to a certain extent be prevented by storing the articles in tinlined boxes. - Evidence of MR. F. H. TUCKER, District Superintendent of Police, Dinajpur.


14. (a) Ganja is prepared in Rajshahi. (b) Charas is not prepared here. I believe it can be got almost anywhere in Behar, but I do not know who it is prepared by. (c) Bhang, as a rule, is not manufactured anywhere, but the leaves of wild hemp are collected by those who like bhang, and prepared by them as required. Ganja is prepared to the extent it is necessary for the consumption of Bengal, Behar, Orissa, and Assam. Bhang is prepared very rarely in Bengal, but in Behar to a greater extent. 15. I cannot answer this question. Cultivated ganja is prepared for smoking only. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. Yes; it can be prepared from hemp plant wherever grown. I do not think ganja and charas can be prepared from the wild plant in any district. 18. Each of the three drugs deteriorate after the lapse of a couple of years. Damp, rats, etc., are the causes. The cultivator is too poor to invest in chests or iron golas. - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.


14. No. 15. Majum, a kind of hemp preparation with sweets, and khatta with gur, are used, as it is said, by Khottas, for eating. 16. I never saw or heard even of ganja and charas being ever prepared from the wild plant. Bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, though it may not be of the same superior quantity. 18. Dampness, as it is said, is the cause of deterioration of bhang; and to prevent deterioration, wild bhang is kept suspended on beams or kept far above the ground in air and light to be kept for about a year, after which it loses its effect.  - Evidence of BABU MATHURA MOHAN SIRKAR, Inspector of Police, Jhenida, District Jessore


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. Can't say where and to what extent. 15. For ganja; the flower bud is dried, rubbed into powder, and smoked in a chillum with ground tobacco. For bhang, the dried and pounded leaf only is used; the mixture contains pounded hemp leaves, black pepper, and spices dissolved in water and drunk. 16. (a) Yes, by the bhang consumers. (b) Yes. (c) Yes, with regard to ganja. 18. Does deteriorate; yes, decidedly loses its effect. Would be almost useless after about two years; exposure is the cause of deterioration. If kept in a cool and moist vessel and air excluded as much as possible, might be kept for two years. - Evidence of MR. H. P. WYLLY,* Government Agent at Keonjhar, Orissa.


14. Inferior ganja and bhang, both in small quantities. Ganja is prepared only in the Tributary States; bhang in the Tributary States and in the district of Balasore. No charas is prepared in this province. 16. Bhang is usually prepared in this province by the people in their own houses from the wild hemp wherever it grows spontaneously. Ganja can be prepared from the wild plant, but the quality is inferior. 18. Both ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. After about eighteen months they quite lose their effect; they keep good with ordinary care for about a year. The resinous substance evaporates, The measure usually taken to preserve ganja and bhang is to exclude it as much as possible from the air. - Evidence of Mr. W. R. RICKETTS,* Manager, Nilgiri State, Tributary Mahals, Orissa.


14. No. 15. No; not to my knowledge anywhere in this State. 16. In this State, bhang is generally prepared by the up-country people in their houses from wild hemp plants growing anywhere, Ganja and charas cannot be, and are not, prepared from the wild plant. 18. The drugs ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate in time. Ganja and bhang can be kept good for a year with ordinary care. Moist air and too dry air are the causes of deterioration. The deterioration can be prevented by keeping them from the action of these airs.  - Evidence of BABU JADUB CHANDRA CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar.


14. (a) Ganja. Naogaon sub-division, Rajshahi. - Evidence of BABU GIRINDRA MOHAN CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Munsiff, Comilla (Tippera)


18. Yes; if kept in damp places. - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.


14. (a) and (b) In Rajshahi district; but I am not aware to what extent it is prepared there. (c) Wild bhang is gathered to a small extent in this district. 15. The ganja plants are cut. They are then trodden under foot or rolled, as the case may be. The small branches are then made into bundles. I am not aware how ganja is prepared from the wild plant. The resinous matter of ganja adheres to the feet of the labourers when they tread on ganja. This resinous matter is collected and forms charas. The wild bhang plants are cut and their leaves gathered. They are then dried in the sun. There are no different preparations of these drugs for smoking, eating and drinking. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their own houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. I do not know if ganja and charas can be prepared in the same way. 18. Ganja and bhang both deteriorate in their intoxicating properties by keeping. I am not aware if they quite lose their effect with time. Ganja keeps good for a year and a half and bhang for a year. The resinous matter in the drugs gradually dries up. This is the cause of deterioration. If the drugs be kept in air-tight boxes and exposed to the sun occasionally, the deterioration may to a great extent be prevented.  -  Evidence of BABU HARA GOPAL DUTTA, Kayasth, Retired Excise Daroga, Mymensingh.


15. My information is mostly from fakirs and religions mendicants. (b) Wild plant. Ganja— (A) Smoking. To prevent flowering spikes from being fructified by pollens from male plants which grow promiscuously with the female, they are, while on the plant, lightly rolled between the palms, and the resin, or rather the resinous pollen or dust of the flowers, agglutinate the petals and the little bracts or leaflets which sprout between the blossoms. The treatment, repeated several times, converts the spikes into what is commonly called jata, which gives the matted appearance to the article. Siddhi— (C) Drinking. The leaves are prepared by nipping the flowering buds as soon as they appear. This, they say, is the way to concentrate the narcotic principles in the leaves. By analogy, this process is known as khasi, i.e., castration. 16. Bhang, i.e., bhang leaf, is never prepared by people in their houses, for every hemp plant does not yield good bhang. The fresh leaves specially have a subji (greenish) i.e., unripe, smell about it, which is considered a defect of good bhang, and it is said to have a garmi in it, a heating principle, producing headache and nausea. It can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown; but bhang from Upper India fetches a higher price, and is preferred to bhang from Bengal or Behar grown plants. I think charas prepared from plants grown in the plains must be of an inferior quality. 18. I am told bhang improves by keeping. Ganja and charas deteriorate in time. The resins in both these becoming drier, lose their narcotic potency. Moisture deteriorates all three.  - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.


14. Formerly bhang was prepared by collecting the leaves of the spontaneous or wild hemp plants at Tushkhali and other places in the district of Backergunge but the practice, I think, has been done away with since, for fear of detection. 16. Yes, bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the wild hemp plants wherever grown. Ganja can seldom be prepared from the wild plant. - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.


14. Ganja. Rajshahi District. 15. Methods of preparation of excise ganja obtainable from the officers employed locally. Preparations— (A). Smoking.—Ganja (cultivated) rubbed up with a little tobacco or rose leaves. (B). Bhang (wild plant).—Sweetmeat or confection—with sugar, ghee, flour, milk, musk, pepper; and sometimes opium, dhatura, or nuxvomica. (C). Bhang.—Decoction, with milk, sugar, pepper, etc. 16. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Ganja deteriorates; not much used after twelve months' keeping. Question 18. [oral evidence] —I think that after twelve months the drug has materially deteriorated and that it is practically useless after twenty or twenty-four months. I find that the extract deteriorates rapidly. No drug in the Pharmacopœia deteriorates so rapidly. Only yesterday an experienced practitioner told me that he never trusted the drug in matters of health and life with his patients until he had tried its effect on himself: so rapidly does it deteriorate. The same is true of the excise ganja. I do not think I have any valuable information to give in explanation of this. Even with the greatest care you cannot, I think, prevent deterioration as I know from the extract which I have had in my charge. I have no doubt that exposure to air and damp would greatly promote deterioration. But I think that the extract kept in closed vessels and under the most favourable conditions deteriorates. Anything that kept out completely both air and damp would tend greatly to retard deterioration. I cannot go further than that from my experience. Anything further would be mere interference or speculation. Physiological experiment would, I think, enable one to judge whether the stuff was useless. I cannot speak with authority as to whether chemical analysis would throw light on this question. Mere inspection tells nothing. Without mildew or other visible sign, deterioration may have taken place.  - Evidence of SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. G. RUSSELL, Civil Surgeon, Darjeeling.


14. I have very little knowledge of the preparation or manufacture of the hemp drug. 18. I have been informed by shop-keepers that ganja will deteriorate very quickly if neglected. It is necessary to keep it dry. In Dacca ganja is usually wrapped in straw and kept in bags.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. COBB, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Dacca.


18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping; a mustiness or mouldiness is acquired owing to dampness. May be prevented from deterioration for a long period by being kept in shelves or almirahs in a well-ventilated dry room.  - Evidence of DR. S. J MANOOK, Civil Medical Officer, Singhbhum.


18. Both ganja and siddhi are known to deteriorate in quality by keeping.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon RAI TARAPROSANNA RAI BAHADUR, Baidya, Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta.


16. Yes. Bhang is usually prepared by the people in their own houses. When the plant is unusually leafy, the leaves do not adhere to the flowers on the stems so as to become clotted, but remain detached. These leaves are gathered and dried and sold as siddhi, subji or bhang. 18. All these drugs do not keep well after six months, unless they are preserved in a stoppered bottle and exposed to the sun from time to time. Question 18. [oral evidence] — My experience of the drug in my private practice is that it is an excellent nervine stimulant. I have used both the extract and the tincture, but generally the tincture. I cannot say that the drug can always be relied on to produce the desired physiological effect, but it has proved of marked use in treatment of cases connected with the genito-urinary organs and malarial fever. The extract has not always a similar strength. The drug does deteriorate rapidly, and when it is kept in the crude state it will not last more than six or eight months. The extract keeps better than the crude ganja, but it is not reliable after a certain time. For one year it will keep well, for two years it might, even in stoppered bottles. I can form no opinion as to the cause of the change which occurs when the drug loses its physiological effect. - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KANNY LOLL DEY, C.I.E., late Chemical Examiner to the Government of Bengal, Calcutta.


16. No; bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON UPENDRA NATH SEN, Officiating Civil Medical Officer, Malda.


14. (a) Ganja is prepared in the ganja-producing tracts in the Rajshahi Division to a large scale. 15. (a) Products of cultivated plants. Ganja.—It is used only for smoking, and is prepared for use, first, by separating the seeds, if there are any, then washing it with a few drops of water, water squeezed out, then wrapped with dry tobacco leaves, the whole thing pressed between the thumb of the right hand and palm of left hand, then placed on a piece of wood called godee or pira, and cut into very small pieces with a knife, taken out from the godee, and again pressed as before; and this is repeated several times before it is ready for smoking in the chillum. (b) Products of uncultivated or wild plants. Bhang.—The dried leaves are thoroughly ground in a stone or mortar with some water, then mixed with more water or milk and sugar and drunk as sherbet. 16. Bhang is prepared for drinking purpose by the people in their houses. Yes, bhang can be prepared from the dried leaves of any wild hemp plant. 18. Yes, ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping long.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON BOSONTO KUMAR SEN, in Civil Medical Charge, Bogra.


14. (a), (b) and (c) No. 15. No knowledge. 16. People prepare bhang in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant grown anywhere. Ganja or charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant grown anywhere. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They perfectly lose their effects in time. They keep good for about two years. Reasons of deterioration being the destruction of resinous substances. The deterioration of the drugs can be prevented to a certain extent by keeping them hermetically sealed in tin-lined boxes.  -  Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON NORENDRA NATH GUPTA, Baidya, in Civil Medical charge, Rangpur.


14. Ganja is prepared in the district of Rajshahi. 16. Bhang drink is generally prepared by its consumers in their own houses. It can be prepared from the leaves of the hemp plant wherever grown; but ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping. They lose their effect in time. With ordinary care they will keep good for about a year. Dampness and moisture are the causes of deterioration. Preservation in stoppered bottles and exposure to the sun from time to time may prevent their deterioration. - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon CHOONEY LALL DASS, Teacher of Medical Jurisprudence and Therapeutics, Medical School, Dacca.


16. Yes, bhang is generally prepared in the house. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Yes, all three deteriorate by keeping, and quite lose their effects in time. With ordinary care they will keep good for about one year. Exposure to air and damp causes deterioration. Wrapping up in straw in the case of ganja, covering with dry leaves and paper in that of charas and packing in a bag in the case of bhang, and then storing them all on wooden shelves in a dry godown, will prevent early deterioration.  - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON PREONATH BOSE, Teacher of Materia Medica and Practical Pharmacy, Dacca.


14. Not known. 15. I do not know. 16. Not known. 18. They quite lose their effects in time. But with ordinary care they may keep good for one year, I think. To prevent deterioration they must be kept in an air-tight case on an elevated place.  - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon BEHARI LAL PAL, Sadgop, Krishnagar, Nadia.


14. (a), (b) and (c) No. 15. Not known. 16. People prepare bhang in their houses. It can be prepared from hemp plant grown anywhere. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant grown anywhere. 18. Ganja, charas, and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They perfectly lose their effects in time. Keep good about two years, cause of deterioration being the destruction of resinous substances. The deterioration of the drugs can be prevented to some extent by keeping them hermetically sealed in some tin-lined boxes. - Evidence of BABU DURGA DASS LAHIRI, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Rangpur.


14. (a) Ganja. North-east of Rajshahi. 15. I have only noticed the flat licit ganja smoked here. 16. (a) Cannot say. (b) Certainly: it is a mere infusion with spices, milk, etc., added. (c) I should think so with care and cultivation. 18. Can't say definitely. The tinctures prepared in England seem to have lost some of the properties of the freshly prepared ganja from the physiological effects being somewhat milder and less marked. I presume the cause of deterioration will be found in the effects of damp and air modifying its chemical constituents. - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia.


14. (a) Ganja is prepared in those ganja-producing districts above mentioned. (b) There is no provision for preparing charas which is prepared during the process of ganja preparation. (c) Bhang is not prepared here in an extensive scale. 15. When the cultivated plants are full-blown, they are reaped, and pressed for seven or eight days. Then the pressure is removed and the flowering tops are trodden under feet and dried in the sun for three or four days. This is flat ganja. When it is rolled under foot it is called the round ganja. When parts are detached during the process of preparation, they are called chur. Ganja is principally used in smoking. The tops are separated from the seeds, then moistened in water, the water is squeezed out, and wrapped with tobacco leaves, and pressed on the left palm by the right finger, and then cut into small fragments, and pressed again and again, cut three times. (A) Then it is smoked in an earthen kalke, a funnel-shaped tubular apparatus, and in hukas especially used for the purpose. (B) I do not know any method of eating it. (C) It is drunk with bhang. 16. Bhang is dried and preserved by the people at their own houses. The leaves are mixed with black pepper and moistened in water, and then pressed in a mortar and reduced to a thick consistence, and then mixed with sugar and water and drunk like a sherbet (syrup). 18. Ganja deteriorates in the course of time. Bhang also has the same law. Excessive dryness is unfavourable to it. Ganja is burnt every year from the Government stock.  - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra.


14. (a) Yes, ganja grows extensively in Naogaon in the district of Rajshahi and in Sultanpur station, Northern Bengal Railway. Charas is never extracted in this province; it comes from Nepal. Bhang is cultivated to a large extent in Bhagalpur, Patna, Monghyr, Sahibganj. Calcutta market is supplied from the products of these places. It also grows abundantly in the districts of Rajputana, where no duty is levied on the product. 16. It is not generally prepared by the people in their houses. Yes; bhang could be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. No; ganja and charas require some special process; besides, wild ganja is unfit for human consumption. 18. Yes, they do. Bhang and ganja keep well for twelve months only, after which they are supposed to lose their intoxicating virtues. Government never allows the shop-keepers to retain ganja for more than two years. Damp and moisture destroy the resinous matter. There is nothing to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of KAILAS CHUNDRA BOSE, Kayasth, Medical Practitioner, Calcutta.


14. Yes, bhang is prepared in Dacca, Patna, Chota Nagpur. In Muzaffarpur and Orissa it is cultivated for ganja and charas. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping and quite lose their effect in time. They keep good a year or so. Exposure to air and damp causes deterioration. These drugs should be so kept that they may be protected from damp and the external atmosphere.  - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in Bengal, in Naogaon Sub-division of the Rajshahi District, but bhang is also prepared in Patna District. 15. Siddhi or bhang, ganja and charas, are the productions of different sorts of plants, but generally of same kind. The leaves are used as bhang for drinking or eating purposes. Ganja and charas are only smoked. The flowery parts are the best ganja, called chur; the mixture of flowery parts and leaves are made into flat and round ganjas according to different modes of preparation. The glutinous or resinous substances, sometimes naturally and sometimes artificially drawn, are made into charas. 16. Yes. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. Yes; it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. I am not aware whether ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Yes, the drugs deteriorate by keeping. Yes, it quite loses its effect in time. It keeps good for one year with ordinary care. The cause of its deterioration is exposure. They are kept in tin-lined boxes to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BIJOYA RATNA SEN*, Kaviranjan, Kabiraj, Calcutta


14. Ganja, bhang, and charas are not prepared in our district. 18. Without care ganja, bhang, and charas deteriorate, but if carefully kept, i.e., if they be not exposed to damp or water, they may remain good for two or three years. But in my opinion the longer they remain, the weaker they become in the power of intoxication.  - Evidence* of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District


14. All the products of hemp are prepared in the district of Rajshahi. 15. Sir William O'Shaughnessy's description of the process for making the preparations for smoking, eating, and drinking appear to me to be fairly correct. The quantities used at a time are, however, much smaller in Bengal than what are mentioned by him. 16. Bhang is usually prepared by the people in their own houses. The leaves of plant wherever grown can be used for the purpose. Ganja and charas, however, cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping for more than about six months. They become mildewed, and lose not only their flavour, but also their active properties. Preservation in well-stoppered bottles and exposing them to the sun for several hours from time to time prevents deterioration. - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.


14. Yes. Ganja is cultivated in Rajshahi, Bogra, and Dinajpur. Charas is also produced in the same locality, but in very small quantity, and is not known to be exported or exposed for sale regularly. Bhang also is not known here to be prepared for sale. People, however, collect leaves in small quantities in March and April, and preserve them for medicinal as well as for narcotic purposes occasionally. This latter practice, however, is few and far between. 16. People do not prepare bhang "generally" for fear of prosecution. Ganja and charas can be prepared anywhere from cultivated and uncultivated hemp plants; but as the outturn of the last preparation is very small and inferior by far, people do not exhaust their energy in such preparation. 18. Yes. They quite lose their narcotic effect after two and sometimes three years. They can be kept good for a year with ordinary care. Ganja in air-tight tin-lined boxes, bhang in well covered earthen or porcelain vessels, and charas in plantain leaves, would last without losing their efficacy longer than if preserved otherwise. - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.


15. Cultivated hemp is used in smoking; charas (cannabis) is also used in smoking. Wild hemp is generally used in drinking (ghata) and smoking, and one of its preparations is made with milk and sugar called majum, and is used in eating. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their home. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from wild plants.  - Evidence of RAJA MAHIMA RANJAN ROY CHOWDHRY, Zamindar, Kakina, Rangpur


14. Ganja, charas, and bhang are prepared in Rajshahi and Bogra, to what extent it is not known. 15. I have no knowledge of the methods of preparation. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses. It can be prepared from hemp plants wherever grown. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate by keeping. It loses its effect in time. Deterioration can be prevented by keeping it wrapped in cloth or gunny. It deteriorates in damp.  - Evidence of RAI RADHA GOVINDA RAI, SAHIB BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur.


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared here. Bhang is prepared here by people from wild hemp plants to a large extent. 15. Bhang is prepared for eating and drinking from the wild plants. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses. It can be prepared from plants wherever grown. I cannot say whether ganja and charas can also be prepared from wild plants alike or not. 18. I cannot say about ganja and charas, but bhang does not deteriorate by keeping within a year; it loses its effects to some extent by keeping. If properly cared for it keeps good for a whole year. People generally use bhang, at least after some months it was first dried. Its stimulant nature gradually decreases by keeping. Damp is the cause of deterioration. Bhang does not generally deteriorate if it is kept in a dry place and sometimes be exposed to sun. Generally bhang is kept on a machan or hung in a pot in the kitchen, so as to keep it always free from being damped.  - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RADHA BALLAV CHOWDHURI, BAIDYA, Honorary Magistrate and Zamindar, Sherpur Town, Mymensingh District.


16. In most cases people prepare bhang or siddhi in their houses from wild plants. They also prepare ganja, though not generally, from wild plants grown in jungles, but I have not heard of preparing charas.  - Evidence of BABU HARI KRISHNA MAZUMDAR, Baidya, Zamindar, Islampur, District Murshidabad.


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared in this province. The male hemp plant grown wild is used as bhang everywhere, which requires no special preparation. 15. The male hemp plant grown wild is plucked and dried in the sun, and then its leaves washed in the water, and then used for eating and drinking after its being powdered with at least golmirich. It is seldom used for smoking. One rare preparation of bhang is called majum, which is prepared by boiling bhang together with misri, etc., etc., in ghee, which is used very rarely, only by the rich men of the town. 16. Yes. Perhaps bhang cannot be prepared from the female hemp plant from which ganja is prepared, and, if prepared, it would not be liked by people, as it would not come to the same standard of taste and other requirement found in bhang of male plant. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. - Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur.


14. (a) Yes. (c) Yes. 15. (A) Ganja, before being smoked, is generally cut to pieces, sprinked with a little water, and mixed with a little quantity of prepared tobacco and sometimes with that of dried tobaccoleaf. By well-to-do smokers the drug is soaked in rosewater before being used. (B) The drug (bhang) is sometimes used with pan (betel) in the same way as spices. Some confections are made with the drug ground. (C) As a beverage, bhang is drunk mixed with rosewater, milk and sugar, black pepper, aniseed and some other seeds, and spices. The poorer classes generally seem to be content with only water, black pepper and aniseed. 16. (a) Yes. (b) an No.  - Evidence of BABU SURENDRA NATH PAL CHOWDHURY, Zamindar, Ranaghat, District Nadia.


14. Not known to me. 15. Method of preparation is not known to me. 16 and 17. Not known. 18. Quite ignorant of that.  - Evidence of BABU GIRJAPAT SAHAI, Kayasth, Zamindar, Patna.


14. Ganja is prepared in Balughara, which is, I believe, in the confines of Dinajpur, and in Naogaon in Rajsbahi. 16. Bhang may be prepared from wild plants, but not so with regard to ganja and charas. 18. Yes; they do. I think they keep good with ordinary care up to three or four years. Damp causes deterioration. Bhang may be preserved a longer period, and old bhang is preferred to raw or new bhang for medicinal purposes.  - Evidence of BABU RADHIKA CHURN SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar, Berhampur.


16. Bhang is not generally prepared by the people in their houses. Leaves of wild male hemp do not make good bhang, and are seldom used. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. All the three drugs (ganja, charas and bhang) deteriorate by keeping for more than about six months. They lose their effect in time. If kept in well covered receptacles, and exposed to the sun from time to time, deterioration could be prevented. In fact, it is so done at present by the licensed vendors.  - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore


14. So far as it is known, ganja is only prepared in this province, and in Rajshahi District. The extent to which it is prepared is not known. 15. Some drink bhang by grinding it with pepper, sugar, milk and water, and some swallow it with water. Ganja is generally smoked by mixing with tobacco leaves. 18. Ganja and bhang do deteriorate by keeping. They lose their effect in time. They keep good for about a year. The causes of deterioration and the measures to prevent it are not known.  - Evidence of GOSSAIN MOHENDRA GIR, Sanyasi, Zamindar, English Bazar, Malda.


14. In the Jessore District neither ganja nor charas nor bhang is prepared. 15. I am not aware. 16. In the Jessore District bhang is not prepared by the people in their houses. Yes, as far as I am aware, bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. No, neither ganja nor charas can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. I am not aware.  - Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore.


14. (a) Ganja is not prepared in this district in a big scale. (b) Chara is not at all prepared in Mymensingh. (c) Bhang, as stated in my answer No. 2, is used by a very small majority, but it is not prepared as understood by the term. Some use the broken fragments of ganja which are sold by licensed ganja vendors. It is called patti or chur. 15. Ganja is generally smoked. Majum and other confectionery preparations of it are eaten, Both bhang and patti are drunk in shape of sherbet. 16. People generally prepare bhang in their own houses. It can also be prepared from leaves of ganja plants. I don't know any other plant from which ganja or charas can be prepared. 18. Bhang and ganja, when grown old, lose their intoxicating power, and they grow useless after a year or so. It is said that damp and exposure deteriorate the intoxicating essence of bhang and ganja. Charas does not deteriorate so rapidly. It remains effective for years if not exposed to damp. Charas is also medicinally used.  - Evidence of BABU JAGAT KISHOR ACHARJEA CHAUDHURI, Brahmin, Zamindar, Muktagacha, District Mymensingh.


16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses. - Evidence of BABU KAMALESWARI PERSAD, Zamindar, Monghyr.


14. My answer refers to the districts of Dacca, Mymensingh, and Backergunge. In none of these any preparation is made of the hemp plant for ganja, charas, and bhang, but leaves of the wild hemp are dried and preserved in small quantity by some persons for using medicinally. 15. There is no preparation of any kind in the districts mentioned above. Those who take wild bhang daily are mostly up-country men, who come to East Bengal for service. Hindus of this part of the country who are addicted to bhang drinking pound the dried leaves, mix sometimes with milk and sugar, but often with water, black pepper and dhoma (a sort of spice) powder and then drink. This preparation is made immediately before drinking. 16. I have said above what I know of the wild hemp plant from which ganja is in rare cases prepared by the smokers on whose premises one or two female plants grow spontaneously. The preparation is made secretly and by concealing the fact from the authorities. Charas is never prepared in the districts I named. 18. All three drugs become deteriorated and lose effect when kept for a long time, hence the surplus ganja of the Government store (gola) is destroyed annually. They never or seldom remain useful after two years, and after a year, I am told, the effect or intoxicating power becomes much less and therefore consumers do not use them. I am not aware of any special measures which can be taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar, District Dacca.


14. Bhang leaves are dried and kept by some people for use, but not for sale. 15. Dried bhang leaves are dried and ground with water and then drunk by some people; these leaves are taken from wild plant. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their houses. I have no experience of the same as regards ganja and charas. 18. They deteriorate if kept on earth without covering them tightly.  - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore


14. None here. Bhang is produced, but just sufficient for the consumption of the people for medicinal purposes. It is produced everywhere. 15. No ganja and no charas is prepared here. Bhang is prepared from the wild hemp. The leaves are simply plucked and dried in the sun. These are stored up and used for smoking, eating and drinking with sugar, gur, and milk; also used for medicinal purposes. 16. Prepared by the people in their own houses. No. 18. Bhang deteriorates by long keeping. It may keep good for six months. Ganja deteriorates by long keeping, say, for a year. Bhang and ganja quite lose their effects in time; but ganja will take a much longer time. Exposure to damp and air is the cause of deterioration. Deterioration may be prevented by keeping these in air-tight boxes as I come to know.  - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.


14 and 16. From what I know and understand, hemp plant is different from bhang plant. The latter grows, as already said, spontaneously, and native physicians and those who consume bhang gather the leaves and dry and preserve them for use. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA KISHORE RAI CHAUDHURI, Zamindar, Ramgopalpur, District Mymensingh.


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared here. Bhang leaves are plucked from the plants, ground in water and drunk. No other preparation is in use here. Bhang-drinkers are limited in numbers in this part of the district. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. Cannot answer the rest of the questions. - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.


14. Bhang is cut and gathered and kept for use. 15. Ganja is smoked. There is no cultivation of bhang. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their own houses. 18. Bhang loses its effects when it becomes old. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL SINGH, Zamindar, Kumarsar, Bhagalpur.


18. These drugs keep very well for eight months in the year, but deteriorate and lose their strength during the rainy season. They won't keep for an indefinite length of time.  - 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.


14. None prepared here, so far as I can ascertain. 16. It is drunk, or eaten in pellets, and occasionally it is smoked. 18. I have been told it deteriorates by keeping.  - Evidence of MR. F. G. GIBSON, Indigo Planter, Jessore.


14. None to my knowledge. 15. I can offer no particulars on this subject. 16. To the best of my belief, no one cares to try and prepare bhang in their own houses. It is believed that bhang can be prepared from the wild hemp plants, but people here do not know how to do it. It is doubtful whether ganja and charas can be prepared from these plants. 18. The drugs deteriorate by keeping, but do not altogether lose their effect.  - Evidence of MR. JOHN D. GWILT, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling.


14. I believe they are, but I have no certain knowledge of it. 15. I am unable to do so. 18. I believe they do deteriorate by keeping, owing to atmospheric moisture, but do not know of any special measure that might be adopted to prevent such deterioration.  - Evidence, of MR. JNO. RUDD RAINEY, Proprietor of "Khulna Estate," Khulna.


14. Bhang, wild hemp. (a) No. (b) No. 15. Bhang (wild hemp) leaves are sometimes dried and kept, but by very few, and a drink is made by pounding the leaves, mixing the same in water, and adding sugar. This is very intoxicating. The pounded leaves are also mixed with water, adding some pounded round pepper. Not very intoxicating. The juice extracted from the green leaves is also used in making the same drinks as above. This is intoxicating. 16. Bhang is always prepared by those who want the drink in their houses or anywhere. Do not know and have never seen ganja or charas prepared from the wild hemp. 18. It does not deteriorate. I hear bhang is dried and tied in a bundle and kept in a dry place. - Evidence of Mr. A. G. M. WODSCHOW, Assistant Manager, Indigo and Zamindari, Dumur Factory, Purnea.


14. In the district of Rajsbahi, and perhaps in other ganja districts of Bengal, the cultivation of hemp is carried on only for the purpose of producing ganja. So far as I am aware, there is nowhere either in the Eastern or Northern Bengal a regular cultivation of bhang. It is only a wild indigenous plant which grows without any care as all other weeds do. The answer to the last part of this question will be found in my answer to question 7. 15. The method of preparation of ganja, for smoking from cultivated hemp plants, will be found in the last part of my answer to question 9. The leaves of wild hemp plant are dried by exposure to the rays of sun for preparing bhang used for drinking. I am not aware of any other methods of preparation of these drugs. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Bhang cannot be prepared from the cultivated hemp plant, as I learn from the cultivators. (c) Whether hemp can be produced from wild hemp or bhang, as it is called, and vicev ersá,h as, I apprehend, never been experimented upon. But I think such an experiment will not be wholly unprofitable. Hemp and bhang or siddhi belong to the natural order called Urticaceœ, which includes several families of plants. Hemp belongs to the family called Cannabineœ. I am aware of no botanical characteristics and classification of the wild hemp or bhang, nor I think there has been any recent researches concerning its properties. But I think I may safely say that, because both hemp and bhang belong to the same natural order, and when both the species grow to the same height, and in all external appearance they present the most striking resemblance, and both the species undeniably possess the narcotic principle, and specially because the growth of wild hemp is never advanced by the destruction of male plants, wild hemp may, under proper care, become ganja. It may also be supposed that hemp, in its degenerated and wild condition, becomes what we call bhang or siddhi. I have myself seen that such bhang plants as have a luxuriant growth bring forth leaves, which sometimes get matted together, and, if collected before inflorescence, might, to some extent, serve the purpose of ganja. 18. The narcotic power of ganja deteriorates by keeping. It loses its active principle totally in the course of time, retaining its effects for about two years with ordinary care. I believe that this gradual destruction of its effects is simply due to the atmospheric influence; consequently if this drug be preserved in cases hermetically closed, the effect will keep intact for a comparatively longer period. - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.


14 and 15. Ganja (A) and (B) are both used for smoking, (B) is eaten in the form of sweetmeat called majum, and (C) is ground in a pestle and mortar and mixed with milk and sugar for drink. 16. Bhang and charas are prepared generally by the people in their houses; both ganja and charas can be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Ganja does not deteriorate by keeping but charas and bhang do.  - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera


14. Not manufactured in the Hughli district. 16. Never seen any one preparing bhang in his house. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang stand good for a year. They lose their qualities and become useless after one year. These informations I have derived from the ganja and charas smokers and bhang drinkers. The resinous matter in each of the three drugs gets dried up after a year, and consequently they lose their narcotic power owing to the loss of the resinous matter which is the active principle.  - Evidence of BABU AGHORE NATH BANERJI,* Vice-Chairman, Serampore Municipality, District Hughli.


16. (a), (b), (c) Yes. 18. Number of shops in town : 11; Number of shops in the district: 60; Quantity sold last year (Mds Ganja): 93; Rate at which sold -R16 per seer in town; R20 per seer in the district. Bhang 6 17 186 R1 per seer in town; R1-8 per seer in the district. Besides two shops for selling majun, the shopkeepers paying a license fee of R48 annually, and turning out as much of this stuff as they please without any control whatever. - Evidence of the REV. PREM CHAND, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya.


14. (a) No. (b) No. (c) No. See answer to question No. 7. 15. As far as I am aware, green leaves are plucked from the plants and dried and kept for drinking purposes. 16. Male plants produce the best bhang, and it is prepared in the houses of the people. The leaves of the female plants may be used as bhang, but as a rule they are discarded, being very strong if used as a drink. 18. If kept with ordinary care, ganja and bhang do not deteriorate for two years, but charas can be preserved in good condition for a much longer time. The former lose much of their strength after two years.  - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA CHANDRA MITRA, Kayasth, Pleader, Honorary Magistrate, and Municipal Chairman, Naihati, 24-Parganas.


14. Yes, in places round about Naogaon in the Rajshahi District. The places belong mostly to the district of Rajshahi, and, if I have been correctly informed, also to Bogra. I do not know the extent of the preparations. As far as I know, all these three varieties are produced. 15. I know only the method of preparation of bhang from the wild plant. The plant that is used for this purpose is generally the female plant, though the male-plant is also occasionally made use of. The method of the preparation is to take some leaves from the plant, and, after leaving out the dry and withered or half withered leaves, to expose them to the sun for some time. After the leaves are dried for some time, they are boiled in a mixture of from 10 to 25 per cent. of milk and 90 to 95 per cent. of water. After drying the leaves once again, they are fit for use as siddhi or bhang. 16. Yes; bhang is generally prepared by the people in their own houses, and it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. It has never occurred within my experience that ganja or charas is prepared from the wild plant, far less from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Bhang prepared from the wild plant does deteriorate by keeping. I do not know if the others deteriorate also. I think bhang loses its effects altogether by lapse of time. By ordinary care bhang may be kept good for one to three years, but from the second year it begins to lose its intoxicating and narcotic properties little by little. I do not know if the other two varieties deteriorate. I do not know the causes of deterioration, or how deterioration could be prevented.  - Evidence of BABU MADHAVA CHANDRA CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Dinajpur.


14. The ganja and charas are prepared in the ganja tracts. I know not to what extent. 15. The cultivated ganja is prepared in this province in the method described by Dr. Prain, and is used for smoking only. The wild plant bhang is used to a small extent for eating and drinking purposes. The lower order of people use the seeds of cultivated ganja for eating purposes. 16. The bhang is occasionally prepared by the people in their houses. Not that I know of.  - Evidence of SYED RIYAZ UDDIN QUAZI, Pleader, Bogra.


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are prepared in Boalia, Bogra, and in a small part of Dinajpur. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. Can be prepared from hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas are not prepared from wild plants. 18. Yes; they do. They lose their narcotic power in time.  - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.


14. Ganja is produced in the jurisdiction of Thana Adamdighi. Bhang is produced in the eastern part of Bogra. Charas is not prepared.  - Evidence* of BABU UMA KANTA GHATAK, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Bogra.


14. No. 15. Not known in this district. 16. (a) No. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. 18. Yes, these drugs deteriorate by keeping and quite lose their effect in time. They keep good not more than two years. They lose their intoxicating power when they become old. As far as I know, there are no such preventive measures.  - Evidence of PUNDIT RAKHAL CHUNDER TEWARY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Diamond Harbour, 24-Parganas.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared, but not charas, so far as I know. 16. Yes; bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses to be drunk as an infusion, or swallowed as a bolus, or eaten as cake. The leaves from which it is prepared are gathered from wild bhang plants, and used, both dried and green. 18. Yes; it does deteriorate by keeping, and lose its effects, so far as intoxication is concerned. But its medicinal use improves by keeping. - Evidence of BABU SASADHAR ROY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Rajshahi


14. Yes The precise area and extent cannot be accurately given. 15. As to the preparation of ganja, I cannot say more than what is contained in the second question. Charas is the name given to the resinous matter that comes out from hemp plants. In the Himalayan tracts, the matter comes out from the leaves in the hot season. In the plains, the little branches and the flowers as yet in their buds are dipped in spirit or ether, and thereby the matter is extracted. The matter is also extracted from the ovary. The ganja and charas are used in smoking. The ganja with a little quantity of tobacco leaves is pressed in the palm of the left hand by the right hand finger and then put in a kalki and then smoked. As regards charas, some ten or fifteen drops of undried charas or ten to fifteen grains of powdered charas are mixed with ordinary tobacco and then used in smoking. As to bhang, the dried leaves are washed well in the first instance, and then they are ground with mouri. It is then mixed with water and then drunk. Sometimes sugar, rose-water, rose-flower powder and golmarich are mixed with the same. Majum is made of bhang. The leaves of the bhang plant are mixed with ghee and then boiled with water. A resinous matter comes out from the leaves, which being mixed with milk and sugar is put on the fire. When cooled, the mixture becomes dry and hard. It is then cut into pieces and then used for eating. 16. The first two questions are answered in the affirmative. I am unable to answer the third question. I see no reason why ganja or charas cannot be so prepared. 18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping. Exposure to weather makes them deteriorate. In time they lose their stringent properties. Though they do not become absolutely useless in time, they are little valued by those who are accustomed in using them. Ganja and bhang, if kept quite tight and compact in a house so as not to be exposed to the weather, and if occasionally spread before the rays of the sun so that they cannot deteriorate by damp weather, may be thereby protected from deterioration. - Evidence of BABU JADUNATH KANJILAL, Brahmin, Pleader, Judge's Court, Hughli.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. Largely in Rajshahi. 16. Ganja and bhang can be prepared everywhere, but not charas. This comes from Gorakhpur and Nepal. It seems to me that a rocky soil and cold climate are necessary to enable the plant to exude charas. 18. I have asked pacca ganja smokers. They say that, if kept out of damp, these do not lose their properties at least for five years. Siddhi, they say, won't last for more than two years.. The older the charas the greater is its flavor and strength. This is what the topers say.  - Evidence of BABU BEPRODAS BANERJEE,* Brahman, Pleader, Newspaper Editor, and Chairman, Baraset Municipality.


14. Yes, ganja is produced and prepared in Dubalhati, in the district of Rajshahi. Siddhi is grown and prepared in Patna. The former in Dubalhati, and the latter in Patna, is found in abundance. As regards charas, I know nothing. 15. I have already said about the method of cultivating cultivated hemp. Ganja and charas are used for smoking, and siddhi is used for three purposes. The ganja-smokers smoke siddhi for want of ganja. The method of preparing cultivated ganja is this. The cultivators of ganja cut the ganja at about 5 P. M. and bring it home to their yard, and they there sun it. Then from 12 o'clock in the morning they thrash it and sun it again one or two days, and then make bundles of flat ganja. 16. Bhang is prepared in the Patna district. I did not ever hear that any people prepare bhang in their houses. I am not prepared to say anything on the subject. 18. Ganja more than four years. Bhang more than three years. Charas never deteriorates. - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District.


16. In our district bhang used to be prepared by the people addicted to it in their houses. But this practice has been put down by the local authorities. I think bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. The hemp plant does not flower in our district; hence I think is the popular belief that the plant from the leaves of which siddhi is prepared is quite distinct from the plant from which ganja is produced. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping; and I am told they quite lose their effects in time. They keep good with ordinary care for two years at most.  - Evidence of BABU ABINAS CHANDRA DASS, M. A., B. L., Pleader, Judge's Court, Bankura.


14. No,—not to my knowledge. Bhang leaves are pounded and occasionally taken as a draught mixed with water. Some people habitually use bhang preparation, but others use it as medicine in diarrhœa and bowel complaints. 16. Yes, bhang is prepared by the people in their houses, but not generally. - Evidence of BABU KAILAS CHANDRA DUTTA, Baidya, Vakil, Judge's Court, Comilla, Tippera District.


14. The products (a), (b), (c) are not produced in this district. 18. These three drugs deteriorate by keeping and lose their effects in time. Ordinarily they do not lose their effects within two years.  - Evidence of BABU TARA NATH CHUCKERBUTTY, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Faridpur.


14. As far as I know, ganja is prepared in the Rajshahi Division. I am not aware that bhang is specially prepared anywhere. I do not know anything of charas. 15. The dry leaves of both the wild and the cultivated male hemp are used as bhang, both for eating and drinking, but not for smoking. The methods of such preparations are very easy. When the plants become fully grown up they are cut down and dried in the rays of the sun. Then the leaves are gathered and used as bhang. Ganja is smoked, but neither eaten nor drunk. 16. Yes, bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. But ganja and charas, I am told, cannot be prepared from the wild hemp. 18. Yes; they deteriorate by keeping. In time they may entirely lose their properties; but it would require a long time to do so. For about two years they remain good with ordinary care. Exposures in open air and water are the general causes of such deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared in this district. Some people preserve dried leaves of the plant growing wild and use the same as bhang; they are not ordinarily sold in the district. I have, however, heard that bhang is sometimes taken to the neighbouring district of Bhagalpur, but not to a great extent. 15. Bhang leaves from mature plants growing wild are dried up in the sun and preserved for use. It is generally used as a drink. The dried leaves are pounded in a mortar with a pestle or rod along with a few black-peppers (sometimes other spices, sugar, and milk are also added) and mixed in water. The whole is made into a thin drink. Some up-country people as well as a few natives of Bengal sometimes eat a kind of sweetmeat (called majum) in which bhang is used in some form or other. Bhang is sometimes prescribed by kabirajes (native physicians) as medicine for diarrhœa; it is then ordinarily used in the form of pills. I have never seen bhang having been smoked, though I have heard of the same. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their own houses. It is said that it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. I hear that ganja cannot be prepared from the hemp plant generally growing wild in the district. I have, however, heard that it can be prepared from a plant sometimes seen (though very rarely) growing wild and known as ganja plant. 18. Ganja and bhang are both said to deteriorate by keeping for a long time, and thereby they lose their effect. Ganja can keep good for one year if kept with ordinary care. Bhang deteriorates after five or six months, but I have heard that old bhang is preferred to new bhang for medicinal purposes. It is said that they generally deteriorate by being exposed to air. To preserve them, they should be kept in a dry and air-tight place.  - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.


16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. 18. Yes, it does. No; it does not quite lose its effects. With ordinary care, it keeps good for six months and sometimes for one year. Damp is certainly one of the causes, but I do not know of any other cause. One ganja-smoker has told me that exposure to air deteriorates the narcotic effect of ganja. I think that if it be kept air-tight deterioration may be prevented.  - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.


14. Bhang is prepared in these provinces, and not ganea or charas. 15. Ganja or charas not prepared in my province, hence the method of preparation cannot be precisely stated. For bhang see 16. 16. Yes, bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, and is generally prepared by the people in their houses. Not so ganja and charas. 18. Ganja and bhang, and, so far as my knowledge goes, charas as well deteriorate by keeping, and lose their effect in time. They can keep good with ordinary care for a year or a little over. Damp and exposure are considered as the main causes of deterioration. Keeping in dry places and preservation from exposure, may prevent the deterioration. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SSHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.


16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. It is prepared from the wild hemp plant. Ganja or charas is not prepared from the wild plant.  - Evidence of BABU GURUDAYAL SINHA,* Kayasth, Honorary Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner and Secretary, Total Abstinence Society, Comilla, Tippera


14. All the products of hemp are prepared in the District of Rajshahi. 15. Sir William O'Shaughnessy's description of the process for making the preparations for smoking, eating and drinking, appears to the Committee to be fairly correct. The quantities used at a time are however much smaller in Bengal than what are mentioned by him. 16. Bhang is usually prepared by the people in their own houses. The leaves of the plant wherever grown can be used for the purpose. Ganja and charas however cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping for more than about six months. They become mildewed and lose not only their flavour but (as it is said by those who use it) also their active properties. Preservation in well-stoppered bottles and exposing them to the sun for several hours from time to time prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.


14. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. The same answer as answer to question 7 with respect to ganja. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Yes.  - Evidence of UMAGATI RAT, Brahmin, Pleader, and Secretary to the Jalpaiguri Branch, Indian Association.


14. Ganja is prepared in the ganja mahals of Rajshahi at Naogaon, where a small quantity of charas is also obtained by collecting the scrapings from the feet of the labourers who tread down the ganja during its manufacture. I am told that seven to eight thousand maunds of ganja are prepared annually in Rajshahi. Bhang is not prepared in Lower Bengal. It grows wild, and the people collect some leaves, dry them and preserve them for use. Some people, after collecting these green leaves, boil them in milk and then dry and preserve them, which is said to confer greater medicinal properties to the drug. 15. Bhang is generally prepared, or rather collected, by the people from the wild plants. Some people regularly collect these leaves on the last day of the Bengali year, the Choitra Sankranti day, when they are supposed to contain the greatest beneficial properties. It can be prepared from the wild hemp plant wherever grown; but the people generally prefer to use the bhang grown in Bhagalpur, Patna, and Benares. Ganja cannot, in my opinion, be prepared from the wild hemp. In all plants of the Indian hemp the narcotic principle is said to reside in the plants. If the males are carefully destroyed and the females alone are allowed to run to flower, this narcotic substance collects itself in and around the flowering tops which produce ganja. As no steps are taken to arrest free fertilisation in the wild hemp, its narcotic substance does not reside in the flowering tops, but is distributed over the leaves. Hence no ganja can be prepared from the wild hemp. 16. Ganja is seen to be cultivated by all classes of the agricultural people, and bhang is collected and preserved by any one who has any need of it. 18. No means to answer.  - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.


14. No. 15. Wild bhang trees are dried and kept for eating and drinking purposes. 16. Yes, they prepare in their houses. Yes, it can be prepared from the hemp plant Ganja and charas can be prepared, but not prepared here. 18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping. Yes, lose their effects after one year. They are worm-eaten, and by exposure lose their alcoholic strength. If they are kept wrapped securely without exposure to air, they may not deteriorate about a year or so.  - Evidence of BABU KAMALA KANTA SEN, Kayasth, Zamindar and Pleader, President of the Chittagong Association.


16. Bhang is generally prepared, as far as I know, by people in their houses.  - Evidence of MAHARAJA DOORGA CHARAN LAW, C.I.E., Merchant, Calcutta.


14. Not in this district. Dry leaves of bhang from special bhang tree is sold, but under Excise Act. 15. I have no idea of the difference of preparation in wild and cultivated hemp. So far I know that ganja is smoked after mixing it with tobacco leaf, and eaten by intermixing the ganja with sweetmeat; the preparation is called "Majum;" and the drug is made drinkable by grinding and mixing it with water, sugar, cloves, etc., which is called "Sabji." 16. Bhang is prepared from the special leaves of bhang tree in the house either drinkable or eaten with a lump of sugar. Bhang is not made from hemp plant. I do not know whether charas or ganja can be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Yes, it keeps good for a year or more. It gradually loses its effect. Dampness is the chief cause of deterioration. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong


14. Yes, except charas. (a) Ganja at Rajshahi. (b) Charas not known to me. (c) Bhang in Behar. Extent not known. 15. (a) Ganja is smoked with huka and chillums. (c) Bhang is drunk by pounding it with water or milk and sugar, and in some cases with spices and scents. 16. Bhang is prepared for home consumption. Bhang can be prepared from wild hemp of spontaneous growth. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Deteriorates by keeping, but is not totally lost. About three years; causes of deterioration not known to me. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CAHNDRA SARKAR, Kayasth, Wholesale and retail vendor of ganja and bhang, Barisal


14. (a) Produced in Rajshahi, but to what extent I am not aware. (b) Produced in Rajshahi, but to what extent I am not aware. (c) No experience. 15. No experience. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people generally in their houses. It cannot be prepared from the plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas cannot be so prepared from the wild plant. 18. These drugs deteriorate by keeping. They do not quite lose their effect in time. Ganja and bhang keep good with ordinary care for one year. I am not aware of the causes of deterioration. If ganja be kept in air-tight boxes, I think the deterioration will be greatly prevented.  - Evidence of BABU DHANI RAM SAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh.


14. (a) Produced at Rajshahi, but to what extent I am not aware of. (b) Produced at Rajshahi, but to what extent I am not aware of. (c) Bhang is prepared from the wild plant in all districts. 18. I have no experience about charas. Bhang and ganja both deteriorate by keeping. They lose their effect entirely by time. Ganja keeps good for a year with ordinary care. I have no knowledge about bhang on this point. The resinous substance dries up. A sort of worm also grows in the drug. These are the causes of deterioration. I am not aware how the deterioration can be prevented. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh


18. Yes; it deteriorates after long keeping. It remains well for a year. It is generally wormeaten. It can keep well if it be kept in a dry place. - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA NATH ROY, of Santa, Jessore


14. See answers to questions 3 and 7. 15. The following preparations are known:— (a) From cultivated plant (A) for smoking. Ganja is the preparation obtained from the flowers of the ganja plant by cutting them into small pieces and mixing them with dried tobacco leaves. Bhang is largely used as an intoxicating liquor by washing the leaves and pounding them into a fine paste with an admixture of sugar, spices, etc., with water. (b) From the wild plant no preparation is made in Bengal. A powerful sun is indispensably necessary for the proper preparation of ganja both flat and round. The chur is the result followed in the preparation of the other two forms of the drug. 16. (a) Yes, to a very moderate extent. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Yes, they lose their narcotic properties in two years time, but the medical properties of siddhi are believed to increase. The causes of deterioration are exposure to atmospheric moisture, dampness, etc. The preventive measures are constant cleansing, drying in the sun, and keeping in stoppered bottle.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee)


14. We have no personal knowledge. From information collected we have come to know that the ganja is produced in the districts of Naogaon, Rajshahi, Dinajpur and Bogra. Charas produced nowhere. Bhang produced in Tirhut and North Monghyr. 15. Nothing is known to us. 16. Bhang is generally prepared in the houses of those who take it. Besides that, when there is any gathering of those who take it, it is prepared either on the bank of the river, stream or tanks, or in any open place. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. May be; but we have no information about it. 18. According to our information, they do deteriorate by long keeping. Probably so. With ordinary care they may be kept in good condition for about two years. Damp and exposure are the causes of deterioration. To prevent deterioration, they should be kept in dry place and well secured from damp. Nothing is known of charas. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.


14. Not in this district generally; but (c) bhang is now and then kept for use by low class people. 15. Ganja and charas are not prepared in this district. 16. No. 18. Yes; the drugs do deteriorate. The deterioration is large when they are exposed to air and damp and not properly secured. With ordinary care, the drugs keep good for years. Proper packing goes a great way in preventing deterioration.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).


14. (a) Not prepared. (b) Ditto. (c) Prepared from wild plant in this district. In the northern parts of this district, about 200 to 300 maunds annually. 15. None prepared from cultivated plant, as plant is not cultivated. Wild plant collected and dried for some days in the sun. Leaves then shaken off (seeds separated as far as possible) and sold for eating and drinking. (A) Charas is smoked. Prepared tobacco is mixed with it. A small quantity is put into the centre of a small ball of tobacco, which is then heated on a fire till it cracks. The two are then rubbed together and are ready for use (smoking). (B) Eating.—Dried leaves are soaked in water and then smashed in a stone mortar with spices (bhang massala, pepper, aniseed, etc.). This is made into pills and eaten. (C) The pills above described are rubbed up with sugar and water and sometimes with milk and rosewater for drinking. 16. Yes, and it can be prepared from the plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas are not ordinarily made from the wild plant wherever grown, but may be so prepared by those who understand special points in the cultivation of the plant. 18. All deteriorate by keeping. Bhang quite loses its effect in five years; three years old is very mild. Ganja keeps less, loses power in two years. Damp hastens deterioration, Keeping off damp does not wholly preserve these drugs.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Monghyr (Sub-Committee).


14. No. 18. All. They lose their effects in time, and keep good with ordinary care for a year only.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Arrah.


14. No; (a) is prepared—if it can be called preparation—by merely drying the plant in the sun, but the extent to which this business is carried is exceedingly small. Question 14. [oral evidence] — The Assamese apply the name bhang to the ganja which is imported from Rajshahi and to the home-grown drug as well. I do not know bhang as a distinct product. I do not know that any part of the plant is used specially for preparing a drink. I have heard of a mixture made of gur and milk with ganja which is called ghota. 15. As far as I know, ganja is only smoked in the province. I have no knowledge of (B) and (C). 16. Ganja I think can; but it is of a kind far inferior to the cultivated ganja in its narcotic properties. 18. If kept in a dry place, I think they keep their flavour well for at least a year. - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley District


14. No. 18. Damp and white ants affect ganja if not properly stored. I have known ganja in storehouses fit for use after two years. Protection against damp would prevent deterioration, I think.  - Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.


14. The drugs mentioned are not prepared in this province. 15. So far as I know, ganja and charas are invariably smoked in Assam. 16. See answers to questions above. 18. Ganja is stored in small bonded warehouses as in Bengal. Its strength deteriorates rapidly. It will keep fairly good for about a year if protected from white ants, etc. But the damp climate of Assam rapidly removes its toxic effect.  - Evidence of MR. J. D. ANDERSON, Deputy Commissioner; Officiating Commissioner of Excise.


16. Yes. Bhang is prepared mainly from wild hemp. I have never heard of ganja or charas being prepared from the wild plant, but such cases, even if they occurred, would not often come to light. We detect (and prosecute) cases in which the wild plant has been cultivated; but I have never had a case before me in which ganja or charas has been manufactured from it.  - Evidence of MR. E. A. GAIT, Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Assam.


14. No. 16. Bhang from bhang plants is sometimes prepared, but not generally, and only for the purpose of drinking as a medicine in bowel complaints. On the Sarswati (goddess of learning) Puja day some people also drink a preparation of this drug, called "ghuta" or siddhi, or eat a preparation called "laddu;" but the practice is gradually going out of use. The method of preparation is very simple. Some leaves of the plant are crushed and mixed with milk and sugar or sugar and water and then drunk. "Laddus" are made of leaves and gur boiled together and made into small balls. The preparation for medicinal purposes consists only of crushed leaves and powdered black pepper mixed with water. 18. Yes, ganja deteriorates by keeping. It begins to lose its effect after one year's keeping. After two years it is not at all sought for. It keeps good up to one year with ordinary care. The cause of its deterioration is dryness on account of exposure and long keeping, making the agglutinated flower tops drop off. This causes the loss of its intoxicating power and makes its smell bad. To prevent deterioration it is kept in wooden warehouses or golas lined with tin in bundles wrapped up in straw and gunny. - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet.


16. The wild plant is commonly used as an intoxicant by those who cannot afford to purchase the cultivated article. Question 16. [oral evidence] — My grounds for this statement: I was asked by Mr. (Sir) Charles Elliott, Chief Commissioner, to make some experiments in 1884 in the Gauhati Jail to ascertain whether the wild ganja was ever consumed by the people. There were then four or five confessed ganja consumers in the jail, all foreigners, i.e., not Assamese. I gave them only wild ganja to smoke and to drink, and some would chew it. They all smoked it, and were very glad to get it. I picked the wild plant myself in the villages. I pressed it between sheets of blotting paper like botanical specimens, and they got this. It was about the beginning of the hot weather. The plants were flowering. I also questioned the men. They said they much preferred the cultivated article, as the intoxicating effect was not so great in the wild plant; but they said they were glad to get the latter when they could not get the cultivated plant. I wrote out a slip for Mr. Elliott on the subject, giving him all the information-—not in the form of a report— and sent it to him. I remember where the plants were got. The plant is found in old cultivation almost invariably. But I have seen it growing in places almost two miles away from the nearest house. It is in Dibrugarh, Kamrup, and Goalpara, the three districts where I have served. I have seen the wild drug used myself outside, dried and smoked, but only by the very poor. They were all people who knew me well, and knew that it was none of my business to bring them to justice.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. MULLANE, Civil Surgeon, Dibrugarh.


14. There is no preparation of ganja or charas carried on in Assam. Wild bhang is used (1) without preparation (probably by prisoners only); (2) made into pills with water; (3) mixed with tobacco and smoked; and (4) macerated in water (when milk and sugar are added partly to give taste, and under the belief that the effects are more potent and pleasurable). 15. Nothing to add to the reply to previous query. Question 14. [oral evidence] — Prisoners go out to extramural labour and pick the growing plant and eat it dry. I sometimes get a ball of ganja leaves close to the jail. It seems to me that it is put there by prisoners for their use. It is so easy for them to get it. I have seen one case since I came here. Other people may use the stuff too, but not "without preparation." The uses by the public generally are shown in clauses (2), (3), and (4) of this answer. 16. Yes, in their houses. Yes, wherever grown. No because it is impossible to destroy all the male plants, so luxurious is the growth. The agglutinating material which enters into the formation of the bhang cake or ball is never produced, and the plants run into seed, when they are unfit for ganja. Question 16. [oral evidence] — By "bhang cake or ball" I mean the manufactured article, the pressed head as sold in the shops. All I mean is that the wild plant, owing to the male plant not being removed, has not sufficient glutinous matter to make the cake. What I describe as smoked in question 14 is the dried leaves of the wild plant, not the ganja cake or ball. I have not seen the ball. I believe round ganja is not sold here much. What I have seen is broken fragments taken out of the clothes of prisoners. I have not seen it in shops. I do not know the flat or round ganja in mass as produced in Bengal. 18. I think so. There is a popular idea that ganja deteriorates rapidly, but perhaps this is due to the fact that it is destroyed annually by Government. Bhang is not stored. Of course, the small quantity of volatile oil the leaves contain disappears on keeping. Bhang deteriorates more rapidly than ganja, while charas retains its properties twice as long as ganja, or about two years. I believe there are no two independent specimens of these drugs identical in strength. Exposure to the air alone causes deterioration, most likely by disappearance of the oil, which is volatile. I think that, like tobacco and pepper, the drug contains, besides the oil, a principle which is volatile, and most probably liquid and quite different from the oil. If this is so, the deterioration can easily be explained as in the case of tobacco, hemlock, and pepper, the three drugs which are known to have volatile liquid alkaloids (nicotin, conin and piperidin).  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.


14. None. 16. Yes. 18. Yes, they deteriorate and lose their effect in time, they last for two or three years. Exposure to wet causes deterioration. Precautions are to have it well dried up in sun and every precaution taken to avoid exposure to cold, and looked after each rain, and have it dried up again.  - Evidence of LATCHMAN PERSHAD, Kayasth, Hospital Assistant, Manipur State


14. No. 16. Yes; I have seen in Rajshahi. Possibly bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. I know bhang deteriorates and possibly loses its effect in time. It keeps good a year. Cold and damp cause deterioration. The leaves may be packed up and kept at a place free from moisture to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of KRISHNA CHANDRA SANYAL,* Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Sylhet.


14. (a) No. (b) No. (c) Yes. Not to any great extent, only a few people using it. 15. Bhang, which is made from the wild plant, is used by the people mixed in its green state with tobacco and smoked, and I have never heard of its being eaten or drunk. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Deteriorates after a year or so - Evidence of MR. F. C. MORAN, Tea Planter, Khoniker, Lakhimpur.

 
14. Ganja only. 16. I have never seen bhang in Cachar. Yes, it can be prepared in coolies' houses and Kuki poonjies. 18. If kept in a box will remain good for at least a year. Keeping it free from cold and wind will prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of Mr. ALFRED SPICER,† Tea Planter, Pathecherra, Cachar


14. No. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It quite loses its effects in time. It keeps good for about a year.  - Evidence of MASDAR ALI, Pleader, Sylhet.


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are not prepared in the districts of Sylhet and Cachar.  - Evidence of BABU ABANTINATH DATTA, Kayastha, Pleader, Judge's Court, Cachar


14. No. Bhang grows spontaneously. 18. All these drugs deteriorate by keeping. Ganja and bhang will lose much of their effect in a year.  - Evidence of BISHUN CHANDRA CHATTOPADHAY, Pleader, Dhubri.


14. I am told bhang is prepared in some parts of Sylhet. - Evidence of KAMINI KUMAR CHANDRA, Kayastha, Bengali, Pleader, Silchar


14. No. - Evidence of GANGADHAR SORMAH, Brahmin, Pleader, Jorhat.


14. Yes, only bhang for medicinal purposes, and in the district of Darrang to a limited extent. 15. The wild plants are dried in the sun and used for smoking and drinking purposes; in the case of smoking, the hemp is mixed with tobacco and then smoked; and in the case of drinking, it is powdered and mixed with sugar and milk, or water, and then drunk. Some kabirajes mix purified bhang with other articles and prepare balls called modak, and use for medicinal purposes, 16. Prepared in houses from plants wherever grown. 17. Generally all classes make the above preparations with the exception of that called modak. 18. No, provided it is kept in a dry place.  - Evidence of HARIBILASH AGARWALA, Merchant, Tezpur


14. Only bhang from wild plants. 15. Madak as sort of medicine made by native doctors, mixing bhang finely powdered with sugar and few other spices as stimulant and promoter of digestive power; these are eaten as pills. Siddhi or ghota is made with powdered bhang mixed with milk, water and sugar, and used in certain religious occasions for drinking, and so also with sugar and rice powder used as sweetmeat in Sivaratri day for the worship of god Siva. 16. Bhang can be prepared from the wild hemp plant; ganja cannot be prepared from them.  - Evidence of JADU RAM BOROOAH, Assamese Kayasth, Local Board Member; Pensioned Overseer, Public Works Department, Dibrugarh


16. Bhang is, I am informed, invariably prepared by the people in their own houses. - Evidence of COLONEL M. M. BOWIE, Commissioner, Nerbudda Division.


15. Ganja is smoked. Foreign bhang is used for the manufacture of a cooling drink (thandhai), and also for the preparation of majum (a sweetmeat). Local bhang is similarly used. These decoctions from bhang are believed to take away the effect of fatigue and also to be cooling to the system. 18. Ganja  deteriorates. It is generally supposed to keep good with ordinary care for about two years. Excessive heat and moisture hasten the deterioration, and rats play havoc with it if they get the chance.  - Evidence of MR. F. C. ANDERSON, Officiating Commissioner, Nagpur.


14. Ganja and bhang. 16. No. A coarse kind of bhang could be so prepared. Ganja is the product of cultivated female hemp plants, the male plant being carefully destroyed. 18. Ganja certainly does: and bhang, too, I believe.  - Evidence of MR. L. K. LAURIE, Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, General Department.


14. Ganja, yes, in the Khandwa Tahsil of the Nimar district as before stated. The amount of ganja brought to the godown in Khandwa yearly varies from about 6,000 to over 8,000 maunds. (I write from memory.) 18. If the drugs can be kept dry, they will keep good for a long time, say, two years.  - Evidence of MR. A. C. DUFF, Deputy Commissioner, Jubbulpore.


14. Ganja alone prepared locally. Charas is practically unknown, and bhang imported. Ganja is prepared only in the Khandwa tahsil. Extent of ganja manufacture is treated of in a separate memorandum. 15. See separate memorandum. 16. Bhang is never prepared by the people. 18. Ganja does deteriorate by keeping. It is best when fresh, but keeps fairly well up to two years, after which period its strength goes. I can assign no special reason for this except the process of age.  - Evidence of MR. B. ROBERTSON, Deputy Commissioner, Nimar.


14. As the hemp plant is grown for ganja only, so ganja is the only product manufactured, and manufacture, like cultivation, is restricted to the Khandwa tahsil of the Nimar district. The entire crop, when manufactured, must be deposited in the Government storehouse at Khandwa: the amount deposited in each of the past three years is as under:— Maunds. 1890-91 . . .        7,224 1891-92 . . .            6,685 1892-93. . . 6,686
About 1/3 of the quantity stored is lost in cleaning when the drug is prepared for issue to the double-lock stores of wholesale vendors in the different districts. A further cleaning is effected when the drug is issued by tahsildars to wholesale vendors for sale to retail vendors, and this further reduces the quantity to about 45 per cent. of that originally stored at Khandwa. 15. I have described the process of manufacture of ganja in the memorandum to which reference was made in my answer to question 9. 16. All the bhang consumed in the CentralProvinces is imported from Gwalior and the NorthWest Provinces, as stated in my answer to Question 2: this narcotic is not locally prepared at all. 18. The person best qualified to answer this question is Jaitram Bijraj of Kampti, who has been selected to give evidence. There can be no doubt that both ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping; the latter retains its power longer than the former, but two years seems to be the limit of time for which either can be kept in satisfactory condition. No special measures are taken in these provinces to prevent deterioration. -  Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating  Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.


14. Ganja is prepared from the hemp plant in the Nimar district. Charas is not collected, and its use is almost unknown. Bhang is imported from Rajputana (Marwar) and North-Western Provinces. Cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is confined to about 100 villages in the Khandwa tahsil. The area under cultivation last year was 940 acres. 15. As I have said before, wild hemp is unknown here. The preparations for smoking, eating, and drinking are of the cultivated plant. Ganja is used for smoking. Its process is very simple. The flower which the consumer obtains from the retail vendor is soaked in water and allowed to remain for some time. It is then washed, and, having been placed on a piece of cloth, the water is drained off. It is then placed in a chilam (native pipe). It is, however, mixed with tobacco . Ganja is used in preparing majum. It is well boiled in ghee and its essence is extracted; then it is mixed with sugar, and when dried it is cut in cakes. Bhang is used in drinking. It is the foreign bhang which is used. It is soaked in water and then well powdered on a flat stone. The several ingredients, to which I will refer further on, are powdered and mixed up with water. It is strained on a piece of cloth. Bhang is imported from North-Western Provinces and Marwar. It is not locally manufactured from the plant. Question 15. [oral evidence] — It is the flower of the ganja which is used in preparing majum. I have actually seen it prepared. The foreign bhang is imported, but majum is not prepared from it in Narsinghpur. Here also (Nagpur), I was informed that the flower was used. 18. Ganja keeps good with ordinary care for two years, and after that it loses its effect, as the flower gets dry and it becomes dusty. Bhang keeps good for four years. - Evidence of BHARGOW LAXMON GADGIT, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Nagpur.


14. Only ganja is prepared in the adjoining State of Boad in the manner explained against question 9. The same drug is used as well as "patti" for making "bhang," called " Kúsúmba." 16. "Bhang" or "kúsúmba" is always prepared by people in their houses. This drink is never sold in the market. 18. Ganja and "patti" deteriorate by being exposed to damp, and lose their effect in any case after a year, up to which they retain their effect if they are not exposed but kept in a dry state.  - Evidence of TRIMBAK RAO SATHE, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and Diwan of the Sonepur State.


14. Only ganja is prepared; it is prepared in the Nimar district. I do not know to what extent it is prepared. 15. In these provinces only ganja is prepared from the cultivated plant. Bhang or charas is not prepared. I do not know how they are prepared. 16. Bhang is not prepared by the people in their houses. Yes, it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever it is grown. I do not know whether bhang and charas could be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping. It does not quite lose its effect in time, but its intoxicating effects are lost by lapse of time and the stuff becomes practically useless. if kept with ordinary care it can keep good for two years, I think. Exposure causes deterioration. If it is kept air and water tight its deterioration might be prevented for a few years, but not permanently. - Evidence of RAGHUNATH RAO, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Damoh.


18. Ganja does deteriorate by keeping, and when kept long enough loses its effect altogether. It might keep good for three years at most with ordinary care. The chief causes of deterioration ' are damp, exposure to rains, to be moth eaten. It also deteriorates by being broken into minute particles. The effect is also lessened by constant exposure to weather. The special measure taken to prevent deterioration of ganja is to keep it in a closed room on a wooden platform, high enough from the ground between the strata of grass. The same is the case with bhang, but to prevent deterioration it is kept in dholee (a kind of bamboo basket). Charas is kept in leather bags and wooden "dabbas."  - Evidence of SYED MOHAMED HUSAIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner ; Diwan, Khairagarh State.


14. They are prepared both in Nimar district and Bastar Feudatory State. Their extent is not known. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They lose their effect in time. They keep good for one year with ordinary care ; causes of deterioration are damp, pressure, exposure to air.  - Evidence of RAM KRISHNA RAO, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Bhandara.


14. Ganja used to be prepared from hemp plant. I would estimate its product at about 400 seers. 15. Here ganja is not eaten, nor drunk. It is used for smoking only after cleansing, taking out its seeds and rubbing it on palms of hands, mixing some water. 16. Bhang is not used; nor was it formerly used. Wild hemp does not grow here. - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State.


14. (a) Ganja is cultivated in Nimar district under orders of the Government. (c) Bhang is prepared at home by the persons drinking it. 15. Ganja is generally used for smoking and bhang for eating and drinking. Very few people eat bhang; generally it is drunk. 16. Yes. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses. Yes. 18. Yes. They deteriorate by keeping more than a year. They do not quite lose their effect. They keep good with ordinary care for twelve months.  - Evidence of T. GOONDIAH, Tahsildar, Janjgir, Bilaspur District.


16. The bhang is generally prepared in their houses. It is called kúsúmba in this part of the country.  - Evidence of CHINTAMANI NAND VIDYÂ BHUSHANA, Uria Brahmin, late Tahsildar, Sonepur, Sambalpur.


14. Yes, (a) ganja, (b) charas, but this is not collected nor sold. In Nimar about 100 villages, 1,000 acres more or less. Produce between six and seven thousand maunds. 15. Please see separate note sent by the Commissioner of Excise for the province: one kind only is prepared for all purposes. 16. (a) No answer, as bhang is not produced in the Central Provinces, (b) No. (c) No knowledge. 18. Bhang is imported and consists of dry leaves without any resinous substance. I have seen bhang stored in the ordinary way for four years without deterioration or losing its quality. Charas is never kept, and I am unable to say anything about it, but ganja deteriorates and loses its quality after two years, the resinous substance having dried or disappeared from it. I do not think it will hold good after that period with any amount of care.  - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA. KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur.


14. In these provinces hemp is cultivated in tehsil Khandwa of the Nimar district. Charas is not produced. Bhang is not produced in these provinces. It is imported from Rajputana and Ajmere. The amount of hemp cultivation will be known from its statement from the Nimar district. 15. Wild hemp does not grow in these provinces. Hemp is produced from the cultivated seed at Khandwa. It is smoked like tobacco. They also eat it with sugar and ghee. 16. They, as a rule, do not make bhang in their own houses, because its cultivation is prohibited. Bhang is not produced from the hemp plant. It is imported from Rajputana, Gonda, Bahraich in Oudh. Wild hemp is not cultivated in these provinces. 18. I cannot say anything about charas, as it is not produced in these provinces. Ganja and bhang deteriorate if they are kept for one year. If ordinary care is taken, it can remain safe for two years, but becomes less effective. Damp soon deteriorates it. There are no special measures to prevent its deterioration, but it remains safe in wooden boxes and baskets of bamboos ; otherwise after one year it becomes less intoxicating and its colour is changed.  - Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.


14. Not prepared here. Only imported ganja and bhang are used. 18. Bhang or ganja if kept in a closed box for a year will lose part of its intoxicating effect. If it gets wet it will get quite spoiled. It will not keep more than 4 or 5 months if not excluded from air. It will lose all its effect in course of time. It will keep at least one year with care. It is the effect of the air which makes it deteriorate. Exclusion from the air is the main. thing to preserve it. These remarks apply to both bhang and ganja.  - Evidence of BRIJMOHUN PATNAIK, Mahanti, Treasurer, Sambalpur.


14. In this district, as far as I am able to ascertain, ganja, charas and bhang are obtained ready-made. 15. The preparations for smoking (A) are—ganja, is taken in the hand and sifted of all small pieces of woody material ; it is then rubbed in the palm of the hand, undergoing a sort of washing twice and thrice ; the. remnant is then taken and mixed with a quantity of tobacco according to the liking of the smoker ; it is then smoked. (B) Ganja and bhang are both eaten. Ganja is eaten by the Goads only medicinally for diarrhœa or pain in the stomach ; it is mixed with a small quantity of gur and onion ; then wrapped up in flour and roasted in the fire; it is then taken out and made into pills and given to the sufferer. In the case of bhang it is eaten as a sedative and narcotic mixed with sugar or gur, and by the higher classes in the district it is eaten as majum. (C) Drinking.—Ganja and bhang are both drunk as an intoxicating drink. It is mixed with either milk or water flavoured with gur or sugar. The drink is given to friends either on the occasion of a festival, marriage, or other happy occasion. 16. Where grown, bhang is prepared by people in their own houses. Yes, it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Yes, I have seen ganja prepared from the wild plant. Question 16. [oral evidence] — It was in the Himalayas that I saw ganja prepared from the wild plant, not in the Central Provinces. By ganja I mean the dried leaves and  flower  heads.  18. Ganja and bhang both deteriorate on being kept. No, it does not quite lose its effect, but is liable to the attacks of a small beetle. Damp and insects are the causes of deterioration. With ordinary care it will last four years. It should be kept dry and in a well closed bag or tin.  - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda


16. Those who are habituated to the use of bhang prepare it in their own houses, while occasional consumers prefer generally some shady places, such as old temples, orchards or gardens, where they are not likely to be disturbed by strangers during its preparation. - Evidence of MUNSHI MAHOMED GHOUSE, Extra Assistant Conservator of Forests, Raipur.


18. When very old, the leaf deteriorates; but ganja and its resinous portions keep the active principle good for years. The leaves deteriorate by damp and moisture. To prevent this, it should be kept in well covered vessels. I have been informed that it keeps well in leather bags strung up in the roof of houses.  - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi.


18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping, quite losin g effect in time. Keeps good with ordinary care about one year. Causes of deterioration—damp, exposure to air. No special measures required.  - Evidence of APOTHECARY J. PRENTIE, Civil Surgeon, Bhandara.


14. In Nimar only (a) Ganja is the only product prepared to any extent. (b) and (c) Charas and bhang may be prepared to a slight extent. 15. I can't say. 16. Yes; in their houses or neighbourhood bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas can also quite possibly be prepared from wild ganja wherever grown. 18. Yes ; all three deteriorate by keeping; and in time all will become inert. With careful keeping in tât bags the three drugs will keep good three years. The causes of the deterioration are that the volatile active principles evaporate. By keeping in any dry closely covered receptacle deterioration may be prevented for three years or more, but beyond three years the power of the drug will be diminished. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD HABIBULLA, 1st grade Hospital Assistant, Seoni.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared to a small extent in the Khandwa district of this province, but to a great extent they are brought from other provinces and Native States. 16. In this province most of the persons use the broken leaves of ganja as bhang. In this province charas is not prepared. 18. Yes, all these three drugs deteriorate by keeping. If it is rotten and some sort of insects produced in it, it quite loses its effect. With ordinary care it can keep good for one year. It often deteriorates by damp. Therefore, if placed in a good dry house its deterioration is not rapid.  - Evidence of MIR ZAMIN ALI, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Jabalpur.


14. Ganja is received from Nimar. Charas and bhang are not regularly prepared in this district. But persons who drink bhang may prepare it for themselves. 15. Bhang is prepared by grinding the leaves of the plant and mixing them with water, and a little sugar is added. A kind of sweetmeat is made called majum or majam. The leaves of the plant are steeped well in water, then ghee is added. The leaves are then wrung out, and with the water are thrown away. The ghee is then mixed with sweetmeat. I have heard how they prepare charas in Malwa and Indore. It is not prepared here. The people brush the growing plants when they are in 'masti ' with pieces of leather, the resinous matter which sticks to the leather they scrape off and make it into little balls which are smoked in a small pipe like madak. The leaves of the plant are also sometimes fried in ghee and eaten with sugar. It is called " talli bhang." 16. Yes, if they drink bhang. The custom is not common. I have no experience of the wild plant. 18. Ganja loses its effect by time. It could be kept good two years. Here freeh supplies are received year by year and so no special measures are taken to preserve it.  - Evidence of KHUSHALI RAM, Honorary Magistrate, Chhindwara.


14. Ganja is prepared at Khandwa: charas is seldom prepared. Bhang is also very generally prepared. 15. The flowers or kalis are made into ganja. Charas is the resin which freely exudes from the leaves as the resin which is retained in the flowers and twigs, while bhang is the green colouring matter that is repeatedly washed from the dried leaves of the plant. This diluted with water and milk is used as a refreshing draught. Another favourite form of using these leaves is to extract the resin from them by boiling them in water with ghee, The jelly so obtained is cooked with dried milk and sugar into a paste, which, when cooled, hardens sufficiently to be cut into small tablets. The preparation of it is termed majum. 16. Bhang is always prepared by people in their houses. 18. All these drugs do deteriorate by keeping. It does not lose its effect for one full year. It can be kept well with ordinary care for a year and-a-half, It gets rotten by being kept in closed doors and without sufficient exposure to weather. They generally keep it in open air to prevent it from deterioration. - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur.


14.I know nothing about this in the Central Provinces. In Marwar there are two plants separate from each other, and grown from different seeds. From one ganja and charas are made, and from the other bhang is made. Bhang is made from the plant from which ganja is produced also ; but it has less intoxicating power, and is not so good. There is a difference in the appearance of the two plants. One is called ganja ki jhar, and the other bhang ki jhar. 15. The ganja plant has male and female plants. To make ganja or charas it is necessary to carefully eliminate all the male plants, and to keep only the female plants. The plants are then cut, and are carried to a threshing floor. The stems and flowers are then flattened with the foot, and tied into small bundles. This ganja is known as chapta ganja. To collect charas the people dress in leather coats and go through the growing ganja. The charas clings to the leather, and is then scraped off with a knife. Bhang is of two kinds—(a) That prepared from the fallen leaves of the ganja plant. These are collected and dried, and (b) the bhang plant is different from the ganja in having no male flowers; only female plants are produced. The whole plant is dried and made into bhang. Ganja and charas are both smoked. Majum is made by cooking bhang in ghi, and then mixing this ghi with sugar, curds, and almonds, etc. It is thus formed into a sweetmeat and eaten. Gulkand is also sometimes made into an intoxicant by adding bhang to the ghi before making the sweetmeat. This sweetmeat is very largely made in Jaipur, Ajmere, and indore. These two preparations are the only two which I know that are eaten. Majum is made by the halwais in Wardha.; but gulkand is not made here. Another way of making majum is by beating the roots of jawari in ghi until the essence of the root is extracted, and then using this to make a sweetmeat. This is even more intoxicating than majum made with bhang. The best bhangs are known as amarser and ujjainki. Their intoxicating power is very good, and they are generally used for drinking purposes by all the people who can afford them. The bhang is first tied up in a cloth and thoroughly washed. This removes all the yellow colouring matter. The cleaned bhang is then pounded up with pepper-corns, and almonds. It is then mixed with water and strained. The cleaned liquid is then drunk. This is made every day. In the hot weather sugar, kuskus, rose petals and other flavourings are added. These are added to the bhang before it is pounded. This makes it a cooling liquid. Bhang, after it has been pounded is also occasionally rolled into small balls by adding a little water and then eaten. 18. All these drugs will only keep about a year. They lose their intoxicating power. I know of no means of preventing this.  - Evidence of SETH BACHRAJ, Honorary Magistrate, Wardha.


14. No ganja, bhang, produced in the district since restricted by the Government. 15. Ganja is prepared for smoking in the following manner : the ganja leaves, seeds, and sticks are thrown away ; dry tobacco with a little water is mixed up, and then smoked in chillums. Bhang is washed and powdered with pepper and sugar, etc., and then drunk. Some persons bruise it and roast it with ghee, and then mix it with almonds, cardamoms, etc., and eat it; and some drink it with milk, sugar, kesar, almonds, poppy seeds, rose flower, kakri seeds, sonf, and kasni, etc., after straining. Some boil it with ghee and prepare majun from it. Some drink it with anar juice, orange juice, curd, and sugarcane juice. 16. Bhang is prepared and drunk generally by the people in their houses. Bhang cannot be obtained from ganja trees. 18. Ganja and bhang are damaged by rains. Charas can remain good for nearly two years. Nothing can prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of MODAN MOHAN SETH, Honorary Magistrate, Jubbulpore.


16. No. Bhang cannot properly be prepared from the wild ganja. Ganja can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown, but, as I have said, it is inferior. Question 16. [oral evidence] — The true bhang plant cannot be grown from wild seed. 18. Yes. They may with care be kept for four or five years, but they generally deteriorate after two or three. Damp is bad for them. They should be protected from damp.  - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur.


15. I know nothing about (b). For smoking it is generally mixed with tobacco. Well-to-do people sometimes mix it with ghi, sugar, and spices. Bhang is pounded and mixed with sugar and spices for drinking. Majum is sweetmeats made of bhang and sugar. 16. It is generally bought ready-made, but people sometimes, if they cannot get it readymade, make it in their houses. The same with charas. I know nothing about the wild ganja. -  Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim.


14. Formerly ganja and pati only were prepared and used in our part of the country. At present they are not prepared here. (a) Ganja is prepared from hemp plants for smoking and drinking. (b) It is not prepared or used in this part. (c) Bhang (or pati) is prepared from hemp plants. It is pounded and mixed with water and used for drinking. 15. Formerly as ganja was cultivated in our part of the country, the people prepare only ganja, and from its leaves, pati or bhang; but wild hemp plants are not produced anywhere in our part of the country, nor are they even in use. The cultivated ganja, too, is being supplied by Government, and used since the leasing out of monopoly has been brought into force. 16.The people pluck the leaves of the hemp plant and use them in their respective houses for drinking. The leaves and ganja of the hemp plant, wherever grown, are used. Ganja and charas are produced from the wild hemp. 18. If these three drugs (ganja, charas, and pati) are kept for a long time, first of all the bhang or pati loses its effect, and if it is kept with care for a long time, it can be of good effect for one year. If ganja is similarly kept, it can -not lose its effect for two years. As charas is not in use in this country, I cannot say after what length of time it loses its effect.  - Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District.


14. Only bhang and ganja are prepared in Nagpur and Khandwa, not charas. 15. For the production of ganja the tops of the plant are broken or twisted to prevent flowering. Bhang is the product of the full flower. Ganja is rubbed in the palm of the hand with tobacco and a little water, and then smoked. Bhang is drunk and eaten, but never smoked. 16. Bhang is prepared by people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, and so can ganja and charas.  18. With ordinary care it lasts for two years. It is tied up in grass and straw in a dry place. It is spoiled by cold and damp. - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District



15. Ganja is only smoked in chillums or leave chungis. Two-thirds ganja are put with onethird tobacco. It is never smoked alone. A few drops of water are put with it. It is never drunk. Bhang is never smoked—only eaten and drunk. It is mixed generally with other things, but is also eaten and drunk alone. 16. In this district there is only one licensed vendor who has shops at Bilaspur and the two tahsil head-quarters, Jahangir and Sheonarayan. It is not much consumed, and only by high caste and wealthy people. It is not palatable without expensive admixtures, such as sugar, pepper, etc. Bhang is always prepared privately, the raw material alone being purchased from the contractor. 17. Every one prepares his own according to his own tastes. Charas is hardly used at all in this district. 18. I can speak of ganja and bhang. They keep for about a year. After that it begins to lose its strength. Cold causes it to deteriorate. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.


14. Ganja alone was formerly prepared for personal consumption by consumers themselves. At houses of the consumers as much as needed for themselves. I never had estimates of the quan -tity. 16. Ganja may be prepared from the wild plants wherever grown.  - Evidence of LALL NROOPRAJ SINGH, Chatriya, Zamindar of Barpali, District Sambalpur


14. In the Nimar district they produce ganja from the hemp plant and term its chur as bhang, but this is not real bhang. 15. I do not know this. 16. The real bhang is not prepared in this district. The other portion of this question I cannot answer. 18. They do not use charas here, and therefore I do not know the particulars connected with that drug. Ganja and bhang keep good with ordinary care for about a year. They smell bad after that period. They do not quite lose their effect but their strength is reduced. If they are carefully preserved in a box, their deterioration can be pre -vented for a period of five years. -  Evidence of PANDIT NARAYAN RAO GOBIND, Brahmin, Zamindar, Hurda.


14. Ganja is prepared, and also bhang in the sense in which the term is used here (see question 2 above). 16. (a) No. (b) and (c) Ganja for administration to animals, but not for human use, is obtained from the wild plant. Question 16. [oral evidence] — Wild hemp grows in small quantity in the jungles of the Chanda district, in the Mulk tahsil. It is this plant cut and dried which is given to animals. The plant is slightly different to that which is used by human beings. 18. Ganja keeps good about two years. After that it loses its strength. It should be kept from damp, and if allowed to get damp may be spoilt in two months.  - Evidence of CHANDI PERSHAD, Brahmin, Malguzar, and President, Municipal Committee, Chanda.


14. Yes ganja and bhang. Charas is not made in the Central Provinces. 15. (A) Ganja.—When the shoots at the top get ripe they are cut, and then pressed by heavy stones or some weights. Before the ganja is completely dry, it is exposed to the air and then used. (C) Bhang.—The hemp plant is stripped of its leaves. The leaves are boiled for some time, and then dried. The leaves are then ground with pepper, coriander, almonds, and then mixed with sugared water and drunk. Ganja is prepared for smoking in this way. The "kuli" or buds are rubbed well in the palms of the hand till well cleaned, and then mixed with "gudaku" and smoked. 16. No; where ganja is grown bhang is prepared. Yes, where the plant grows in abundance. 18. Ganja would deteriorate, say, after a year's keeping; it would lose its effect to some extent; "charas" increases its strength by keeping. Damp causes deterioration chiefly. To pre -vent deterioration, these are placed in a pot which is made air-tight. 1 - Evidence of THAKUR MAHARAJ SINGH, RAI BAHADUR,* Malguzar, Saugor.


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are not prepared in this province. I am therefore unable to answer questions Nos. 15, 16 and 17. 18. Ganja, bhang and charas do deteriorate by keeping. Their intoxicating effects are lessened by the keeping, and in two years they are thrown away as useless. Damp during the rains is the cause of the deterioration. As a rule no measures are taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of RAO VENKAT RAO, Brahmin, Malguzar, and Political Pensioner, Saugor.


18. Every one of these drugs deteriorates by keeping. It loses all its effect in time. It keeps good with ordinary care for about two yeas. The action of atmosphere causes deterioration. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB BALWANTRAO GOVINDRAO BHUSKUTE, Brahmin, Jagirdar of Timborni, Barhanpar, Nimar District.


14. Yes. (a) Ganja is prepared in the Nimar District and at Bastar. (b) and (c) Charas and bhang are not produced anywhere. The quantity of ganja produced in the Nimar District is as under for the last five years as per Excise Report for 1892-93— 1888-89 : 9,827 Maunds; 1889-90 : 11,116 Maunds; 1890-91 : 7,237 Maunds; 1891-92 : 6,684 Maunds;  1892-93 : 6,685 Maunds. 15. Ganja for smoking is prepared in the Nimar District only, and the methods adopted in the preparation of cultivated ganja are not very different from those practised in the preparation of flat ganja in Eastern Bengal. 16. In the Central Provinces the hemp plant cannot be grown, nor any of its narcotic properties prepared, without pain of punishment under the Excise Act. Bhang is not therefore prepared by the people in their houses, but I think they can do so easily if they are allowed to grow the plant in their houses. 18. Ganja, I am informed, deteriorates by being kept loose in an open place. It is said to lose its effect in time. With ordinary care ganja keeps good for about a couple of years. Cold air and damp. In order to prevent deterioration ganja should be well packed up in hampers, covered over with thick cloth, and kept in a dry place.  - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda.


14. Not to my knowledge. 15. I have no knowledge regarding these matters. 16. In the few cases I knew of, the ganja was prepared by the consumer for his own use. This was years ago. 18. I do not know.  - Evidence of the REV. O. LOHR,* Medical Missionary, Bisrampur, Raipur District.


4. Yes; only ganja. I cannot say to what extent. 15. Cultivated ganja (a).—The stems of the female plant are cut about 6 inches from the ground and are tied together in convenient bundles. They are exposed to the sun for about 5 or 6 hours and to the dew for a night. They are then laid upon a mat and trodden by men so that the flowering heads are pressed down in 3 or 4 minutes. An -other layer of the plants is again placed upon it, and so on until it attains the convenient height for treading. Every second and subsequent layer, however, is so disposed that the flowering tops charged with resin do not fall upon the tops of the first laid plants. This heap of plants is then turned upside down and the leaves and fruits, if any, shaken off. The whole stack is covered with mats and the treaders sit upon it to press it to the requisite strength. The cracking of the stems generally governs the amount of pressure that is applied. Each twig is then separated and trodden upon in order that the resin may well enter the flowers and become part and parcel of the same. It is then stored with the tops in. It should be noted that when the ganja dries, certain portion of it, that was either not perfectly mature or which was trodden too much, falls off. This is called garda (powder or dust), chura (crushed), rora (picked up). This is said to be less intoxi -cating than the other ganja. 16. Yes; bhang is obtained chiefly, if not en -tirely, from the wild plant. It consists wholly of the mature leaves, and but rarely of fruits as well. This is called dudhia or duba or Ujjeni bhang, because coming from Ujjen, and is considered much superior to the bhang that is obtained from the ganja-yielding plant. But bhang that comes into these parts from Marwar is supposed to be the young leaves and twigs derived from a semiwild hemp plant. The wild plant is believed to be specially rich in charas, but it produces ganja which is considered to be very poor, because the intoxicating property, instead of centring in the flower tops is equally distributed over the plants, the leaves having the most of it. 18. Ganja does not keep for more than 12 months. Its greatest enemies are the rains, when the resinous matter undergoes apparently a change, which, while it diminishes the narcotic property, makes it altogether unwholesome for human consumption, though it is said to be good for medicinal purposes in the treatment of cattle and horse. The leafy part assumes a greyish tint and the resin, containing definite carbon compounds, is weakened. If the room in which it is kept be kept dry and warm by artificial means, it could be made to last for another 12 months. The room should be well ventilated, and should not have any stone pavement. People now keep it hermetically closed in a common earthen pot, in the mouth of which is kept a small quantity of cotton. The mouth of this pot is then covered over with saj or teak leaves and well plastered over with mud, which is made to dry in the sun before the pot is consigned to its final destination.  - Evidence of ADHAR SINGH GOUR, Kshattri, Barrister-at-law, Hoshangabad.


14. Not that I know of. 15. I have seen people plucking the leaves of the wild hemp " siddhi " and boiling and drying it, and subsequently either smoking it in a chillum or making a paste of it with spices, and either swal -lowing it as pills or mixing it with milk, sugar and water, and drinking it. Question 15 [oral evidence]. — I refer in this smoking of the bhang leaves. The boiling of the bhang may have been preparatory to other uses than smoking. 16. The people of the lower sort generally prepare it from the wild hemp as stated above. The better classes use bhang imported from the up-countries, that from Multan, or known as Multani, being preferred. I should think it can be prepared from the wild hemp. I have never seen ganja or charas being prepared from the wild hemp except where I had sus -picions of the seed having been planted by some local smoker in a conveniently secluded spot, but in such cases I found it to grow luxuriantly. Question 16. [oral evidence] — The drug I refer to in the first part of this answer is bhang. The latter part of my answer is suggested by a plant grown in my father's garden which was blown down or fell by some other accident, and which the gardeners appropriated for smoking. The plant was, I think, sown from seed contained in some ganja. 18. New ganja and old bhang are preferred. I should think like all other vegetable products they deteriorate by exposure to the damp air of the rainy season, and keeping them in an air-tight place is perhaps the best way to save them from deterioration. - Evidence of MR. TARA DASS BANERJI, President, District Council, Raipur.


14. Only ganja is prepared into a sweetmeat called majum. 15. I have no accurate information on this point. 16. Yes; it cannot be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, e.g., it is not prepared from the hemp plant grown in the Nimar district. I cannot answer the other part of the question as the wild plant does not grow in our province. 18. All these drugs deteriorate by long keeping. Ganja does not lose its strength for 8 or 10 months. Bhang does not lose its strength for 8 or 10 months. Charas for several years. But ganja and bhang become altogether useless after two years' keeping, and charas after 10 or 12 years' keeping, or perhaps more. The rainy season spoils the ganja and bhang; after the second rainy season they become altogether spoilt. I know of no special measures which can be taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of BABU KALIDAS CHOWDHRY, Brahmin, Pleader, Hoshangabad.


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are not prepared in these provinces. 15. Preparation of bhang :—Leaves washed thrice, fresh water added and strained off each time ; then to the mass is added the powders of pepper, anise, almond, and cardamom, and sugar and milk. This is supposed to be a cooling drink and used in the hot season. Pills are made for the rainy season with the same ingredients except milk. The whole thing is fried and used in the cold season. Pepper is a necessary ingredient in all these preparations. 16. Bhang is prepared at home in Holi and Shivaratri festivals. 18. The preparations do deteriorate by keeping, in which case they lose to a great extent their intoxicating effects. They will keep good a year. Damp causes deterioration, and to keep them good, you must keep them dry in air-tight receptacles.  - Evidence of Mr. J. A. MAUGHAN, Manager, Central Provinces Collieries, Umaria, Jubbulpore District.


14. Ganja and bhang only in the Nimar district. 18. Deteriorates after two years.  - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR KUSTOORCHAND DAGA, Bania, Banker, Kamptee, Nagpur District.


14. The ganja and ganjar bhang are prepared in Khandwa district to a great extent. Khandwa is therefore the emporium of trade supplying to all the districts of this province. (The quality of bhang supplied to these provinces from Government emporium is very interior.) 15. Ganja is prepared when the shoots at the top get ripe. They are cut and pressed underneath heavy loads or some weights. Before the ganja is completely dry, it is exposed to the air and then used. Bhang is prepared from the leaves of the plant ripe. There is little or no distinction between the cultivated and the wild plant. For smoking purposes it is first cleared of seeds and veins, then placed on the palm of the left hand with a few drops of water, and well rubbed with the thumb of the right hand till it becomes soft, when a little tobacco is mixed and smoked in a chillum. Bhang is eaten in the form of tali and pills, etc., mixed with sugar or treacle. Bhang is also used for drinking purposes. It is first washed, then powdered and mixed with massala, water, milk and sugar, and then drunk. 16. Yes; bhang is prepared by the people in their houses. Yes ; it can be prepared from the hemp plant, but not of all sorts. Yes ; ganja and charas can be prepared from the plant wherever grown. Charas can be prepared only where the growth of the hemp plant is dense and in abundance. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping, while charas improves in quality. it does not lose its effect if kept carefully for two or three years at the most. The damp and moist atmosphere in the rains are the causes of deterioration. If the seeds are separated, and due precaution is taken to keep it from damp and moist, deterioration is prevented.  - Evidence of LALA NIINDKESFIORE, Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and Member, District Council, Saugor.


15, For a party of eight I would first soak  1 1/2 to 2 tolas weight of bhang in water for half an hour or more, and then throw away that water and wash the leaves out besides in four or five other waters, so as to get rid of all colouring matter. Then I would have the soft leaves ground up with badam (almonds), rose flowers, cucumber (kakri) seed, khasskhass (opium seed), black pepper, jaifran (kesar), sont (ginger, dry), kasni ; and then the resulting paste would be divided between 4 lotas, containing about 4 seers of cold water, and after soaking and mixing these for about an hour, the decoction would be strained and drunk like tea, with milk and sugar to taste.  - Evidence of GIRDHARI LAL, Oswal Bania, Merchant and Banker, Seoni-Chapara.


14. In the Central Provinces, ganja is only grown in the Nimar district, and only for the produce called ganja. 15. Eight or ten poor people join together to buy 1/4-seer of bhang. They soak this for about an hour in water, and throw that water away. Then they grind up the moist leaves in about a chittack of black pepper, and mix the paste in about four seers of water, let it stand a little, and then strain and drink the liquid, adding about half a seer of sugar. Seth Girdhari Lal, Witness No. 77, has described a fancy brew for rich people. The method I have described is the usual one among the poorer classes. The bhang, which I refer to above, that the poor use, is the leaves of the Nimar ganja. We sell it at the same price as ganja (flower). The demand for this preparation is in the season of Holi, and in the hot weather. The general manner of use is for smoking. For this only the kali (or flower) is used, and all seed picked out and thrown away. A man takes sufficient of this ganja for a chillum (native pipe) in one hand and rubs it with his hand, and, if particular, washes it out once or twice with a drop or two of water, and then makes a ball of it. He mixes this with tobacco, in the proportion of about three parts ganja to one part of tobacco. Such a pipe is passed on from man to man for a draw. One such pipe is sufficient to stimulate four men. 16. Bhang is only prepared for a drink, and people have to prepare it in their houses; they cannot buy it ready prepared to drink. A party may assemble under a tree and prepare it there. 18. Ganja is what I know about. It deteriorates from keeping. It keeps quite good for a year, if no water be allowed to fall on it. If kept in a dry place, raised from the floor, it will keep good for two or three years. It loses its effect after four or five years. Damp is fatal to ganja - Evidence* of HUSEN KHAN,† Pathan, Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.


14. (c) from ganja plant prepared no articles. From (c) bhang, majum is prepared. In Nagpur Nimar, Hoshangabad, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Damoh and Saugor districts of this province majum is prepared, and following numbers of licenses for retail sale of this preparation were granted and license fees received during the years 1882-83 to 1892-93.
YEARS. Number of licenses for retail sale of manjum in Central Provinces. License fees received on majum in Central Provinces - 1882-83 . . . 17 R632 a.1 p.4; 1883-84    . . . 20 632 8 0; 1884-85 . . . 19 801 8 0; 1885-86 . . . 21 1,152 8 0; 1886-87. . . . 1,500 0 0; 1887-88    . . . 21 1,195 14 0; 1888-89    . . . 22 9:51 0 0; 1859-90    . . . 23 976 0 0; 1890-91  . . . 24 836 8 0; 1891-92 . . . 25 782 12 0; 1892-93 . . . 36 1,075 4 0. 16. Bhang (subji) is generally prepared by the people in their own houses, but it is also sold prepared ready by Brahmin vendors in Bombay, Allahabad, Cawnpur, Mathura, Benares and many other large towns in India. Yes, bhang can be prepared from any bhang plant, whether of wild or country. Products from the wild hemp plants, either of ganja or bhang, will not be so effective and flavoury as properly cultivated one. Bhang (subji) and majum when sold in bazars is prepared by Brahmins only. There is no restriction to ganja; the chillum of ganja can be prepared by any smoking class of people. 18. Ganja and bhang will keep good for ten years if properly protected from moisture and packed in wooden boxes and earthen chatties. New ganja and old bhang are always appreciated by the consuming class. - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.


14. Only (a) ganja. In the Nimar district. Upwards of 5,000 maunds yearly. 15. The cultivated plant is pressed under foot, useless leaves fall off, and the remaining ganja is then used for smoking. Local preparations are not used for eating or drinking. 16. (a) to (c) No. 18. I don't know about charas. Ganja and bhang quite lose their effect after 2 years. The resinous properties dry up. No special measures are possible to prevent deterioration. - Evidence of BIJRAJ, Marwari, Wholesale ganja vendor, Kamptee, Nagpur District


14. (a) Ganja is prepared to a small extent here and three throughout the district. (b) No. (c) Bhang is prepared to a small extent. 15. (a) (A) A little water is sprinkled on a few ganja dry leaves and pressed by the thumb of the right hand in the hollow of the left palm, so as to separate the seeds, after which small pieces of tobacco are added to it, and it is then placed in a clay pipe called chillum and smoked. (B) Ganja leaves are ground with jaggery, spices, etc., and made into confections, of which the most common is called majum, and is made as follows :—Dried ganja leaves are soaked in water for three days, cleared with water twice, dried in the sun or over a fire and reduced to powder. This is mixed with another powder made up of a number of spices, such as pepper, dry ginger, cardamom, etc. The composition is put with palmyra, jaggery, molasses, honey, and ghee, and is made into a ball, from which small pills are made up for consumption. Other confections, like pooranathi in boluses, are also made from ganja leaves and various spices. In these ganja leaves are used only in small quantities. This is eaten for the purpose not merely of intoxication but as medicine, and it is said to be also used for exciting sexual desires. (C) The above-mentioned ganja powder is put into a little water and drunk. Where the drinker is so inclined milk, sugar and certain spices are added to make the beverage palata-ble. In some cases raw leaves are ground with water and mixed in water and sugar. This drink is popularly called ramarasam. (b) There is no wild hemp grown in this district. 16. It is prepared generally in their houses. No wild plant is grown. 18. Bhang (solid) will not deteriorate for six months. Majum will not deteriorate for three months, and ganja for a year if kept carefully bundled without exposure to sun or rain. Rs. License fees for — 1889-90 . . .    120 1890-91 . . . 270 1891-92 . . . 2,510 1892-93 . . . 1,630 1893-94 . . . 1,020 - Evidence of MR. J. STURROCK, Collector, Coimbatore.


14. Ganja and bhang prepared in all the places where shops have been sanctioned and as far as they are require for sale. Large quantities of prepared ganja are imported from North Arcot District. 15. Preparation of ganja from the cultivated plant : the plants are cut down and left exposed till they get dry. The leaves are then separated from the stems and tied up in bundles. Ganja is smoked thus. The above leaves are mixed with water and tobacco and smoked in a vessel for the purpose. Ganja is eaten thus. The leaves with the drugs prepared from ganja are taken together. Ganja is drunk thus. The leaves are powdered, mixed with dried ginger and other things such as pepper, etc., and drunk. Bhang is prepared for eating thus. Ganja is floated in water, dried, heated, powdered, filtered, mixed with dried ginger, pepper, gallnut, jaggery and ghee and other samans. This bhang is of four kinds locally known as karuppu, purnathi, pur -nathi for children, and thathubushti. The first kind has much of the intoxicating element in it ; the second and the third are better tempered ; and the last, as its name implies, is used to improve the pulse. For the preparation of purnathi 70 things are required, and the most important of them have been mentioned above. Bhang is drunk as ganja. 16. Bhang is prepared in licensed shops from flat and round ganja. 17. No special class. 18. Ganja deteriorates after one year ; bhang, first sort (karuppu), after one week, and other classes after six months. Does not quite lose, but will be less efficacious. It gets a bad smell and becomes dried up. No special measures to prevent deterioration. Stock account of ganja, bhang, and other intoxicating drugs prepared from the hemp plant in the district of Madura during 1892-93. Item. Quantity. REMARKS. Seers. Tolas. 1. Quantity of ganja, etc., remaining in stock at the beginning of the year . . . 7 40 2. Quantity received or manufactured in    the year . . . 4,940 56 1/2 Ganja and drugs were sold at from 4    to 7 pies per tola. TOTAL. 4,948 16 1/2 3. Quantity sold by retail to consumers . . .4,821 44 1/2 4. Quantity    sold to other vendors . . . TOTAL    . 4,821    44 1/2 Balance remaining with shopkeepers at the end of the year . . . 126 - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.


14. (a) and (c) are prepared and (b) is not known. Desi or broken ganja and Jawaudy or flat ganja are the varieties known. (A) Smoking.—Ganja leaf alone used in this either singly or with tobacco to increase intoxicating power. The leaf is rubbed between the hands and smoked through a chillum after being carefully separated from seeds or stalks. The effect is instantaneous and lasts for several hours, three inhalations bein g sufficient to intoxicate a habitual smoker. Also eaten with tobacco or betel leaf. (B) Drinking.—Bhang is drunk and prepared in various ways. It is in a liquid form. Leaf is well washed in water to remove the green colouring matter, pounded into fine paste, and then diluted. This is the commonest form resorted to generally by the poor. Those that can afford to do so add milk, spices, blackpepper, water-melon juice, etc. The addition of spices makes the drug more inebriating. (C) Eating.—Majum prepared in the form of electuary is much used by the dissolute. The hemp leaf is fried in ghee and strained ; to the jelly so formed is added milk and sugar ; it is often left to cool, when it is cut into cakes and used. 16. Yes ; by those who do not wish to mix with others. But generally resort is had to a particular place, such as the residence of a fakir or other habitual consumer, where the habit is indulged in company. - Evidence of MR. C. B. MACLEANE, Collector of Nellore.


14. Charas is not used in the district ; ganja and bhang are said to be prepared here and there by private people in scattered localities. 16. I am informed that ganja and charas are prepared at the place of growth of the wild plants, and that bhang only is prepared by people in private houses from plants growing in their backyards.  - Evidence of MR. R. SEWELL, Collector of Bellary.


14. Ganja is imported. Charas is unknown. Bhang is not sold, but the local shopkeepers say it is prepared from flat ganja by some consumers in their own houses. 15. Flat ganja is imported ready prepared. Its subsequent treatment is described in answer 29. 16. The local shopkeepers (licensed vendors of ganja) say that bhang is a liquid, prepared by mixing ganja with milk, sugar, pepper and spice. In this form it is only prepared for private consumption, and not for sale. 18. The licensed vendors say that the flat ganja will not keep good for more than two years. It must be kept dry. Trade.-There is no import or export by sea. The flat ganja is obtained from Kanniambadi and Kannamangalam in the North Arcot district. According to the accounts of the 16 licensed vendors, the quantity sold in 1892-93 was three thousand two hundred and eighty seers, of eighty tolas, of ganja, and nine hundred and seventy seers of purnâdhi, etc. This quantity of ganja would supply about fifteen hundred people with half a tola a day. - Evidence of MR. H. M. WINTERBOTHAM, Collector of Tanjore


14. Ganja  and  bhang are, but I am unable to say to what extent (one sees but very few plants). 15. The methods of preparation reported are so various that I am unable to say more than that no very fixed system is adopted. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their homes, and can apparently be prepared direct from the plant. The wild plant does not seem to grow here. 18. Ganja and bhang keep well for a year, but all depends on the care with which they are preserved from damp. Protection against it will enable it to be kept good for a long time.  - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.


15. Preparations for (A) Smoking .—Twenty -five to 30 grains of unimpregnated flowers (ganja) are separated from the leaves, etc., well mixed with dried tobacco leaves on the palm of the hand, and after being placed over a thin layer of prepared tobacco in a small bowl smoked through a short hooka. (B) Eating.—Siddhi or bhang (leaves) are well boiled in water with ghee, and the jelly thus formed is cooked with milk and sugar into a paste, which, when it hardens, is cut into small tablets. The jelly secured by boiling the leaves is also mixed up with various confections, some of which are used as medicines. The chief temptations for admixing this drug in the confections are (1) on account of the pleasure of slight intoxication derived therefrom, and (2) on account of its medicinal effects as creating appetite, acting as an astringent or as an aphrodisiac. (C) Drinking.—The dried leaves are ground with aniseed and poppy seed, etc., and diluted in cow's milk or cocoanut milk or limejuice; spices are sometimes mixed. The preparation is called " Bhang" by Rajputs, Mahrattas, etc.; " Juice of Wisdom " or " Milk of Wisdom" by Sudras. It is also called " Rama',s Juice," i.e., the juice with the aid of which Rama (an incarnation of god) can be seen. 16. Yes, prepared by consumers in their own houses and wherever grown. 18. Ganja is said to keep for four months, after which it deteriorates. Others not known.  - Evidence of MR. J. THOMSON, Collector of Chingleput.


14. (a) Yes ; to a small extent. (b) This is not known in these parts. (c) A sort of drink is prepared from ganja by private individuals to a small extent for domestic consumption. 15. Cultivated ganja— (A) Smoking.—Ganja is first rubbed between the palms, and is then mixed with water and tobacco and made into small balls and put into pipes for smoking. (B) Eating.—Ganja is not taken in unless mixed up with some ingredients. The ordinary preparation of ganja is purnâdhi. This is prepared as follows : Ganja is first fried and then mixed with pepper, ginger, etc , and made into fine powder, end is then mixed up with jaggery so-lution and made into balls. (C) Drinking.—Ganja  when prepared for drink-ing is called bhang. It is prepared by washing ganja with water and then grinding it with sugar, poppy seeds, almonds, milk, etc., and then used as a drink. But if milk is sparingly used, the mixture is capable of being formed into balls, when it becomes eatable. 16. (a) Yes ; it is prepared for domestic con-sumption. (b) Yes. (c) The use of wild hemp in the preparation of ganja or charas is not known in this district. 18. Ganja keeps good for five or six months, and, if preserved with care, it retains its effects even for a year. It is liable to be attacked by insects, and loses its effects if it is exposed to air for a long time. Deterioration may be prevented by placing ganja in closed vessels with some bits of camphor or pepper seeds. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem


14. None. The ganja leaves sold are imported chiefly from the Dharmpuri hills in Salem. 15. The ganja leaves are made up in three ways after they have been washed to remove the yellow deposits on the leaf. (a) A mixture with tobacco on the leaf alone, for smoking. (b) A potion, the ganja leaves being powder-ed and mixed with spices, poppy seeds, etc., and then dissolved or transfused in milk and water. This is known locally as " baniya " or " bhang," the latter term being here used in a sense different from the definition in question 2. (c) The leaves are reduced to a powder, which, after being mixed with various spices, is boiled with ghee and jaggery till a confection of the required consistency is obtained. This is called " purnadi" or " lachium." In some cases dhatura seeds are added, if a strong intoxicant is required. - Evidence of MR. G. S. FORBES, Collector of Tinnevelly.


14. The ganja consumed is chiefly imported. As already explained, a small quantity is prepared for private consumption. 15. The dried leaves of the female plant (ganja) are mixed with tobacco and smoked. The dried leaves (ganja) are also pounded, mixed with spices, etc., and boiled with jaggery and then eaten. A beverage is prepared in much the same way, except that water or milk and a little sugar is substituted for the jaggery. This beverage is what is known here as bhang. 16. Bhang in the sense used in the questions is not used here (see answer to last question.) 18. Not much, so long as the substance is kept dry.  - Evidence of MR. S. H. WYNNE, Collector, Godavari District.


14. Yes, for private use and for sale to a small extent. 15. I am not conversant with the preparation of these drugs. 16. It is, I believe, locally prepared. 18. It, I believe, deteriorates by keeping, but can be kept some months.  - Evidence of MR. M. HAMMICK, Acting Collector of South Arcot.


14. (a) Ganja.—Yes, for home consumption, practically wherever grown; for sale to dealers, in the few villages where grown to a large extent. (b) Charas.—No. (c) Bhang.—Apparently only to a small extent in Jammulamadugu and Cuddapah taluks. 15. I respectfully refer for the answers to this question to the Hospital Assistant of Chitvel and the Apothecary of Badvel. I was not able to obtain such definite information; but the information I did obtain shows that their answers are correct. They are quoted below, as well as a quotation from a report from the Collector of this district, dated 6th December 1886. Extract from letter No. 5010, dated 6th. December 1886, from the Collector of Cuddapah, to the Secretary to the Board of Revenue, Separate Revenue.—" (b) These different sorts of drugs are manufactured from the hemp plant in this district, and they are (1) ganja; (2) bhang; and (3) majun. "(1) Ganja, which appears to be in use in seven taluks of the main division, is made from the dried flowers of the hemp plant. The distinction of sex is not generally known here. The flowers, sufficient for one dose, are soaked in water and then rubbed on the palm of the hand. The water that has soaked into them is then squeezed out and a sort of paste formed of them. To this paste is added tobacco, and the whole is made into a ball, which is put into a smoking pipe and used . "(2) Bhang seems to be used only in the subdivision, and in Cuddapah and Jammulamadagu taluks of the main division. The process of manufacture varies in each. In the sub-division the process is as follows:—The leaves are ground with jaggery and milk and the preparation is used for smoking. In the Cuddapah taluk it is as follows:— 'After the seeds are removed * * * the buds are boiled in water in a vessel, taken out and cleaned, and then made into a paste by rubbing. Grains of pepper, gingelly, seeds of cucumber, dried cocoanut, poppy-heads, all in small quantity, are mixed with paste, and the whole is ground well. It is then dissolved in water and drunk with or without sugar.' In Jammulamadugu it is as follows:—After the seeds are removed, the buds are pulverized and the powder put into water, in which sugarcandy had been previously dissolved. To this is added a paste made of poppy-seeds, cloves, nutmegs and cardamoms well ground, and the whole is used as a drink. "(3) Majun.—This is used only in Cuddapah town, and the process of its manufacture is described as follows:—Bhangi (the flowers of the hemp plant) mixed with milk or ghi and sugar and confection of sweetmeat is made. The con-fection is called majun." Badvel Apothecary's reply.—" The wild plant is not used. The dried flowering tops of the plants are stored, and from this preparations are made for use whenever necessary. "(a) The dried flowering tops (ganja) is powdered, and with a few drops of mater well mixed into a mass, along with a small quantity of tobacco leaf, and, so prepared, the mass is smoked in a chillum, hukka, or rolled into cheroots in some leaf. "(b) Eating. (1) Ganja is added to meat curry (generally mutton) just towards the end of the preparation of the curry, and thus eaten. This is known as bhangi kura, meaning meat preparation. (2) Majun.—Ganja mixed with jaggery into a semi-liquid mass, eaten as such. "(c) Drinking. Sabji is supposed to be a delicious drink prepared with jaggery, ginger, poppy seeds and almonds. The term sabji is not applied to the leaf, as suggested by Dr. Prain in question No. 1." Chitvel Hospital Assistant's reply.—" (a) The flowering tops of the ganja are squeezed flat and are sold. This is ganja. Take a small portion of ganja, about a tola. Wash out three or four times in cold water, remove the seed, and continue wash-ing till the washing water is clear; dry it up by friction, and put it in a smoking pipe with fire. This is for (a) smoking. Again, the same flat ganja is prepared into pills for (b), eating in the following ways:—(1) Take a small quantity of it, wash it well, then mix with jaggery to make pills. This is for eating and used for medicinal purposes by some higher orders. The same ingredients, along with treacle, honey, cardamoms and ginger form the confection. These pills generally contain ganja, from 2 grains to 2 tolas. "Lastly as for (c) drinking. The following proportion is made:—Take ganja two parts. Sugar, pepper, poppy-seeds, cloves, each one part. Grind each separately with milk. Ganja should be washed well with cold water before grinding. Now dilute them with milk. Filter these well till only the fluid remains. The proportion of milk added varies. Some say half a seer and some one seer. This is called the sabji pannee or ramapannee for drinking. Most useful at Benares, Calcutta, etc., among the higher classes. "(a) Continued. "For bhangi.—This does not seem to be much used, except by the lower orders. This is prepared in the same way as ganja for smoking. "Majun is prepared by bhang, butter, sugar, flour, and milk, and mixed together. This is for eating purposes, and is also sold in the bazar. It is not used for drinking purposes." Extract from M. R. A. Katahapeswara Iyer's reply.—" (b) Eating.— There are three preparations for eating, viz :— (1) majun; (2) ganja halwa; (3) bhangdalli. "(1) Majun.—Prepare treacle or molasses out of jaggery or sugar, and mix with it cleaned ganja in the proportion of 4 to 1. Stir up the two to-gether till the ganja is well broken into small pieces and mixed up with the treacle; then cool it. It will become solid and fit for consumption. This preparation is made and sold by the contractor in small pieces. " (2) Ganja halwa.—Take a convenient quantity of ganja, remove the seeds, wash it five or six times, and then put it into a pan and boil it in water. In the course of boiling add a small quantity of broken poppy-heads. When both are well cooked add ghi. The essence of ganja and the poppy is drawn into the ghi, which is extracted and secured in a jug. Again, a treacle of sugar or jaggery is prepared, with which spices, cus-cus, almond and dried grapes are mixed. A small quantity of the prepared ghi, above referred to, is then added, and the whole is properly stirred up and cooled. This is called ganja halwa. " (3) Bhangdalli.-- Meat, ghi and bhang cooked together and mixed with ordinary curry massala forms bhangdalli. " (c) Drinking.--The preparation of ganja for drinking purposes is called here sabji. It is prepared as follows :—Remove the seeds and sticks from the ganja and take it, or if bhang leaves are available, take them, Wash either six or seven times to remove the sticky substance; grind it well with water; make it into a pulp. Get bhang massala, consisting of dry ginger, pepper, saffron cardamoms, and rosebuds, and grind all these into a pulp. Mix the two pulps together, and add sugar or jaggery, milk, plantains, fruits and spices, according to the taste, convenience, and means of the consumer." 16. Yes. I am told no. 17. Ganja is prepared by both cultivators and consumers. Bhang by consumers. Charas is not prepared in this district ( vide answer to question 20 re consumers). 18. Ganja, the dried flowering tops, if stored in a dry place, will keep good for at least a year; some say longer. Bhang must be consumed almost as soon as made or it will deteriorate. Yes, it loses its effect in time. One year. Dampness and bad storing. N. B.—Charas not being made in this district, no evidence applies to it. - Evidence of MR. C. H. MOUNSEY, Acting Collector of Cuddapah.



14. Yes. No particulars ascertainable as to localities exactly, but to no great extent. I may mention the area of the district is only 957 square miles, and the population 99,801. 15. Flat ganja only is known to be prepared. Mature female plants are cut into lengths of one to one-and-half feet and tied in bundles. These are placed under weights for a few days. Owing to the resin exuded, each bundle becomes a stickly mass. Ganja is used for smoking. The flowers are separated from the mass, mixed with tobacco and smoked in a pipe. Charas is not sold. Persons prepare this for themselves by squeezing the green leaves with the hand, and mixing the exuding resin with tobacco and smok-ing the mixture. 16. Bhang can be prepared by grinding the green leef with pepper, cardamom, dry ginger, and a flower called madanakam. Sugar is added, and the whole boiled in milk and drunk. It is reckoned good for cardiac and stomachic affections. It is not generally prepared. It can be so prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, and so also with ganja and charas. 18. All deteriorate, and in time lose all effect. I cannot say how long it will keep. The chief cause of deterioration is " tempus edax rerun." Preservation in air-tight tin boxes. - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.


14. Almost all that is used here is imported as ganja, and not prepared in the district. 15. There are no preparations from the wild plant. Cultivated hemp is used in this district. (a) Smoking.--The ordinary flat ganja is moistened a little and smoked either alone or mixed with a quarter tobacco. (b) Eating .--Leavesare powdered and mixed with sugar and eaten. Some people eat raw ganja; some mix it with jaggery and spices. (1) P illai legiyam.--Ganja is fried in ghee, strained, and mixed with sugar. (2) Purnadi legiyam.,---Ganja is washed several times in hot water, dried and powdered and mixed with ghee, sugar, dry ginger, pepper and spices. (3) Majiyan.--Thisis the ordinary kind. Ganja is dried over the fire, powdered, and palmyra jaggery, spices, and even plantains are added. 4 Billai.--Ganja is powdered, mixed with jaggery, dried ginger and pepper, and made into cakes. (c) Drinking--Ganjais boiled and cleansed. It is ground with spices and mixed with milk and sugar and a drink is made, usually by consumers in their own houses. 16. Ganja can be easily prepared from the cultivated plant. Bhang drink is always prepared in this district only from the plants grown in the Javady hills in the North Arcot district and imported into this district. 18. Ganja loses its strength by exposure to air. Ganja and bhang keep for one year without deterioration. After two years they quite lose their effect. It is kept from exposure to the air by being wrapped up and placed in baskets - Evidence of MR. L. C. MILLER, Acting Collector of Trichinopoly.


14. Preparations of the hemp plant under the general term ganja are prepared by consumers, the consumers being not large. 15. No distinction is made between (a) culti -vated and (b) wild hemp. A. Ganja is taken from the pod by removing the seeds, and rubbing it with water or milk in the palm of the left hand with the thumb of the right hand several times until it acquires a certain consistency, and then it is smoked, and sometimes tobacco is added. B. Ganja known by the name of majum is pre -pared in the shape of confection mixed with sugarcandy, almonds, and spices, and made into flat cakes, and are sold in sweetmeat bazars. Bhang solid is made in the shape of halwa mixed with similar ingredients, and the mixture is allowed to dry and made into balls. C. For drinking purposes, sherbet, almond juice, milk, raisins and cardamom, boiled and then added to bhang. 16. Bhang is prepared in houses and also in bazaars. It can be prepared from hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja can be prepared wherever the plant is grown, but not so charas, which is not prepared in these parts. 18. Solid bhang (halwa) is said to last only for about a fortnight or almost a month ; after that time it is said to lose its intoxicating properties. Liquid bhang is taken as soon as made, and utmost not kept more than two or three days. Ganja lasts for about a year without much deterioration. The reason given is that ganja is natural leaf, the others artificial mixtures. Trade. Year. No. of ganja shops. Revenue. 1891-92 . . . 5 . . . 628 1892-93 . . . 4 . . . 292 1893-94 . . . 3 . . . 176 Number of tolas consumed in 1892-93 .    21,173 Average selling price per tola in 1892-93 4 pies. - Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur.


14. (a) and (c) are. No statistics can be given, as they are largely prepared in private houses. 15. I have no personal experience. Full details are, however, given in some of the replies sent herewith. 16. (a) Yes. (b) I believe so. (c) Not known. 18. Ganja keeps for one year or more and bhang a much shorter time. Mildew and damp are said to be the causes of deterioration. Sundrying is adopted. - Evidence of MR. C. J. WEIR, Acting Collector, District Magistrate, and Agent to Govr., Ganjam.


14. (a), (c) Yes. Both to a small extent in this district. 16. Prepared by some in their houses and others in temples. It is not prepared from the wild plant in this division. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Ganja keeps good for about a year with ordinary care. Afterwards it deteriorates becoming quite dry as dust and losing its resinous matter. It may also be attacked by insects. Patti can be kept only for five or six months. It afterwards gets decomposed.  - Evidence  of  MR. J. G. D. PARTRIDGE,  Assistant collector, Ganjam.


11. Ganja and bhang are prepared in parts of this division. Ganja shops in the following places in this division have been sold this year by public auction :—(i) Guntoor town, two shops, (ii) Mangolagiri, one shop, (iii) Seetangaram, one shop, (iv) Sattinapolli, one shop, (v) Daggupadu, one shop. It is said that charas is a preparation peculiar to Northern India and is not used. 15. Vide reply to question 2. Ganja is generally used for smoking and bhang for drinking purposes. 16. It appears that bhang consumers generally prepare the drink in their houses, A knowledge of preparation of hemp drugs is limited to towns and surrounding parts. It cannot, therefore, be said that bhang is prepared from the hemp plant whereever it is grown. I am not aware whether ganja or charas is also prepared from the wild plant. 18. I have no definite information on these points. I believe the drugs deteriorate by keeping. Trade.—The Tahsildar of Bapatla reports that the quantity of ganja received and retailed in 1892-93 is as shown below :— Quantity received . . Seers. 810 Tolas. 21 Do.    retailed    . . 698 15 According to the Tahsildar of Guntoor, the following quantities of ganja were received in his taluk during 1892-93 and 1893-94 :— Quantity received. 1892-93 . Maunds 102 35 seers, 1893-94 . ,, 270 nil, of which 78 maunds were transported to other taluks. As noticed above, no record is maintained under existing orders of the quantities received and retailed, and absolute reliance cannot be placed on the above figures.  - Evidence of MR. H. CAMPBELL, Acting Sub-Collector, Guntoor.


14. The plant (for preparation of ganja) was grown formerly. Vide answer to No. 7. Ganja sellers now import their ganja from North Arcot where the wild hemp is said to grow spontaneously on the Javadi hills. 15. These products are not prepared in this division, and no information is available as to their methods of preparation. It is said that the cultivated plant is best made into broken ganja, the wild into flat and round ganja. Ganja and tobacco are chopped and mixed for smoking. Ganja, pepper, ginger, and spices are mixed with sugar and ghee and eaten. Ganja, pepper, and spices are pounded up in water and drunk. 16. No. Ganja and bhang can both be made from the plant grown here, not charas. Charas can be made out of the wild plant that grows in North Arcot. 18. Charas will keep two years, and bhang and ganja one year without deteriorating. Charas still has some efficacy after five years and the other two after three years. After this they are useless. These periods are given on the assumption that the drug is not exposed to the air. If exposure be allowed all three deteriorate more rapidly.  - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad.


15. Ganja is usually smoked. It is often mixed with tobacco. Bhang massala is manufactured out of ganja. Dry ginger, sombu, poppy seeds, cows' milk or cocoanut milk are mixed with ganja, the solid ingredients being powdered. Bhang is only drunk as bhang massala. 16. Yes. It is generally prepared by the people in their houses. 18. Bhang will go bad in two or three days. Ganja is said to lose its strength after ten months.  - Evidence of MR. R. E. GRIMLEY, Acting Head Assistant Collector, North Arcot.


14. All these products are prepared in my division; but the extent is not ascertainable, as the preparation is not recognised or permitted by Government. 15. Flat ganja, the only kind known in the division, is thus prepared. The mature female plants are cut into lengths of 1 to 1 1/2 feet and are made up into bundles. These bundles are then placed under weights for several days, the result of which operation is that each bundle of twigs and leaves is made into a sticky mass by the help of the resinous gum exuding from the leaves. Ganja is only used for smoking. The flowers are separated from the mass, and about 1/6 tola weight of them mixed with tobacco and smoked in a pipe. Charas is not known as an article of commerce. Every smoker prepares as much of this resinous exudation as he requires, squeezing the green leaves of the plant in his hand and so collecting it in his palm. He then takes some tobacco, and thoroughly mixes it with the resinous matter in his hand and smokes the mixture. What is here known as bhang is a liquor prepared by grinding the green leaf of the plant with pepper, cardomoms, dried ginger, and a flower called madanakam, adding sugar to the mixture and boiling the whole in milk. This is supposed to be beneficial for affections of the heart and stomach. 16. Not generally. I believe bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. The drugs are not kept, but are consumed at once.  - Evidence of Mr. H. F. W. GILLMAN, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Nilgiris.


14. Ganja and bhang (the drink) as defined in answer No. 2 above. In every district to a small extent. But see answer No. 7. 15. (a) Cultivated plant.—Ganja is thus pre -pared for— (A) Smoking— The tops are rubbed in the palm of the hand till all the ends are removed and a little water is added till it forms a stiff paste, when it is mixed with a little tobacco and placed in a pipe and smoked. A rolled leaf is some -times used instead of a pipe. (B) Ealing.—The preparation eaten is called majum. The ganja is ground with a little water and the mass strained through a cloth, The juice thus passed out is added to boiling sugar or jaggry, cardamoms being also added to taste. The whole is then turned out on to a flat dish or stone, and when cold is cut into squares. Some of the poor people simply grind the ganja with a little water and then eat it. This is said to be more intoxicating than when prepared as a sweet -meat. (C) Drinking.—The preparation drunk in these parts is called bhang. It is thus prepared. The ganja, boiled or raw, is ground with poppy seeds, dry ginger, and almonds, and the matter is strained through a cloth, the resulting liquor being mixed with milk and sugar and drunk. Some drink it without milk and sugar, when it is said to be more intoxicating. 16. (a) and (b) Yes. (c) No wild hemp here. 17. Chiefly by Muhammadans, but by other classes also to some extent. 18. Ganja. (a) and (b) Yes. (c) About three years. (d) Moisture chiefly. (e) Keep well packed and free from exposure. A statement showing the number of ganja licenses issued and the amount realized in the Madras town is shown below .— Year. No. of licenses issued. Revenue. Licenses issued at Rs. 30 per y ear. 1889-90 42 1,260 1890-91 45 1,965 Shops put up to auction. 1891-92 30 4,795 1892-93 35 6,117 1893-94 35 8.225
Apparently the trade is on the increase here.  - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.


14. Ganja said to be prepared in the Wynad and imported into other districts. Bhang stated to be prepared to an inconsiderable extent in towns of Madura and Tinnevelly. 15. There is no difference in the methods of preparation. After being cut and dried, the plant is exposed to the night dew, and rol!ed up and heavily weighted during the day until the tips begin to exude a resinous substance on pressure. ( a) The dried flowers are rubbed into powder with the fingers and mixed with tobacco. (b) The flower is soaked in water or cocoanut milk and then boiled in milk. Butter is then made from the milk, to which is added sugar and spices. (c) Prepared from the dried leaves of the male hemp plant by being ground into a paste and dissolved in some liquid—milk or water, with spices, pepper and ginger. 16. Generally in private houses. 18. Bhang rapidly deteriorates. Ganja if exposed to sun and night dew every two or three months is said to keep without deteriorating for two years. Fermentation from damp stated to be the chief cause of deterioration.  - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division.


14. Yes; ganja and bhang are prepared at Narasaraopeta to a very small extent. 15. Ganja is the mixture of the ears of the hemp plant, water, and tobacco. Mixture of the ears, water, jaggery and tobacco is called bhang. Both these are prepared here. The one is Consumed at once, while the other is kept for daily use for about a week or ten days. Ganja obtained from Daggupad is sold here. The preparations of only the cultivated hemp plant are made. Ganja is used for smoking. The flower tops are powdered by the finger and the seeds are removed. Then it is moistened by a few drops of water, and then pressed under the finger and the water removed. Small tobacco pieces are then added and mixed up. The mixture is put on a chillum, in which fire is placed, when it is used for smoking. No preparation is made from hemp plant for eating or drinking. 16. (a) Bhang is prepared generally by the consumers on occasions of festivities in their houses. (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. Yes; ganja is made for immediate use; charas is not known here. Bhang is kept on for a week or ten days, when it becomes unfit for use. It loses its force. No measures.  - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District.


14. To a very little extent consumers prepare ganja. 15. (a) Ganja for smoking is prepared from the cultivated plant, by removing the seeds and stalks and rubbing it with water and rarely with milk in the palm of the left hand with the thumb of the right till the mass becomes little tenacious and then smoked. (b) Ganja, known under the name of majum, is a confection, and is mixed with condiments and sugar and preserved for some time for eating. (c) Ganja for drinking, known under the name of bhang, is prepared from the dried flower tops grounded after removing the seeds, leaves, and stalks, by mixing with condiments, sugar and milk or water. 16. The aforesaid bhang is prepared in their houses and wherever the plant is grown. Not known. - Evidence of  D. JAGANNADHARAO PANTALU, Brahmin,Deputy Collector, Anantapur.


14. The following products are prepared in this district:— - Prepared to a limited extent in (a) Ganj a    the hills and plains of this dis(c) B ha ng    trict for the most part in back yards. Charas is not known in this district. 15. There is no wild plant. From the cultivated plant(a) Ganja is prepared for smoking. In the month of January when the plant is ripe it is cut down and the branches are pressed under the weight of a heavy flat stone for three days and then exposed to the sun and night frost for three days over the roofs of the houses, and finally kept under beds or mattresses on which people lie down for three days. By this process ganja or kali is formed. In the course of the above three processes, broken pieces of ganja and big leaves fall down which are separately preserved for chur and bhang, or subji or patti respectively. The kali so prepared is used for smoking with the use. of an earthen pipe locally called chillum. (b) Eating.— Chur is used for eating in the shape of round balls called majum. The chur is dried and powdered together with dried ginger and spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc., and put in a pan of boiled jaggery or sugar mixed with ghee, and stirred round repeatedly till the whole stuff gets cool and condensed, when it is made into small balls of marble size. These balls are swallowed by themselves. (c) Drinking.—The aforesaid big leaves, i.e., subji or patti, are boiled in water and then dried in the sun and powdered. This powder is mixed with the powder of pepper, aniseed, poppy-seeds, cloves, nutmeg, etc., and is then ground soft with water, and the whole mass is well mixed in a quantity of water and strained in a piece of cloth. The remnants in the cloth are thrown away and the liquid so filtered is drunk with or without sugar. This drink is locally called bhang. Kúsúmba is a refined preparation of bhang consumed by wealthier classes. Madankameswaram is a refined preparation of majum made by native physicians for the use of higher classes. 16. (a) Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. (b) Yes. (c) Wild plant and charas are unknown here. 17. By all if they are accustomed. 18. Not for a year if properly preserved. It will lose its effect in time, 18 months at the utmost, if the plant was not injured by rains, which affect its efficacy. No special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration. Old drugs are preferable to new ones on medical grounds. -  Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PAN TULU GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.


14. Yes, ganja and bhang ; the latter is used by me in the sense that I have referred to in reply to question 2. These are prepared at home and for the consumption of the person that prepares it. Bhang cannot be had for sale, and the ganja available for sale is imported from Daggupadu. 15. I can give no information about the wild plant. All that I state below refers to the cultivated plant. Ganja.— The flowering tops of cultivated female hemp plants called locally kali are dried, and this dried substance is known as ganjayi. It is smoked here, but not without an admixture, People believe that unmixed ganja induces pulmonary disorders. The method in vogue here is to rub a small quantity of ganjayi in the palm of the hand, wash it thrice with water and mix with it a varying quantity (generally equal) of tobacco and smoke the resultant in an earthen pipe called chillum. It is also eaten here, but not without an admixture. It is either made into majum or mixed with medicinal syrups called halvas. There are three kinds of majum sold in the bazars. One method.—Ganjayi is well fried and pul -verised, and then mixed with the powder of dried ginger, pippali (long pepper) and other medicinal herbs and boiled with sugar treacle and allowed to cool. Second method.—Ganjayi and milk are boiled together and cooled down and then mixed with buttermilk so as to curdle it. It is then churned and the butter separated and clarified so as to get what is called ganja ghee. This is boiled with sugar treacle and the powder of pepper, long pepper, ginger, etc. Third method.—Ganja is pounded and boiled with water and ghee and the scum gathered and strained through water. The resultant is mixed with pepper, etc., as stated above. Halvas.—Ganja is boiled with water and ghee until it becomes a thick liquid called ganjayi decoction, and this decoction is mixed with medicinal syrups called halvas, which native doctors ordinarily make and prescribe. It is also drunk here and the beverages prepared with it are called bhang. These are of two kinds :— Water bhang and milk-bhang. The method of preparing the two varieties is one and the same, except that in the case of the former, water is used in lieu of milk, which is the chief ingredient in the latter. Ganjayi or sometimes the leaf of the hemp plant is well ground with a little water on a grindstone, strained through cloth and then mixed along with sugar in cold water or boiled milk spiced with cardamoms, cloves, marati-moggalu and other aromatic substances. The quantity of the ganjayi or the leaf of the hemp plant used depends upon the strength required for the beverage ; Ordinarily four tolas are mixed in an imperial seer of water or milk. 16. Bhang in the sense I use is always prepared by the consumers in their houses. As I have already stated, it can be prepared both from the flowering tops called ganjayi and from the leaves of the cultivated hemp plant. I have no inform -ation about the wild plant. Bhang does not keep long and is prepared whenever required. 18. Bhang deteriorates by keeping. It does not keep for more than a jhamu (3 hours), even when good care is taken of it ; after that period it does not quite lose its effect, but it loses its relish and more than three-quarters of its intoxicating effect. Exposure to the atmosphere is the chief cause of its deterioration. The liquid suffers also by non-exposure, as it putrifies and gets sour. Ganja does not deteriorate by keeping. It may be kept for three years without losing its value. Majum and halvas keep for one year and more.  - Evidence of M. R. R. DEWAN BAHADUR S. VENKATA RAMADAS NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Godavari.


14. Only ganja at the Javadi hills to an extent on an average per year of 1,500 to 2,000 maunds. 15. Method of preparation of ganja. The blossoms are detached from-the  plants  and dried up in the sun for about ten hours, after which they are collected in a heap and squeezed between the thumb and the finger. This process over, a small quantity of the dry leaves of the plant powdered is sprinkled over the bottom of a bamboo basket, specially prepared for the purpose, over which a quantity of the squeezed flowers is put and trodden under foot. Over this layer a quantity of powdered leaves is again sprinkled and squeezed, flowers again placed and trodden, and so on, till the basket is filled. After this the basket is laid upside down over a smooth but hard ground, besprinkled with the powder of the leaves, and the basket removed, the trodden cakes of ganja being left on the ground one over the other. On the topmost cake a flat stone is placed, and over it other stones are piled up ; so that there might be sufficient weight to press the cakes as hard and tight as possible. The weight is allowed to stand for about fifteen hours, after which it is removed and the cakes detached. The cakes are then broken into small ones and again trodden under foot and then dried up in the sun. When the cakes become sufficiently dry, they are removed into the houses and piled up. The ganja so prepared is generally used for smoking purposes mixed up with tobacco. 18. Ganja. It does. It loses its effect by lapse of time. It keeps good for one year under ordinary care. Dampness and exposure to smoke form the deteriorating causes.  - Evidence of DEWAN BAHADUR K. V. LAKSHAMANA Row GARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.


14. Bhang alone is prepared in this division. The extent is not known. 15. Wild hemp plant is not known in these parts. (a) Hemp is smoked in following ways. To -bacco and ganja are well mixed together, and smoked through a pipe, or a hukkah. (b ) It is eaten in the shape of majun, phakki, and poornadi. (c) It is drunk in the shape of pannia, lurki, and bhang. The mode of preparing these intoxicants is given against question 2. 16. Bhang is prepared in the houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Ganja, detained for a year, loses its effects, and towards the end of the second year, loses all its effects. For four or five months it can be preserved, if carefully kept without being exposed. to air. Exposure to air deteriorates it. It should be kept in an air—tight place.  - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.


14. (a) Ganja and bhang are to a small extent prepared in some cusba stations and muts where ascetics and bairagis assemble, and in some such places. (b) Charas is unknown. (c) Bhang is a preparation made of dried tender leaves of female hemp plants, sugar, spices, and milk. Sometimes water is substituted for milk, when pepper also is mixed. 15. Wild hemp plant is unknown in these parts. Ganja and bhang leaves are gathered from the cultivated hemp plant. The former is used for smoking and the latter for drinking. The broken ganja locally called gunda or ganja is made into majum balls with sugar and spices. (a) Ganja is smoked in a chilhem. (b) Majum balls are eaten. In addition to this Madanakameswaram and similar intoxicating lehams are prepared from ganja for eating. (c) Bhang is prepared for drinking. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in the houses for their own consumption. It is prepared from the leaves of the cultivated hemp plant. No wild plant is grown here. 18. Ganja will keep for two years, but begins to lose its effect after one year. Bhang leaves will keep for one year only. Deterioration takes place by mildew, and in order to prevent it, proper care should be taken to expose it to the sun as often as necessary.  - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.


14. (a) and (c) are prepared to a very limited extent in large towns, but secretly, (b) is not prepared here. 15. The cultivation being very limited, no special methods of cultivation are observed.    Ganja is generally used for smoking. Bhang is consumed along with jaggery and spices or in the form of a syrup known here by the name of Ramarasam. 16. It is prepared by bazar men and sold. Bhang and ganja can both be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Yes. These deteriorate if kept for over a year or a year-and-a-half. The strength of the drugs is lessened by the length of time.  - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared here. Both are used for smoking purposes. Their use is, however, not general. Probably 40 per cent. of the population use them. 15.  There is no difference in the method of preparation from the cultivated and wild plant. The plants are cut and dried as they are by exposure to the sun. When they are well dried, the branches with their leaves and flowering tops are piled up in bundles and pressed. For smoking, take a small quantity of the flowering tops and leaves, place it in the middle of the palm, add a quantity of water, and rub it well over with the thumb ; when it is reduced to a pulpy state sqeeze out the water. This process should at least be repeated three times. Then add a quan-tity of tobacco in the proportion of one to two of bhang, mix it well and then use in a pipe. 16. Bhang is generally prepared in their houses by the consumers themselves. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja can he prepared from wild plants. 18.   The leaves of the female plant are said to possess greater narcotic property in them. Bhang will keep good for about a year, provided it is kept air tight. After that it gradually loses its power. Ganja will keep good for a few years, provided it is periodically exposed to the sun and kept secure from damp. - Evidence of MR. J. H. GWYNNE , Deputy Collector, Wynaad, Malabar District.


14. (a) Yes. (b) Charas is not in use here. (c) Yes. Ganja is extensively cultivated at Daggupad, Bapatla taluk. Bhang is made of ganja. 15. (a) Ganja plant is of two species, viz., male and female. Male plant does not produce resin, nor does it seem to be fit for any purpose except for good fibre. It is from the female plant that ganja is extracted. In the female plant the flower and the fruit mix together and assume the form of an ear. The ear ripens just like that of millet and will be cut and the seeds separated. The remaining substance will be kept in the snow for two days and then dried up and filled in bags. It will be sold to the purchaser at the rate of 3 pies a weight of the 3 pice coin. The purchaser takes the substance, separate the seed, if any still remaining, washes it well in. his palm, dries it by pressing the same with his cloth and keeps it separately. Then he mixes it with thick tobacco powder in proportion of 3 to 1 in weight, and smokes the mixture and gets intoxicated. Some people get intoxicated by eating the ganja substance without any admixture ; some by taking it in the form of powder mixed with pepper ; some ground the mixture well, put it in a piece of paper, and roll the paper into the form of a cigar, and then smoke it to get intoxication. Bhang is prepared from the leaves. The leaves are repeatedly washed to remove the green colouring matter. They are then pounded well, and then mixed with the juice prepared of cocoanut pulp, black pepper, dried ginger, and poppy-seed. Then either sugar or jaggery is mixed with this, and the mixture thus formed is drunk. Some people drink the mixture, adding to it some sweet plantains or milk according to their taste. One-eighth of a seer of this draught is enough to intoxicate a person. Its effect is to cool the system, and varies according to the constitution and temperament of the consumer. The use of bhang . is better than that of ganja. Bhang makes the consumer more active and lively in his work. Charas is prepared from the resin which exudes from the leaves of the plant. The resin will be a little heated, and then well grounded in the palm with some tobacco till a mixture is formed. This mixture is then put into a pipe and smoked, and the man gets intoxicated. But it is not in use here. Majum is another kind of preparation from the resin. But this resin is not that which exudes from the leaves, but is what is obtained by boiling the ganja leaves in water with ghee. The resin is cooked with sugar, and the powder prepared of cardamoms, nutmeg, etc., spices, into a paste and then eaten. The effect will be a little intoxication. It is a good remedy for dysentery. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. I hear that some who practice bhang grow ganja plants in their compounds. Bhang can be prepared by ganja wherever grown. 18. Ganja, charas or bhang deteriorates if it is not consumed within one hour, and loses its effects entirely after two hours, though it may retain its full effect for one hour after its preparation. If diluted in water it deteriorates quickly, and no measures are possible to preserve its effect long.  - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in this district, but not charas. They are prepared in all the mutts, and by those persons in whose backyards the plant is grown to a certain extent. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their own houses. Ganja and bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown if the plant does not blossom. - Evidence of TADEPALLI SIVARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector, Chatrapur.


14. Charas is never made in this province, but the other two preparations (ganja and bhang) are made and those, too, to a very limited extent. 15. From the cultivated plant it is prepared for smoking thus :— Seeds and sticks are first removed. The leaves are then washed in cold. water till all the colouring matter is removed from them ; they are then squeezed, keeping the same in the palm of the left hand, and pressing them with the thumb of the right hand. A quantity of tobacco is added to it before used for drinking; the leaves are first washed in water, they are then mixed with poppyseeds, nutmeg and other spices ; the mixture is first cleaned by water, milk, and cocoanut juice, and then ground with milk or water ; it is dissolved in milk or water and then drunk; this preparation is called bhang or subji. The leaves are ground with other medicinal substances and made into a conserve, which is eaten as medicine. Those who desire intoxication, wash the leaves in water and eat them after mixing the same with jaggery ; the effect of this is instantaneous. 16. Those who are in the habit of using it, prepare bhang in their own houses. 18. Bhang should be used directly it is prepared. If kept, its quality will deteriorate. Ganja may be preserved for a year ; if it is well dried and kept from being exposed to changes of weather, but the conserve will not keep beyond six months ; it will then become quite useless.  - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelly


14. Ganja is prepared in Kistna and. Godavari to a small extent. In Kistna the places areMasulipatam, Guntur, Nizampatam, Isandole, Bhattiprole, etc. In Godavari-Cocanada, Rajahmundry, Ellore, Narsapur, Peddupur, etc. Bhang is not consumed. in these districts. Charas is not a word in use, and it is not known here. 16. Bhang is not used here. It is not known if it could be prepared from wild hemp. Charas is not known here. There is no wild growth of ganja here. - Evidence of C. VENKATA CHALAM, Tahsildar, Guntur.


14. Only ganja is prepared by treading under feet the kalle or dried flower tops. What is called bhang in these parts is not any special preparation. Small leaves also grow up round the kalle. As the kalle is trodden down, these leaves do not fall off, but remain with kalle, which assumes the form of cakes by thus being trodden down. For purposes of bhang these leaves which fall off when the flat ganja (cakes above mentioned) is separated into small pieces, are collected together and used. 15. Ganja is used for smoking only and bhang for drinking only. The flat ganja is taken up, and small portions of it are used at a time. When a bit is taken off from a large cake, the dried leaves fall off, and the flower portion is then well rubbed in one palm with the thumb of the other hand and washed clean in water. This is then again rubbed with a small quantity of tobacco and then put into the chillum with fire for smoking. The leaves separated from the kalle in the above manner are used for drinking bhang. The leaves are boiled in water and then ground down into a paste. This is then put in a cloth and the juice pressed out between fingers. This juice is then mixed with milk and sugar and then drunk. Those who cannot afford milk mix the juice with water and sugar. As for eating,—the ganja kalle separated from the leaves is well fried in ghee and then removed, and the ghee which has then acquired the essence of the ganja is mixed with sugar, spices, wheat flour, and other substances, and made into round balls, which are then eaten under the different names of majum and halva. No other process of eating is known in these parts. 16. Yes; it is generally prepared in houses. (No experience of wild plant in this country.) 17. Only majum and halva are said to be prepared and sold in town licensed ganja shops. The other preparations, ganja balls for smoking and bhang juice for drinking, are not sold in shops, but they have to be prepared by the consumers at the time required. There are no special classes of people for this business. 18. Majum or halva is said to last a month after its preparation, but it gradually loses its taste day by day. Ganja balls are not made at a time and kept for use afterwards, because ganja loses its effect when it dries up. Bhang also is not made except at the time of use because of its liquid nature and connection with water ; it will not last longer than a day at the highest in a drinkable state. Trade.—Though the sale of hemp drugs was licensed in 1889, no accounts seem to have been furnished till last year, 1892-93. The figures supplied by the renter for that year show that a quantity, 698 seers and 15 tolas, of ganja was sold by retail. No information was given about the quantity exported. This information, I regret, is very meagre and incomplete, but more particulars are not available.  - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.


14. (a) and (e) Yes. Manufactured in the towns, and to only a small extent. 15. (a) (A).—The twigs or branches of the female plant are broken and spread in layers on the ground to a height of about a foot, Then a plank is placed over the whole, and weighted down and left there for about a month. The place should be dry. Then the plank is removed, and the leaves, which in that time will have clustered into something like small fruits, will be removed and stored. (B).—The ganja is boiled in milk and strained, Curd is made of the milk and churned. To the butter thus obtained, spices and some medicinal ingredients are added together with jaggery or sugar and a kind of comfit is made. Another coarser kind is made by grinding jaggery with ganja leaf and some spices and nuts, such as almonds, etc. (C).—Ganja flower is ground with cocoanut milk and strained. To this boiled milk, sugar, almond, milk, spices, etc., are added and then it is drunk. 16. Yes. 18. Yes; if kept for long. With ordinary care this may last for a year. Exposure acts injuriously on the stuff. - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.


14. (a) Yes. (b) and (c). No. Very limited extent. The owner of the house in the back-yard of which such plants are raised uses along with a few friends perhaps. 15. The cultivation is so very limited that there is no special method of preparation at all. Ganja is used only for smoking in this taluk. 16. Bhang is not used or prepared, in this taluk. 18. Yes. Ganja cannot be kept for more than a year without deteriorating. Time lessens the stupefying effects of the drug. It keeps better if preserved in granaries inaccessible to molestation of rats.  - Evidence of S. VASUDEVA. RAO, Tahsildar, Tadpatri.


14. (a) Ganja is not systematically prepared in this district. The hemp plant is not grown as a regular crop, but one or two of it may be found in back-yards here and there. Some raiyats grow it in their fields, but the plants are generally very few and intended for personal use. (b) Charas is unknown in this part of the country. (c) Bhang is likewise unknown.  - Evidence of T. KODANDARAM NAIDU, Tahsildar, Hospett.


14. No ; only ganja is imported. 16. Bhang and Charas are neither prepared nor used in this part of the country. Ganja can be prepared from the ganja plant or its dry flowers.  - Evidence of M. BIMACHARI, Tahsildar, Rayadrug.


14. Hemp plant is not grown in this taluk, and hence ganja, charas, and bhang are not prepared here from it. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant not only wherever grown, but also wherever it is procurable. I have no idea whether ganja or charas can be prepared from the wild plant or not.  - Evidence of MUNSHI S. MOHAMED UNWUR SAHIB, Tahsildar, Suthanapully Taluk, Kistna District.


14. (a) Ganja and (b) bhang are prepared in the Bellary district, in scattered localities to a small extent. 16. Bhang is prepared in houses, gardens, or other recreative places. It cannot be prepared from the plant at the places grown, because the leaf has to be dried before it could be used for it. Ganja or charas can be prepared at the places where the wild plant grows.  - Evidence of M. SAMBA SIVA RAU NAIDU, Tahsildar, Bellary.


14. (a) and (c) are prepared in this taluk. 15. (A) Dried ganja leaves are mixed with tobacco for smoking purposes ; (B) habitual smoker of ganja at times uses ganja leaf for eating ; (C) liquid preparation called ramarasam is prepared by Marathis on festive occasions to keep their spirits up. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. - Evidence of ADAKI JAGANNADHA RAO, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Hindupur, Anantapur District.


14. (a) and (c) are prepared to a small extent in the back-yards of houses. 15. No difference between the wild plant and the cultivated one. 16. Not prepared in houses. Can be prepared from hemp plant wherever grown, as also ganja. Charas is not prepared in these parts. 18. These three products deteriorate if kept over for two years, and the efficacy is lost entirely after a lapse of four years. No special measures are known to prevent deterioration, except by keeping it from being meddled with by rats and insects, and from exposure.  - Evidence of G. JAGANNAYAKULU, Acting Tahsildar, Gooty.


14. Ganja is prepared in this, Cheep urupally, Vizianagram, and Vizagapatam taluks. Bhang also in Vizianagram. It is prepared to a moderate extent. 16. By those who are addicted to it, bhang is prepared generally in their houses in Vizianagram. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, but the material got from Calcutta and Benares is preferred. Ganja also can be prepared from the hemp wherever it is grown. I know nothing of charas.  - Evidence of CHAGANTI SOMAYAJULU, Brahmin, Acting Tahsildar, Palakonda.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared as explained in answer to Question 2. Charas is not prepared here. The extent to which ganja is prepared has already been stated in the answer to Question 8. 15. There is no wild hemp here. The method of preparing ganja (cultivated) has already been explained. A. Smoking.—There is no special preparation for this. The consumer takes a small quantity of ganja, cleans it with water five or six times, then rubs it well on his palm until it forms into a spongy substance, mixes it with tobacco in the proportion of two to one, and puts it into a pipe and smokes. This preparation is called sukka. B. Eating.—There are three preparations for eating, namely :—(1) Majum, (2) Ganja halwa, (3) Bhangdalli. 1. Majum.—Prepare treacle or molasses out of jaggery or sugar and mix with it cleaned ganja in the proportion of 4 to 1 ; stir up the two together till the ganja is well broken into small pieces and becomes mixed up with the treacle ; then cool it. It will become solid and fit for consumption. This preparation is made and sold by the contractor in small pieces. 2. Ganja halwa. —Take a convenient quantity of ganja, remove the seeds, wash it five or six times, and then put it into a pan and boil it in water. In the course of boiling add a small quantity of broken poppy-heads; when both are well cooked add ghee. The essence of ganja and poppy is drawn into the ghee which is extracted and secured in a jug. Again a treacle of sugar or jaggery is prepared with which spices, kas kas, almond and dried grapes are mixed. A small quantity of the prepared ghee above referred to is then added, and the whole is properly stirred up and cooled. This is called ganja halwa. 3. Bhangdalli.—Meat, ghee and bhang cooked together mixed with ordinary curry massala forms bhangdalli. C. Drinking.—The preparation of ganja for drinking purposes is called here subji. It is prepared as follows :—Remove the seeds and sticks from the ganja, and take it—or if bhang leaves are available, take it—wash either six or seven times to remove the sticky substance, grind it well with water, make it into a pulp, get bhang massala consisting of dry ginger, pepper, sopu, cardamoms and rose buds, and grind all these into a pulp ; mix the two pulps together and add sugar or jaggery, milk, plantain fruit and spices according to the taste, convenience and means of the consumer. 16. (a) Yes. (b) I do not know if it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. (c) I know nothing about the wild ganja. 18. Ganja and bhang leaves can be preserved for a year with ordinary care by occasional exposure to the sun. After a year their properties are diminished. I know of no measures which can prevent deterioration. - Evidence of A. KATCHAPESWARA. IYER, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Cuddapah Taluk.


14. Ganja and bhang. They are prepared to a pretty large extent. 16. Bhang and ganja can be prepared in their houses easily by the people. - Evidence of K. RAMA KRISTNA BRAMHAM, Brahmin, Stationary Sub-Magistrate, Kudlighi, Bellary District


14. Bhang appears to be prepared in this district. 15. From the cultivated hemp, the following preparations appear to be made (a) For smoking.—Bhang Thum. (b) For eating.—Majum, purnathy, bhang balls. (c) For drinking.—Ramarus, panakum. Method of preparation :— (1) Majum.—The hemp leaves are first fried, then pounded into fine powder and mixed with jaggery syrup. The manufacturers then add rose, senna leaves, sompu, and spices, make them into balls, and sell them to the public, (2) Purnathy lahiyam.— The leaves are first soaked in water and the next day washed seven times with water. Then they are mixed with ghee and water, boiled for two or three days, and strained ; then the water is poured out, and the ghee collected. Akroot, salamisri, rumamas taki, senna leaves, rose, sompu, milk boiled, hard raisins, dates and sugar, are mixed with the ghee, and used as medicine. (3) Bhang balls.—The bhang leaves are boiled for half an hour, washed four or five times with water, some pepper and salt are added, and rolled into balls and sold. (4)Ramarus.—The leaves are boiled for quarter of an hour, washed four or five times with water, ground and mixed with water and strained ; again they are ground twice or thrice, strained and mixed with water. They then add poppy-seeds, senna leaves, limes, rose, sompu, and kopra, and again grind mix it with water and strain it. Then they add milk and sugar. This preparation is said to be very cooling to the body. (5) If a great quantity of water and jaggery are added, it becomes panakum. (6) Bhang Thum.—Wash the leaves four or five times with water, then crush them by placing them in the middle of the left palm, and pressing them with the thumb of the right hand, add a small quantity of tobacco. This is placed in a pipe and smoked. Hemp leaves are also mixed with mutton, boiled and eaten. This appears to be very intoxicating. 16. Bhang is prepared by the cultivators in their houses. 18. Bhang leaves can be kept for a long time, provided they are exposed to the sun often ; other-wise they will become mouldy.  - Evidence of M. SESHACHALA NAIDU, Baliya, Pensioned Tahsildar, Vellore.


14. Some of the ganja smokers on the hill slopes use either the green or dried leaves, according to urgency or necessity. There is no special preparation of any of these three kinds. Consumers purchase ganja from the licensed shop, which imports from low countries, such as Coimbatore, etc. (b) Charas, (c) bhang (except a beverage called bhang prepared from ganja) are unknown in this part of the division. 16. A sort of beverage called bhang, ramarasam or subja water, is prepared by some people in their houses by mixing powdered ganja with cow's milk or cocoanut juice, and also with sugar and spices. Yes ; if kept exposed to the weather for some long time, its flavour and ultimately its effect is lost. The drug is, therefore, secured either in earthen pots or tin boxes. - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.


14. No. 15. Vide reply to No. 19. 16. Yes; the ganja leaves from plants growing in these parts are seldom used by anybody. It is said that ganja can be prepared from the wild plants growing in these parts. 18. It is said that ganja and charas will last for years without deterioration if kept in closed vessel. - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, Coonoor.


14. I beg state that kali, referred to in my answer to Question No. 2, is obtained from the plant as follows, i.e., when the male plant attains its maturity, the small branches containing kali are cut from the plant and tied in small bundles, which are placed beneath a heavy plank or a slab of stone for a few days. Then they are taken and dried in the sun and tied into large bundles. 15. This is smoked as follows:—A quantity of kali just sufficient for a dose is taken on hand, and all the gummy and leafy bunches are separated from the remaining useless parts. Seeds also are likewise removed. Then the leafy and gummy portion is saturated with water and again squeezed on the palm of the hand, so that the water may get out.. This process is repeated twice or thrice until the said substance is thoroughly cleaned. Then it is mixed with an equal quantity of tobacco and smoked. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.


14. A mixed article of ganja and bhang is prepared, but no chains. The locality and extent are given in my answer to Question 7. 15. No. 16. Bhang is prepared generally in their houses, and it can be prepared from the hemp plant whereever grown. There is no wild plant in this district. 18. Ganja or bhang does not deteriorate unless kept for a very long period. Its properties remain unaffected for a year or two. I believe it slowly deteriorates if kept after two years. I am not aware of any measures to be adopted.  - Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam


14. (a) Ganja is prepared in this part of the country moderately. It is abundant in Bellary, Cuddapah, Rayavellore and Hyderabad. In Kabul and Kandahar also this is grown very abundantly. In Nuzvid and Ellore the hemp plants are grown in back-yards and ganja prepared. (b) Charas. This is not in use in this part of the country. This is I learn charrs and not charas. The word charas also is in use, but it is the mixture prepared from opium and ashes of betel leaves or leaves of Acacia arabica plant and made into pills. These are called maddat charas, but the one in question is found to chairs which is not made in this country, but in places where the dew is very much. It is the sediment depo -sited on the ears of hemp plants (like on tobacco plants) removed by persons covered with leather shirts and coats by moving through plants by which process the sediment comes out along with their coverings and it is taken out and placed in a cup when it becomes. congealed like wax. It is cut into pieces like rubber pieces. This is found very valuable and cannot be had by ordinary people. This product is mostly prepared in Kabul and Kandahar. (c) Bhang is also prepared and used in this part of the country just like ganja, but in a less quantity than ganja. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by people in their houses. It is made with hemp plant grown by people, but not with that grown spontaneously. Ganja and charas also cannot be prepared with the hemp plant grown spontaneously. These are all made with plants grown with special care. If there be plants spontaneously grown anywhere, they may be used for ganja and bhang, but not certainly for charas. - Evidence of P. LAKSIIMINARAYANA, Brahmin, Manager of Court of Wards' Estate, Nuzvid.


14. Yes, ganja and bhang are prepared in this country. Mostly in the agency tracts, and to a small extent on the plains. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses, It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown.  -  Evidence of RAI BAHADUR K. NARAINASWAMY, Telaga, Inspector of Police, Vizianagram.


16. The bhang is not generally prepared in living houses, but they are being prepared by ascetics, parathasees, etc., in Chatrams and Chavadees, where they generally meet, especially in Southern countries. The bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant. Ganja or charas is also prepared from the wild plants wherever grown.  - Evidence of T. S. KRISTNASAMY CHETTY, Vishnuvite, Pensioned Police Inspector, Trinamalay, South Arcot District.


14. Yes. All these products are prepared. I cannot say to what extent. 15. I have only seen ganja prepared. The inflorescense of the female plants is collected when resin has fully developed, dried, tied in bundles, and pressed tightly into a bale with cloth round it. In this state it appears to undergo fermentation, as is the case with tobacco. Of this, however, I have no positive knowledge, as I have only been told so by others. When cured it is stored in a dry earthen pot or other vessel, which is kept closed. 16. Yes. As far as I know, both ganja and bhang can be prepared from the wild and cultivated varieties of hemp wherever grown; but the quality and strength of the manufactured product depends greatly on the soil, elevation, climate, and amount of cultivation bestowed upon it. 18. Yes, if the drug is exposed it is subject to mildew and deteriorates. It is usually kept in earthen pots or tin boxes by the retail dealers, - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris.


(a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. In big towns they are prepared and sold in bazaars. 15. The following are the preparations that know of :– A. Smokimy.—Ganja or chadaganja and tobacco are taken in two to one, and cut very finely, and mixed after rubling in the palm of the band for some time, and smoked in different models of pipes. The mole rubbed the more the intoxicating effect, -they say (smokers). B. Ealing.—The dried leaves are eaten with fried peas, and also powdered and mixed with meat and fried. C. Drinking.—Chadaganja is first soaked in cold water for one or two hours, and then ground and mixed with milk, water and jaggery syrup, and spices are also added. Tins mixture is called bhang. 16. Yes. - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar


14. Bhang and ganja are synonymous terms in the Wynaad. Charas is not known. The extent cannot be estimated owing to the scattered nature of the cultivation. 15. There is no difference of preparation. (A) For smoking a small quantity of ganja is put into the palm of the hand and washed with water till a greater or less amount of the green colouring matter is removed, and then it is chop -ped up with about an equal quantity more or less of tobacco and smoked in the usual way. (B) For eating a preparation called "Lekhiam" (confection) is made from the following recipe:— Tolas. Powdered ganja . . .    6 Almonds . . . 1 1/2 Cubebs ... 1/2 Poppy seeds (casa casa) . . . 1/2 Nutmeg . . . 1/4 Mace . . . 1/4 Dry ginger . . . 1/2 Cardamoms . . . 1/4 Cloves . . . 1/4 Cinnamon . . . 1/4 Sugar . . . 1 Jaggery . . . 1/2 Ghee . . . 25 The whole is well ground and mixed together and heated to make into a consistency of pill mixture. Half an ounce of the confection is a dose. "Majum" or pills is another preparation for eating, and the following are the ingredients that go to make it up:– Tolas. Ganja . . . 4 Poppy seeds . . . 1/2 All spices . . . 2 Sugar . . . 1 Jaggery . . . 1/2 " made into a consistency in the same way as the former. Ganja is also eaten in another form by excessive habitual consumers. It is ground with massala for making meat curries. (C) For drinking. The preparation for this purpose called "subji" is as follows: — Six tolas of ganja is ground in milk and suffi -cient spice added for flavour, More milk is then added to make up a quart. Dose—One wine -glass. 16. Yes. 18. Ganja loses its narcotic power by being kept and is also liable to attack by insects. If secured in air-tight boxes it keeps longer; but as a fact in the Wynaad it is seldom or never kept longer than a year or till the next crop.  - Evidence of MR. C. E. HARDIE, District Forest Officer, Manantoddy, North Malabar.



15. (a) Smoking Ganja . Charas. (b) Eating Bhang (c) Drinking 18. Keeps good for about one year, after which it is liable to deterioration.  - Evidence of COLONEL II. S. ELTON, Commandant, 16th _Regiment, Madras Infantry, Bellary.


16. No. It cannot be prepared easily wherever the plant grows. 18. These drugs don't deteriorate as a rule by keeping. But after many years they deteriorate. They are generally kept inside damp and moist cloth.  - Evidence of CAPTAIN F. L. JONES, Commandant, 3rd Madras Lancers, Bellary.


14. They are not grown here, but I have seen them grown largely in Lower Bengal, where I gained my experience in these drugs. In almost every house where Hindustanis are employed, a patch of ground near the servants' quarters is cul -tivated and ganja plants are grown. These plants are chiefly used for making bhang from the green leaves. 15. The ganja usually sold in the bazars comes from up-country, Lucknow and Delhi. The wild plant is said to be of little or no use. Ganja is the dried flowering tops of the female plant Can -nabis sativus, natural order Urticeœ, sub-order Cannabinaceœ. A little of the top, about an inch, is broken off ; the seeds and stalks are thrown away, and the rest made into a hard paste with a little water well rubbed in the palm of the left hand by the right thumb. This is put in an earthen chillum and smoked either through a huka or between the palms of the hands. Charas is or ought to be only the resinous ex -udation of the hemp plant, but it is seldom or never pure. It is smoked with goorakoo or tobacco and treacle paste ; usually smoked by natives. It is not very strong in action, perhaps owing to its being seldom what its pretends to be. Bhang is the larger leaves and capsules of the hemp plant. It is made from the green plant, and often the people who use them make up a large number of balls and dry them in the sun for future use. Bhang is prepared in the following way : The green leaves, sometimes even the tender stalks and capsules, are ground into a stiff paste in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle. To make it more intoxicating a few seeds of dhatura are often added. When the paste is smooth it is made into a drink by the addition of milk, water, sugar, etc according to fancy. An ordinary dose is a teacupful, but often a quart is taken by a seasoned vessel. There is one very important preparation of the Indian hemp which is not mentioned in these questions. I mean majum, a kind of sweetmeat, composed of bhang, ghee, sugar and spices. The ingredients, at least their exact proportions, are a secret of the trade, as it is said in Calcutta that only one man could prepare the majum properly in the whole of India ; that man lives at Delhi, form where the best majum comes. This is the only preparation which is often eaten by comparatively well-educated people of the better class owing to its aphrodisiac properties. Before going to bed a person usually takes about 8 grains or a pill about as large as a good-sized pea and gradually swallows it. Question 15. [oral evidence] — Bhang is used in the festival of Shiva, and Shiva is connected with dhatura somehow or other. 1 do not know how. For this reason one seed of dhatura is used in the bhang as an act of reverence to Shiva. This is the custom in some parts of Bengal. But the addition of dhatura for increased intoxication is only exceptional. When they want to increase intoxication, they often use dhatura, not alcohol ; but, as I say, this use is itself exceptional, not frequent. I cannot say how the seed is added. I have myself drunk some bhang with dhatura mixed. I took it on a bet to see the effect, when we saw it prepared by some durwans when I was a student. I did not know what I was doing for some time. I had to go to bed. I remember a sort of dual personality coming over me. I felt myself (I remember, though it is twenty-five or thirty years ago) in an egg. A servant opening the door broke it. I did not notice any change of vision. 1 was about 14 or 15 only, and incapable of observing physiological symptoms. 16. Bhang is almost invariably prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas are difficult to prepare ; at least I never knew that any one smoked either of them, home-grown or home prepared. 18. They deteriorate by keeping, especially if not kept quite dry. Ganja will keep three years if kept quite dry ; but these are never so strong as when new or the current year’s growth. They deteriorate by a kind of fermentation I think.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR CIIATTERJIE, Medical Officer in charge 13th Madras Infantry, Cannanore


14. Those who cultivate a few plants for their own consumption prepare ganja for themselves. 16. All the preparations are called ganja here; the few individuals that grow the plant, prepare the various mixtures and combinations of the drug in their own houses.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR G. L. WALKER, Civil Surgeon, Ootacamund.


14. (a) Yes. ( b )  No. ( c ) Yes. Throughout the district, and especially in the place mentioned in question No. 3. 15. (A) Smoking– After removing the seeds, the ganja will be placed in the palm of the left hand and water poured down on it, while with the right thumb the ganja is squeezed so as to rid it of the greenish resinous matter, which they consider to be impurity. Next process is to break up the ganja mass so cleansed into small lumps, and mix -ing it with powdered tobacco. This combined mass is put into a clay pipe (chillum) specially prepared for the purpose. Now it is ready for use. (B) Eating—Ganja is first boiled in milk or water so as to remove the resinous matter which it contains, and. then the mass is taken and squeezed well to remove all the water from it. This is then thrown into boiling sugar water along with the spices powdered previously. This preparation is allowed to remain on fire until it gets a con -sistency so as to be made into pills, which are after -wards used, and called by the name of majum. There are other preparations on a similar basis, prepared with milk, ghi, sugar, and other tonic roots, mixed with spices, and the whole mass called laham laham. (c) Drinking—Ganja or bhang will be first boiled in water and afterwards ground with spices and mixed up with water or milk, and then taken as a drink and called bhang. 16. (a) Yes. (b). Yes. (c). Know nothing about the wild hemp plant. 18. Deteriorate by keeping. They do not quite lose their effect in time. They keep good for one year. Dampness causes deterioration, which may be prevented if the drugs are preserved between layers of straw in a box well closed. - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN C. F. FEARNSIDE, Acting District Surgeon, Ganjam.


14. I have made enquiries, and find that ganja and bhang are the only products of the hemp plant in the Cochin State, and is used to a very large extent in British Cochin by the Konkanies. It is principally used in the larger towns in the native Cochin, especially in Muttancherry. 15. Smoking.—The cultivated plant is used; the leaves are well washed, cut into small pieces, and mixed with an equal quantity of tobacco, and smoked either in a pipe or made into a cigarette. Eating.—The flowering tops are washed, dried in the shade, reduced to a powder, mixed with an equal quantity of rice, flour, sugar, and spices, added and made into chappaties and baked and used as bread. A confection is also made with sugar and spices. Drinking.—The leaves and flowering tops are ground and made into a decoction and flavoured with sugar, milk, and spice and used as an ordin -ary drink. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping, unless kept in well stoppered bottles.  - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR R. PEMBERTON, Civil Surgeon, Cochin


14. (a) Yes. (b) and (c ) No. It is generally used in Wynaad by many classes of people, such as Nairs, Rajputs, and the jungle tribes, Paniars, Kurichers, Kurumbers, Kaders, etc., and they grow the plant each one for his own use. It also grows wild to a great extent in certain parts of Wynaad, such as Sultan's Bat- tery, etc. Question 14. [oral evidence] — My statement about the growth in Wynaad is based on report. I have been in Wynaad, but not in places where ganja grows. 15. The dried flowering tops with the smaller leaves called ganja is the only preparation used about this locality. The plant is cultivated and also grows wild. These dried flowering tops with the smaller leaves are mainly used here for smoking. The same made into a confection or electuary with opium, and spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, cubebs and sugar or honey is also used. This latter preparation is very rarely used, only well-to-do people being able to make it on account of its cost. The form in which ganja is most commonly used is as the dried flowering tops and smaller leaves for smoking. Some people, especially the Rajputs, grind the ganja and mix it in milk and add sugar and drink it. 16. Bhang is not prepared here. The forms in which the products of the hemp plant are used here are as mentioned above. 18. Yes, ganja loses its effects by keeping. With ordinary care it will not keep good longer than one year in Wynaad on account of the damp and moist atmosphere. If kept long it is liable to become mouldy and then it is useless. When kept well covered and placed in a warm part of the house it keeps good for about a year; other- wise it soon becomes mouldy and useless. Alcoholic extract and tincture will keep good for years. - Evidence of Civil Apothecary T. M. CHERIYAN, Manantoddy.


14. Yes; for private use, for smoking, and to a very small extent. 16. It can be prepared, though it is not gener -ally done, as it is troublesome to prepare and costly. Charas is not well-known here. 17. Native doctors for medicine, and ascetics for smoking. 18. Deteriorates by keeping. If properly pre -pared, it is said, will keep for a year good. - Evidence of Apothecary G. A. W. VELLONES, Chetambaram, South Arcot.


14. Ganja and bhang to a small extent in Koraput and Jeypore. 15. The leaves of the plant are twisted with the twigs and seeds, and are afterwards collected, dried in the sheds, and then exposed to the influence of dew at nights. They are then placed one leaf above another, covered with straw, and made into a mass by means of heavy weights placed above. A small quantity of this, well rubbed on the palms of the hands to separate the seeds, is used for smoking. Mixed with milk , spices, etc., it is drunk. Mixed with sugar, some people chew it also. 16. On rare religious occasions, Bhang is prepared from hemp wherever grown. 17. Ganja by the lower classes generally ; bhang by the Uriya people on religious occasions. 18. Exposed to air they deteriorate. If preserved, bottled and stoppered, they keep good - Evidence of Apothecary N. H. DANIEL, In charge Police Hospital, Koraput, Vizagapatam District.


14. Daggupadu, Shamshabad, Javadi. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. 15. The leaves of ganja are prepared for smok-ing by rubbing a quantity of it in the palm of the left hand about a dozen times, and squeezing out the green colouring matter and juice by mixing it with a little water. This process is said to deprive the ganja of its deleterious effects. The one used for eating and drinking is thus prepared. A quantity of ganja is first boiled and then ground in a mortar with water, and strained through fine muslin. This process is repeated half a dozen times when it is fit for use. This is mixed with treacle or milk which go to constitute respectively majun and bhang of these parts. 16. (a) Yes. (c) Unknown. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It becomes quite inert if kept for a couple of years. It is destroyed by a worm peculiar to it. Charas does not. It keeps good for a considerably long time. The ordinary method of preservation appears to be to pack it up closely in a bundle, or the popular way is to keep it air-tight in a pot and expose it to the sun now and again. Income (annual) = About R200. Import 50 maunds. Export—Nil. - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. In towns and villages where is a demand for these preparations. 15. Bhang is used for drinking and eating; charas and ganja for smoking. 16, (a) Yes. (b) and (c) I believe so. 18. Bhang and ganja are said to deteriorate by keeping, but not charas. Charas might lose its effect after a long time. All these preparations are said to deteriorate by becoming attacked by in -sects. If kept in air-tight or stoppered bottles there is little chance of deterioration. - Evidence of DR. ARTHUR WELLS, Medical Officer, Chicacole, Gan jam District.


14. Only ganja and bhang are prepared. 15. Preparation of ganja and patti from the cultivated hemp:—When the plant assumes a yellowish colour, it is taken root and branch, and hung to a beam with the bottom above under shade. It is kept thus for about four days. It is then exposed in the sun at day-time and to cold at nights for a period of three days. Then the branches are removed off the trunk, placed one over the other, trodden under foot and rolled into small bundles. These bundles are placed on a bed of straw with wooden planks over them. Then heavy weights or stones are put upon the planks, which keep the bundles pressed down. They are thus kept for about three days. Afterwards the bundles are taken and separated and exposed in open air. After two minutes or so, they are trodden under foot in order to get rid of the dried leaves. When all the leaves are removed, they are exposed to cold in the night. Early in the next morning they are taken and spread again upon straw and pressed down with planks. They are kept in this state one full day. The next morning, the planks are removed and the twigs with flower-tops are separated and subjected to gentle shaking, in order to rid off the leaves, if any. Then they are rolled up into bundles, or the agglutinated tops are detached and preserved in earthen vessels. This is how ganja is prepared for smoking. The dried leaves that are thrown down after so many processes of elimination above referred to are used as bhang or patti. After carefully removing the stalks, the dried leaves are boiled in water for some time ; and the boiled leaves are well squeezed with the hands in order to purge them of all filth and dirt, and then dried in the sun. They are next boiled either in milk or cocoanut-water. The quantity of milk or cocoanut-water must be proportionate to the quantity of leaves boiled, so that the milk or the cocoanutwater might be entirely absorbed by the leaves. They are again kept in the hot sun for about three or four days. After they are well dried, they are preserved in earthen vessels for use. This is how bhang or patti is prepared from cultivated hemp-plant for the purpose of drinking. 16. Bhang is prepared by some in their houses <br/>and by others in temples. Yes, it can be prepared from the hemp-plant, wherever grown. As regards the preparation of ganja from the wild plant, no trial has been made as yet in this taluka. 18. Ganja and patti do deteriorate by keeping. <br/>But they do not quite lose their effect in time. Ganja keeps good for about two years and patti for six months at the most. The causes of deterioration are :— (1) Ganja becomes quite dry as dust, and loses its resinous matter. (2) Patti gets decomposed. - Evidence of K. JAGANNADHAM NAIDU,* Medical Officer, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


14. (a) Mostly ganja, in which form only it is sold in the bazars, excluding, of course, other preparations of it by hakims, etc., for general sale. Prepared mostly on the hill tracts men-tioned before, and to a very small extent by private individuals on the plains. (b) Charas gathered to a small extent also on the hills and exported. (c) Bhang not prepared by any body to any extent for sale ; but those of the consumers who prefer this particular preparation have to make it themselves, and this number is infinitesimal, I am told. 15. (A) Preparation for smoking is made from ganja, mixed with minced tobacco, in different proportions, according to the fancy of the smoker. It must be noted that ganja is never used by itself for smoking, but invariably with admixture of tobacco—a fact perhaps not universally known. Charas is also used for smoking but not in this district at all. (B) For eating, a certain quantity of ganja is soaked in water and washed, and is then ground down fine together with sugar or sugarcandy, poppy seeds, almonds, cocoanut milk, or cow's milk, etc., and made into little balls and swallowed, the quantity, of course, varying with the intensity of the effect desired to be produced. (C) The preparation for drinking is really the bhang, and is the same as above, only made liquid by extra addition of water or milk. The above described eating preparation is also indis-criminately called bhang. 16. Only prepared by the consumer himself. But the number that use it is very small. Prepared only from ganja of cultivated plant. I am not able to tell whether ganja and charas can be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Ganja does not keep good after five or six months, being very subject to attacks of insects after this period, and also quite loses its effect in time. If saved from inroads of insects and worms, ganja will keep good for a year at the outside. No special measure seems to be taken to prevent deterioration, except closing the mouths of the containing vessels securely. Some vendors are said to put some camphor or pepper seeds into the pots to keep vermin out. Bhang is never kept for any length of time, but always used then and there, or if it is the eating bhang, only a quantity sufficient for a few days is prepared by the petty vendors. Nothing is known about the keeping qualities of charas.   - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem.


14. Ganja and bhang :—Nellore, Kistna, and Vizagapatam to a large extent. Other districts in the Northern Circars moderate. 15. Wild plant is not cultivated in this district. The cultivated full grown hemp plant is cut and exposed day and night for a week till it is com-pletely dried. Then the branches are broken and tied in bundles. Over these bundles a heavy weight is placed for a week to make the flowering tops fiat, and then these flowering tops collected and stored up for use. The mode of preparing it is the same as for smoking, eating and drinking. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It cannot be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja or charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever it is grown. 18. Yes ; it loses its effect entirely in course of time. It keeps it for about a year with ordinary care. Time and exposure are the causes of its deterioration. Any special care will not check its deterioration. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


15. The only variety of hemp plant that is' met with in the bazaars of this district is ganja, which comes from up-country and which the people use for smoking, eating and drinking. 16. Though bhang is not prepared in the houses of this district, but I had known several instances, while serving in the Central Provinces, where the people prepared bhang in their houses from both the ganja and bhang plants. 18. These drugs can be kept without deterior -ation for about six months or so, provided they do not come in contact with water or other fluid substances, and if deterioration sets in at all, they do not lose much of their activity. Dampness and keeping for a length of time favour deterior-ation. To prevent it, it is necessary to expose them in the sun occasionally.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras.


14. Ganja to some extent and bhang to a little are made. 15. For drinking, they mix plantains, sugar, milk, and juice of the flowering tops of the ganja. For smoking the simple drug is used, and the people eat for intoxication. 16.(a)Not in houses generally. (b) Yes. 18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping. Yes; they lose their effects in one week. If kept air-tight, deterioration may be prevented.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M . V. RAMANUGULU NAIDU, Peddapur, Godavari District.


14. (a) Ganja. (1) Bobbili and old Bobbili, (2) Paltair, (3 ) Seethanagram, (4) Gollapalli, (5) Mettavalsa, (6) Terlam, (7) adjacent hills. To a small extent for the use of consumers and for preparing ganja confections. 15.The hill produce is considered to be the strongest. Ganja only used in smoking, eating, and drinking. Some poor people drink a pre -paration called bhang made with the leaves. Both the hill and country ganja is used for the above purposes. 16. Bhang is prepared by some in their house s. It can be prepared from the cultivated plant. 18. Bhang is said to lose its effects after a year, while ganja keeps its properties for some two years when preserved with care. When not cared, they both deteriorate soon. Prevention of dete-rioration is practised by exposing the drugs to sunlight once a week, and packing them in arica grass and gunny bags. Deterioration is said to occur from moisture and formation of germs.  -  Evidence of Hospital Assistant CHINNY SREENIVASA RAU, Prapanna Komity, L. F. Hospital, Bobbili Vizagapatam District.


14. (a) and (b) . Prepared by those who use them to the extent required for their personal use, as far as my knowledge extends. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant P. NARRAINSWAMY TELEGA, Parvatipur Vizagapatam District


14. (a) and (c) are prepared in this sub-div–susion. They are prepared largely in Agency tracts and in zammdari Uriya villages. About Rs. 2,000 worth of ganja and bhang are prepared in this sub-division. 15.The preparations of the cultivated hemp are (A) smoking, (B) eating, and (C) drinking. (A) The methods used for smoking are as follows : — (i) A few agglutinated flowering tops are taken, put on the palm of one hand and rubbed well by the thumb of the other. The seeds and pieces of sticks are separated ; a few drops of water are then added to make it pasty and to prevent its consumption soon, and nearly equal quantity of tobacco is mixed to promote its strength. It will then form a gummy lump. A small pebble is put into a chillum (earthen thing resembling a straight pipe), or a leaf made like it, to prevent any portion of the lump coming to the bot –tom, and then the hemp is placed over it. A little fire is placed ever it, and the consumer, wrapping a piece of wet cloth to the lower and narrow end of the pipe, holds it in one hand, and putting the other over it in such a way that the hole of the lower end is between the thumb and the index finger of the latter, and also that the smoke is not allowed to escape. He then begins smoking. The reason of wrapping the wet cloth is to prevent scalding to the fingers, to purify the smoke, to prevent any portion of the lump coming into the mouth, and not to allow the smoke rushing at once into the air passages. This is the worst and most injurious method of smoking, but it is very commonly used. (ii) Some who desire the smoke well purified, use it in a huka or gudgudi in which they keep water through which the current of smoke passes. By this the smoke is better purified than the above method. (B) Different methods of eating :— (i)As mabajum or majinum:– this is prepared as follows, and sold ordinarily in bazars : Ganja and its leaves are well dried and powdered, jaggery or sugar mixed with a little water is melted until it becomes gummy, and the powder is then proportionately added to it. Afterwards it is well stirred till it becomes one mass. Of that mass small lumps are taken out and made into balls, each weighing 1/2 to 1 tola. This is used by ordinary people. (ii)Modaka, madanakameswara, and meena–ketana are prepared by native doctors according to their formulæ laid down in books. In these, besides hemp, bazaar spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, ajwain, poppy seeds, etc., sugar, ghee, some drugs of vegetable king–dom, and some oxides are proportionately added, made into balls, each weighing about 1/2 tola or so, and used. This is taken by somewhat richer class of people who could afford to procure them. (iii)Ganja is proportionately well boiled with milk, well squeezed and strained, the refuse being thrown away. By ordinary process ghee is taken. out from this milk. This is used by the richest class of people. (C) Drinking :— (i)Generally the leaves of hemp plant are well washed with water, ground well with certain spices (such as pepper and some of the above –mentioned spices), and the mass is then proportionately mixed with sugar–water or milk and sugar, or both, as the person drinking it could afford, and the mixture is taken. The mixture is strained by some before drinking, and by others it is not, according to choice. (ii)Some delicate people who require slight intoxication tie up the above said things in a piece of muslin or thin cloth, put in a sufficient quantity of milk, boil it for au hour or so, then the bag is taken out and squeezed and the milk is taken. The abovementioned two preparations are made of ganja in cases where leaves are unavailable or when strong intoxication is required. In all these preparations (B) and (C), sugar, mace, nutmeg, and milk are invariably added with the object that these things promote intoxication. 16. Bhang is generally prepared in the house. It can be prepared from the cultivated hemp plant, whether male or female. As for wild hemp, I know nothing. 18. They do deteriorate by keeping. They lose their effect after a certain time. Ganja with ordinary care may keep good for three years and bhang (leaves) for one year, and for charas I do not know. The causes of deterioration are that the resinous matter dries up; that it is eaten away by insects ; that the united flowering tops are separated and consequently fall down. In order to prevent deterioration it should be well rolled, covered with straw and rags, and kept in such a place where there is no access of sun and air. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATII PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District.


14. (a) and (c) is prepared. In Trichinopoly and Tanjore. For their own use and to small ex-tent. 16. Bhang is prepared in their houses. It can be prepared from the plant. Ganja can he pre-pared from the plant. Know nothing about charas.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant MADURANAYAGUM PILLAI, Vellala, Uravakonda, Ananlpur District


14. Yes. (a) Ganja is common. (b) Charas is hardly known in this part of the country. (c) Bhang is also common, but to a less extent than ganja. Ganja and bhang are universally known in the districts I travelled—Ganjam, Vizagapatam, Godavary, Kistna, Nellore, Kurnool and Anantapur. 1.5. Ganja.—The tops are soaked in water, and then pressed against in the hands, so that no water might remain in them, and equal quantity of tobacco is added, and smoked. This can be prepared both from wild and cultivated plants. Charas.—I don't know. Bhang.—The tops one part ; pepper, half; aniseed one part ; poppy seeds two parts. These articles are to be well ground into paste ; and this paste is mixed in milk and water in certain proportion, sugars and spices having been previously mixed in the milk. Bhang can be prepared both from wild and cultivated plants. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by people in their houses. It can be prepared both from wild and cultivated plants, so is also ganja. 18. I don't know.  - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, Penukonda, Anantapur District


14. None of the products of the hemp plant is prepared in this district. 15. The three varieties of hemp, such as ganja, charas and bhang, with their definitions as given in Dr. Prain's report of 21st June 1893, are quite correct, and accepted in this district. 16. Yes, bhang is prepared by the people at their quarters from the dried product of the hemp, when it is required, and not at the place of growth. Ganja and charas are prepared only from the wild plant where it is produced. 18. Ganja and charas can be kept up for a year, but not the bhang, which is to be consumed with-in two hours ; exposure to open air loses its effect. - Evidence of MIRZA DAVOOD BEG, Pensioned Hospital Assistant, Trichinopoly.


14. The ganja shopkeeper here says that he obtains his ware from the Kalangambady hills (North Arcot district) and from Dharampuri (Salem dis -trict), and the cultivation and preparation there would appear to be on a somewhat large scale. 18. Ganja can be kept for two years with ordinary care. Some preparations from bhang, as purnathi, majum, etc., can be kept only for six months. - Evidence of P. S. MOOTOOSAMY MODELLIAR, Retired Native Surgeon, Tanjore.


14. Ganja is prepared in this district, in those parts where the trees are cultivated ( referred to in answer to question 7). It is prepared to a moderate extent. 15. I stated in my answer to question (9) under the method of cultivation that flowers with small boughs are cut down from the trees and tied into bundles. As to the preparation of ganja, I have to say that these bundles are dried a little in the heat of the sun. The bundles are then placed one over the other, tied in a mat, and a big weight placed over it. After the lapse of a short period the bundles are separated from each other and kept exposed to the dew during the night ; at day-break, the small bundles are again tied up into a big one, and. the weight placed over the mat covering as above stated. This practice is continued so long as a gummy quality is created in the flowers and buds. Subsequently the bundles are completely dried in the heat of the sun and then sold.  - Evidence of H. S. A. M. MUNJUMIAH, Native Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.


14. Ganja is cultivated in the suburbs of our town. Ganja is grown. Charas is not produced. Bhang is produced. 16. Ganja, charas, bhang could be obtained from a naturally-grown-up tree either in a populated place or in a desert. 18. Both ganja and bhang become damaged if preserved for a long time, i.e., their shape undergoes a change and their intoxicating power is dimi-nished and taste is lost. They may, with difficulty., be preserved in a good condition for one year by being exposed to the heat of the sun and open air.  - Evidence* of SAIYID MAHMUD alias H AKEEM NHANNAY MIAN, Medical Practitioner, Cuddapah.


14. Ganja is not prepared by any one, and bhang is prepared. It is not prepared by any one particular individual in any particular locality. It is prepared by every one who desires to excite or stimulate pleasure. 16. Bhang can be prepared generally by people in their houses. The ganja plant grown on red soil or in wild tracts is used for preparing bhang ; but the plant grown on loose soil is not useful for the purpose. Charas is unknown in this country. It is believed to be grown in cold countries. The hemp plant grown on hard soil is used for preparing both ganja and charas.  - Evidence of SINGITAPU VENKATA RAO, Brahmin, Madahwa, Native Physician and Inamdar, Coconada, Godavari District.


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are mostly Prepared in every town and village within the district of Salem. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses who are accustomed to it, and it is prepared from the hemp plant wherever it is grown ; and even ganja and charas are also prepared from the wild plant wherever it is grown.  - Evidence of I. PONNUSAWMI PILLAI, Private Practitioner, Pothawar, Salem, District.


14. Ganja only to a small extent. 16, As far as I know, preparations of charas or bhang is not made anywhere here. Ganja can be so prepared.  - Evidence of ABDUL KARIM SAHIB, Native Physician, Namakkal, Salem District.


14. In our country ganja and bhang are the two modes of preparation which are done in a private place, and that at the rate of 1/8 of a tola for each person. 16. It is generally prohibited from using it in houses, except in maths, retreats, halls, and such places. Bhang is also used in such place where it is abundant. It cannot be used without any mixture in those places where it is produced.  - Evidence of SRI VASUDEVA RAJAMANI RAJAH DEO, Kshatria, Zamindar of Mandasa, Ganjam District.


14. (a) Generally everywhere. (b) In Parlakimedi, Hiramandalam, Varanasi, and Battili. (c) In a few houses ; quantity not known. 16. Bhang is prepared in some houses. It can be prepared from ganja leaves grown anywhere. I know of no wild plant from which these can be prepared.  -  Evidence of SRI SRI SRI GOURA CHANDRA. GAJAPATY NARAYAN DEO GARU, Kshatria, Zamindar of Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


14. On my enquiry I have come to know that only ganja and bhang are prepared in this country. As far as my knowledge is concerned, they are, to a great extent, prepared in big towns. From this I do not mean to deny totally the preparations in small towns and villages. 16. (a) Yes. (b) and (c) I believe so. - Evidence of TIMMARAZU VENKATA  SIVA RAO., Brahmin, Landed Proprietor and Chairman, Municipal Council, Chicacole, Ganjam District.


14. None to speak of. 16. Bhang, as is understood here, is a compound of ganja leaves jaggery and pepper. Such bhang is prepared by individuals, for their own private use, with ganja leaves procured from the market. People this side have no knowledge of preparing ganja from the hemp plant direct. - Evidence of C. MUTHU KUMARASWAMI MUDELLIAR, Zamindar, Chunampet, Chingleput District.


14. Ganja is prepared in this district throughout, but bhang is prepared to a very limited. extent. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. - Evidence of P. SESHACHALLAM NAIDOO, Balija, Landlord, Merchant, and Chairman, Vetapollem, Kistna District


14. (a) Ganja consumers prepare ganja. (b) Not prepared in this country. (c) Sweatmeat sellers to some extent. 15. (A) The hemp leaves are washed and pressed between the thumb and palm, and the water is thus extracted and then dried ; tobacco is added and then smoked. (B) Not in this part of the taluka. (C) The hemp leaves are boiled, the water thrown out, and seeds separated. This is mixed with kasis, pepper, and spices, and grounded ; this mixture is put into jaggery-water and then used as a drink. 16. (a) Yes. (b) It can be prepared from the plant grown anywhere. (c) No. 18. Ganja is the only drug that does not deteriorate by keeping. It can be preserved any length of time with ordinary care. It deteriorates when mixed with water or any other thing.  - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah.


16, Bhang is prepared only in houses. - Evidence of SAGI RAMA SASTRY, Brahmin, Inamdar and Native Doctor, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


15. When the plant is about six months' old, the plant with its leaves and flowers (with resin) is collected, pressed and dried and preserved in pots. For smoking, the drug is mixed with tobacco, and beaten and then used. 16. The drug is eaten by some without any preparation, and others mix it with honey, pepper, dried ginger, etc., and make it into balls. It is then called "puranathi lakiani." The powder is soaked in milk and then pressed and the juice drunk. 18. Yes. With ordinary care it is said to keep for six months, and it deteriorates and generates worms by exposure to air and light after six months.  - Evidence of M.R. RY. V. VENKATARO YER, Brahman, Managar, Ettayapuram Estate, Tinnevelly District.


14. Ganja is not prepared but is grown. Bhang is prepared here and there to a limited extent by those that desire to stimulate pleasure. Charas is not known here; nor does anybody know how to prepare it. 16. Bhang is prepared generally in houses and monasteries. It is prepared from the ganja plant wherever grown. The ganja plant grown on red and hard soil and rigor clay, is used for smoking. The plant grown here is not useful for making charas, but that grown in cold countries is useful for the same.  - Evidence of BONDILI MOTIRAM, Cultivator, Cocanada, Godavari District.


14. (a) Ganja is the dried flowering portion of the plant from which the gum or resin has not been removed. (b) Charas is the resin or the gum removed from the leaves, stems and flowers. (c) Bhang is the larger leaves and the covers of the seed or capsules. All these are prepared in Trichinopoly and in Srirangam. 16. I am told that bhang is prepared with ganja, pepper and jaggery, in houses and sold in bazars in small balls, which the people buy and eat. - Evidence of LANKA KRISTNIENGAR, Vaishnava Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Srirangam, Trichinopoly District.


14. Yes, ganja everywhere in large quantities. Bhang in a few places only ; but it can be generally purchased cheap. 16. Yes, by the people in their houses generally. Bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja only from the young buds which come at certain seasons. - Evidence of MR. W. TAYLOR, Chairman, Municipal Council, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


14. I learn that the ganja used here is import ed mainly foom the Kistna and Kurnool dis tricts. 15. Not known. 16. People accustomed to drink bhang prepare it themselves from the dry leaves in ganja. Nothing is known about the wild plant. 18. Ganja well prepared and cured keeps without deterioration for about a year at the most. Bhang made ready for drinking cannot be kept.  - Evidence of K. SUBBARAYADU PUNTALU, Brahmin, Chairman of the Adoni Municipal Council, Bellary District.


18. I learn that the drug begins to lose its inherent quality when kept a month or so. It loses its quality gradually. It may be kept good for about six months with ordinary care. Evaporation causes its deterioration, but it may be kept safe for some time by wrapping it up in a waxcloth and preserving it in a close case. - Evidence of E. SUBRAMANA IYER, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, Con jevaram, Chingleput District.


14. (a) ganja, (c) bhang. Madakasira taluka. Moderate. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Not known. (c) Not known in these parts.  - Evidence of RUNGO SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Chairman, Union Panchayat, Madakasira, Anantpur District.


14. Ganja is prepared in different ways. Some use it in the shape of balls or cakes after mixing spices very richly Some prepare it in the shape of liquid, adding spices and sweet things, chiefly jaggery. It is also prepared in the shape of sticky stuff, hot and sweet mixed together. It is used also in the shape of powder. 16. Generally in houses, and chiefly in secluded places where lazy Muhammadans assemble for idle talk. 18. No. If kept closed, lasts very long; and the more it becomes older the more it becomes stronger and intoxicating. If kept carelessly, it looses its effects and becomes deteriorated.  - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHART, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared by the people themselves. 16. Ganja in the rough state is sold in the bazar, The people prepare it for consumption themselves. Ganja, can be, and is, prepared from the wild plant. Coolies on coffee estates grow it and prepare it. - Evidence of the REV. W. ROBINSON, Missionary, London Missionary Sobriety, Salem.


14. Ganja, is prepared in large quantities in this district, but production of charas is unknown. In the few cases in which charas is known and used, it is specially procured from Madras. Bhang can hardly be said to be produced, as it is rarely used and is not commonly sold. 15. After the flower heads have been separated from the stem, they are carefully and repeatedly washed until the water comes away without any discolouration. The heads are then crushed together and sold in this broken state. The flat ganja is not produced here. (b) For eating ganja is mixed with treacle and sold in mass. When used in curry the ordinary broken ganja is used. (c) For drinking the ordinary ganja is made into a powder. 15 [oral evidence] - I have not seen the crop prepared ; but growers who were also consumers have described the process to me. Two Muhammadans in Cuddapah and others were my informants. The process I have described may not be quite accurate. The word " used " might be substituted for " sold," and the meaning will then be clear. 16. Where bhang is used it is prepared by the people in their own houses. 18. Ganja does not deteriorate by keeping. The people say it will keep for any length of time, if preserved from damp. If damp attacks it, it becomes mouldy and loses its strength. As there is a very considerable illicit sale of ganja, Government statistics will hardly show the real extent of the trade.  - Evidence of the REV. W. H. CAMPBELL, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah.


14. Please see my answer to question No. 2. 15. As far as I can tell there is but one method of cultivation here, and that is to obtain the plant to be used for smoking or to make confections. I believe there is no difference as to cultivating one plant for smoking and another for confections. When grown, as partly described in answer No. 9, the plant is cut down, larger leaves are stripped off. Remainder is dried, then put in the dew, then dried and put in the dew again two or three times. Then put in sacks and pressed with heavy stones until it is in the right state to sell. 16.Not usually. I saw one pilgrim preparing some by picking off the big leaves. He said he should dry it and be able to use it after a month's time. I visited a Muhammadan's garden where ganja was grown from seed for his own consumption The gardener said the Muhammadan would come and take fresh ganja and smoke it there and then It is not good to use fresh ganja, it should be dried naturally or over the fire. One sanyasi I saw had been to a garden and begged some ganja which he prepared by pulling off the big leaves. He said he should dry it and keep it for a month before using. Old ganja is preferred to newer. I heard one purchaser say " give me good old stuff." Those who have ganja shrubs growing in theirs gardens seem usually to give ganja to sanyasis, but one of the latter said that now there is hesi tation on account of this Government enquiry. 18. Ganja is said to deteriorate from damp and to lose its power after a year. It seemed to be kept loose in sacks in the shops. NOTE.— Please note carefully my answer to ques tion 2.  - Evidence of the REV. S. J. LONG, Missionary, Coimbatore.


14. It is cultivated for all three of these products. 15. (A) Ganja is smoked. The dried leaves are mixed with tobacco (frequently), and the two are rubbed on the palm of the hand. Then water is poured on, and the stuff is put in a pipe for smoking. (B) Charas is eaten, never smoked or drunk. The flowering tops are rubbed upon a stone and then are mixed with spices, sugar, etc., and are made into cakes for eating. (C) Bhang is the form used for drinking. After rolling the flowering tops, the stuff is mixed with milk and sugar and is drunk. 16. Yes, anybody can prepare the bhang in his house. We do not know anything of the wild plant, or very little. 18. Yes, it deteriorates by keeping. If carefully kept, it will hold its power for one year. After the leaves are dried, they will wrap straw or palm leaves about the plants, and keep from the air as far as possible so that it may not deteriorate. - Evidence of the REV. W. V. HIGGINS,* Missionary, Parlakimedi, Ganjam District.


14. Yes. Your definitions under Chapters 1 and 2 are mixed and confusing. The wild and cultivated plant can be obtained as (a) resin, (b) dry leaves and twigs, (c) a confection. 15. See above, 14. 18. Yes. It quite loses its effects in time. If carefully preserved from damp and exposed to the air it will keep for months. - Evidence of the REV. A. MARGÖSCHIS, Medical Missionary, S. P. G., Nazareth, Tinnevelly District.


14.See answer to No..2. 16. Where raised it is prepared privately; but the chief use is of the odoriferous ganja, which comes as flat ganja, prepared in the north. 18. Ganja deteriorates and the electuary formed of it moulds by keeping. It is said to lose its effect entirely after a few months. It keeps from two to six months. It must be kept under cover.  - Evidence of the REV. JOHN S. CHANDLER, Missionay Madura.


14. (a) Ganja is prepared privately, and in a few cases for illicit traffic, but only by drying. When the devotees or mendicants meet their disciples at little village temples, they extract a pipe full of the flowers from their pouch, wet and squeeze them, repeating the operation some four times, and finally pressing it in a cloth till the juice seems pretty thoroughly pressed out and the leaves well macer-ated ; then adding from one-third to half its bulk of tobacco they fill the pipe and light it. (c) Bhang is simply the dried leaf mixed with several ingredients, such as milk and spices. These preparations extend to a limited degree throughout the whole area mentioned, but confined to the larger towns, say above 5,000. They are for the most part private. 15. Ganjai for smoking as above. A preparation is made by baking the leaves, boiling them in ghee, and adding sugar in suffi-cient quantities to make a solid compound much like a sweetmeat. This is eaten. The name given it is maju. 16. Bhang is not used generally in the houses. Only one place is known in which it is so prepared, and that is Vizianagram, and there by a limited number only. 18. The ganja does not keep well for more than a year and a half. However the keeping quality possibly depends on the preparation, and my information is not sufficient to state more.  - Evidence of the REV. H. F. LAFLAMME, Canadian Baptist Mission, Yellamanchili, Vizagapatam.



14. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. Privately and by licensed vendors in large towns. 15. (A) The seed pods are used for smoking. (B) It is mixed with ghee and raw sugar. (C) The juice of the ground pods is dropped into milk. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. 17. Muhammadans, sanyasis, etc. 18. The crude ganzi does not, but the preparations for drinking, etc., do. The charas becomes dry and does not give the desired fumes. The bhang being mixed with milk, would sour, etc. - Evidence of the REV. J. F. BURDITT, Missionary, Narsaravupet, Kistna District.


14. Generally speaking, ganja is prepared from the hemp plant, but bhang is very rarely prepared from it. Charas is not at all known here. There is no actual cultivation in these taluqs, viz., Sattanapath, Narsaraopetta, Vinukonda, and Puluand. And the actual extent to which the crop is cultivated in Bapatla cannot be ascertained. 15. No wild hemp here. The remarks recorded below pertain to the cultivated plant, which is known here as mulki or country hemp. (A). Ganja.—The dried flowering tops of the plant (ganja) are closely rubbed up with the hands, mixing a little water with them, remove swelling water therefrom, and then it is mixed up with an equal quantity of tobacco, and then smoked with a pipe. This is called ganja-smoking. Charas or resinous matter that was removed from the plant as stated against answer 2 is made up in small pills and then smoked up. (B). Eating.—Ganja tops are washed and then pounded up with a small quantity of water till the matter takes the form of a gum. To this spices, such as car damoms, etc., are added. Then sugar will be mixed in order to sweeten the drug and then eaten in pills. This is called " majum-eating." There is another form of eating the ganja. The flowering tops of the plant are pounded after spices are added to them. This gummish matter is mixed with mutton or beef, which is boiled in the same way as curries are prepared and then eaten. This is called " bhang gosht " or " bhang dalli." (C). Drinking.—The flowering tops of the plant are pounded and solved in water or milk to which sugar and spices are added; then the liquid is drunk. This is called " bhang" or " bhang water." 16. Bhang is very rarely prepared here. But it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Bhang water cannot be retained very long. It must be consumed a few hours after its preparation, failing which the liquid will naturally produce a bad smell and will be unfit for consumption. Ganja and charas can retain their ordinary qualities for one year, but in the second year they lose their effect to a large extent, while in the third year they would be utterly useless. No means can prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.


14. It does not grow wild here and it is grown only to a very limited extent. As much as has come to my knowledge, some four or five people in every village will grow from 25 to 500 plants. From these plants they prepare the above mentioned four different sorts, viz., subji, majun and charas. The plant is never grown to the sole end for obtaining fibre and seed. (See, however, No. 40). 16. After the plant is cut, it must not be kept in the sun but under shade, i.e., under the roof.  - Evidence of the REV. S. C. SCHAIBLE, Missionary, Moolky, South Canara


14. The use of ganja and bhang is very limited in this district and sold in sweetmeat bazars and by native quacks. 15. No distinction is made in this district between cultivated and wild plant. (A) Smoking —Two-thirds ganja and one-third tobacco mixed together and smoked in the pipe called chillum. (B) eating–the drug is washed five or six times and then mixed with sugar, poppy and spices; and (C) drinking-same as above, with cocoanut or cow's milk. 16. (a) The bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses. (b) and (c) Yes. 18. Ganja, as it is, can be kept for a long time and the preparation of the bhang should be used then and there. The ingredients composing it deteriorate it. Not known.  - Evidence of S. P. NARASIMMALU NAYUDU, Editor of the " Crescent," Coimbatore.


14. There is preparation of charas. 15. Ganja is prepared for smoking in the following manner:—The smoker takes a few charas or kallis, generally of the weight of one pie, puts in the palm of one hand, mixes it with a little water, and presses or grinds with the thumb of the other hand, and then lets the superfluous water, if any, drop; then mixes it with tobacco of the weight of 1/3 pie, and puts the lump in the chillum (smoking pipe made of earth), and also a little fire, and inhales the smoke. 16. Bhang is prepared in their houses, of ganja leaves. Leaves of ganja plant, wild or otherwise, are used in preparing bhang. 18. For one year ganja keeps good; afterwards its effects are gone.  - Evidence of N. KOTHUNDARAMAYYA, Brahmin, Editor of "Suneeti" Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in this district from hemp plant to some extent. 15. I know nothing of the wild plant. From the cultivated plant (A) the flowering tops (known as kully locally) are rubbed in the hand with water till the green colour is removed and then mixed with tobacco. This is the preparation used for smoking. (B) After undergoing the process for removing the green colour, it is mixed with pepper and dry ginger and made into balls. There is another preparation called majum for eating. Leaves or kullies are boiled in water, fried in a pan, and reduced to powder. This powder is mixed with jaggery syrup and made into balls. (C) The kullies and leaves are boiled in water and washed till the green colour is removed ; then grounded with poppy seeds, pepper, and dry ginger, mixed with sugar and some plantains by some people and filtered. The essence is mixed with milk and used for drinking. This is what is called bhang. If however only pepper and dry ginger are used, the preparation is called subji. 16. YYes; it is prepared in houses. 18. Yes ; it is said the preparations lose their effect if kept for some time. Bhang can be kept in good order for half an hour and ganja for quarter of an hour. But majum, mentioned in 15th question, can be kept for a number of days.  - Evidence of K. VEMATASOOBIAH, Veishya, Trader and Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Cuddapah.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared from the female ganjai plant, either raised in this district or imported from other places. But this obtains here only to a very small extent. 15. There appears to be no distinction between the methods of preparation of the cultivated and the wild plant. The methods of preparation for smoking, eating, and drinking are not uniform and differ in certain respects. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. 18. It keeps good for three years, and loses its effect and gradually deteriorates after that period, apparently from the same causes as tobacco deteriorates in time. But the plant produced in the hill tracts is said to deteriorate more rapidly, that is, in less than a year after its production. - Evidence of GANJAM VENCATARATNAM, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader, Coconada, Godavery District.


14. Ganja and Bhang are prepared in this district, specially in Uriya parts. 16. Yes. Bhang is prepared in houses. - Evidence of VISWANADHAM GURAVAIAH SASTRI, Brahmin, Pleader and District and Taluk Board Member, Chicacole


14. Ganja and charas are prepared to a great extent in the Segoli district on the frontiers of Nepal and Behar. Ganja is also prepared largely in Sultanpur. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) Yes. - Evidence of B. CHATTERJEA, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Ganjam, and Chairman, Berhampore Municipality.


14. (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Not made. The leaves are used for making sabji. 15. Wild plant is not much used in this part of the country. The flower top of cultivated plant after being squeezed is smoked with tobacco. Majum is made from the flower top. This is eaten. Panakum is made for drinking. This is rather expensive and rarely made. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses and very rarely in shops. 18. Ganja keeps well for one year. It becomes useless after two years.  - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary.


14. Yes. (a) Ganja and ( b) charas are prepared in the Polur taluk of this district to a large extent, and (e) bhang in the Vellore taluk to a small extent for daily consumption. 15. Method of preparation from (a) the cultivated plant : As soon as the plant grows to a certain height, they nip the heads to prevent it growing much higher, when it begins to spread. After the flower tops are sufficiently ripe, the plants are cut and stripped of the leaves, of tops and flowers, which are put in a date-leaf basket and trodden under foot. They then cover these with palmyra leaves, and place large stones over them for a period of about 15 days, so that the agglutinated flower tops assume a flattened shape. This is called flat ganja, which is afterwards sold. (A) For smoking.—The ganja, when purchased for smoking, is first saturated in the hollow of the hand with a little water and rubbed for about six or seven times, by which means the seeds are extracted and the mass becomes resinous. To this is added small pieces of tobacco for smoking. The name of this smoking preparation is ganja dhum. (B) For eating.—The flat ganja on being purchased is fried with ghee, by which the active principle is extracted. The refuse, consisting of leaves and flowers, is removed by straining. The active principle is then mixed with almonds, grapes, apricots, and other fruits, and sweetened with sugar. This preparation is eaten as " halwa." The ignorant call this preparation majum, but by the educated it is known as maljum. (C) For drinking.—The flat ganja on being purchased is placed on a frying pan on the fire and warmed. It is then taken down and ground into powder. Ragi is bought and soaked in water ; it then begins to ferment, after which the active principle in the form of a milky juice is extracted and which is boiled ; it is then taken down and allowed to cool. The powdered ganja in small quantities is mixed with this and drunk. This is one method of preparing bhang. A second method of preparing bhang is that they boil the ganja with water. The active principle is secured and the water thrown away. This active principle is ground and made into boluses, which are daily consumed. A third method adopted in the preparation of bhang is that the wild ganja is boiled with water. The active principle is thus secured and the water is thrown away. The active principle is then ground and strained. Almonds, apricots, poppy seeds, water melon seeds, and melon seeds are procured, and the kernels of these are ground with rose water. The active principle of ganja is then mixed with rose water in a new pot previously fumigated with incense, and the other ingredients are added. To this mixture milk is added and sugarcandy water. Plaintain is broken into pieces and mixed with this. This preparation is known by three names—bhang, sabji, and punnia. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by people in their houses, It cannot be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, nor can ganja and charas be prepared. 18. Bhang does deteriorate by keeping. It does lose its effect in time. It keeps good with ordinary care for about 12 hours. No special measures can prevent deterioration. As for ganja and charas, they can keep for years without deterioration.  - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and Municipal Chairman, Vellore.


14. Ganja and bhang. 16. Bhang is prepared in houses by habitual consumers to a small extent. - Evidence of V. SRINIVASA RAO, Brahmin, Pleader, District Munsiff's Court, Tirukoilur, South Arcot.


14. (a) Ganja is prepared . (c) Bhang is also prepared. (a) and (c) Generally throughout the district. 16. Bhang is not prepared generally in their houses. Ganja may be prepared from the wild plant. - Evidence of MANCHALLER JAGANNADHAM, Brahmin, Pleader, Bapathla, Ristna District.


14. (a) Ganja, yes. (b) Charas, no. (c) Bhang, no. It is for the use of the manufacturer and his associates. 15. It is for smoking only. 16. Bhang is not known here. 18. It is valued up to a year. Bats have a great relish for it, as parrots covet it while growing in the fields. - Evidence of P. KESAVA PILLAI, Karnam, Pleater, and Honorary Secretary of the Gooty People's Association.


14. (b) Charas is unknown here. 16. (a) Yes. (b) Yes, but narcotic effects of the wild plant are not so strong as those of the cultivated ; and therefore in this town it is by preference prepared from hemp imported from North Arcot district. (c) The same remark applies to ganja. - Evidence of the TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, Trichinopoly.


14. (a) Ganja is produced (vide answer under section 4). I am not in possession of any satistics. I can say vaguely that large quantities are produced. For instance, one village, viz., Duggupad in the Kistna district produces about 20,000 maunds a year. 15. (A) Ganja for smoking. — A little of it is taken in the palm, well rubbed to remove the seeds, stalk, etc., the remainder is mixed with a little of powdered tobacco, and put in the pipe to smoke. (B) Ganja for eating. —Clean ganja, free from seeds, etc., is well boiled in ghee, mixed with sugar and made into small flat pieces. This is called majun. (C) Ganja for drinking. — Clean ganja, well powdered, is mixed with spices and several ingredients of varied taste and flavour, then boiled in milk. This is for drinking. This is known here as bhang. 16. Bhang can only be prepared from the bhang plant; ganja or charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. They do deteriorate by long keeping. The full effect is lost in time. With ordinary care they keep good for one year. The cause of deterioration is exposure and natural effect of time upon things. No special preventive measures can be taken except preservation without exposure to damp air and sun.  - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in our province or in our part to some extent. Charas is not at all known to our part. 15. There  is no difference between the preparation of the cultivated and wild plant. Ganja is used for smoking. The process of preparation for smoking is this:— The flat ganja, that is, the agglutinated dried leaves of the hemp plant, is washed away with water five or six times, and the seeds, if any, will be removed and then dried for a little while. It will then be put in a pipe and burnt with a little fire over it, and the smoke produced by the combustion will be taken into. 16. Bhang can be prepared by the people in their houses, who are accustomed to drink it. The process of preparing bhang is this:— Bhang is prepared either with milk or with water. Bhang with water is generally used. Four tolas of ganja is heated with fire and pounded well, and then mixed in one seer of water, and then half a tola cardamoms and one tola pepper is also pounded and mixed in the same water and then drunk. The same process is adopted in the case of bhang prepared with milk. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping after they are prepared according to the process above defined, and they quite lose their effect if they are kept more than three hours. They cannot be kept good with any amount of care after that time. No special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration. Charas does not deteriorate, as it is of the similar stamp with opium. In a medical point of view, hemp drugs are to a certain extent useful to the people at large. It will not injure a man if it is moderately used. Excessive use of it will reduce a man in health. It affects the person using it, but not others, as other liquors as toddy, etc. A man will never be bereft of his senses by using ganja or bhang. - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District


14. Ganja is prepared in this country to a very small extent, which is of a very inferior quality. 16. Bhang is not generally used in this country. It can be prepared wherever the hemp plant grows. It must be picked when matured, dried and used afterwards. No wild plant is procurable in this country. - Evidence of KOMMIREDDI NARASINGA Row NAYUDU GARU, Merchant, Coconada.


14. All of these three classes are prepared, but I am unable to give an idea of their extent, which I fancy must be large. 15. I do not think there is much difference between the cultivated and wild plant in preparation. The dried leaf, called ganja, is saturated in water, the seeds, if any, taken out and then the water is squeezed out of it, and after mixing it with tobacco, either in equal parts or one-third ganja and twothirds tobacco, it is smoked. The usual quantity is from one-eighth to one-half tola of ganja each time. In India it is generally smoked in small bowls. The vaidians prescribe its smoking as an antidote to malarious persons. 16. Bhang can be prepared by any one at any place as long as the leaves of either the wild or cultivated plant is procurable. Bhang is prepared in several forms. Pills, syrup, and confection pills are prepared with the dried green leaves, together with anisum or craiva fruit, with the addition of a small quantity of salt. Syrup is made juicy with poppy seeds, almonds, saffron, and refined sugar in sufficient quantities. To make the syrup the leaves are ground in a mortar in the shape of a pulp and then mixed confection: salep anacardiceac pestaeia, almonds, poppy seeds, hazel nuts, nutmegs, and sugar, The Tamil name is poornadi lagum, Arabic name majum, Uarak-el-Khiyal. Ganja and charas can also be prepared anywhere and by anybody. There is some trouble in preparing charas 18. Ganja keeps well for two years and more. It gets stronger with age. Charas and bhang cannot be kept longer than a year.  - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in this country, and charas in Cuttack and Bengal presi -dency. Ganja is a flower-like substance of the plant; bhang is made of the leaves and ganja itself, with an admixture of milk or water together with sugar for drinking purposes. Charas is the gum extracted from the plant, i.e., the essence. Bhang is used to a great extent in the subdivision towns, such as Kassibugga, Parlakimedi, and Kotta Agraharam, etc. Ganja is used for smoking, generally by all religious beggars or gosains in monasteries, and by people in places adjacent to hills, and to a small extent by lower class people in other towns. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their houses and temples, from the leaves of the plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas can only be prepared from the plants in the fields where they are grown, but not in other places. - Evidence of NALUM BHIMARAUZ VYSYIA, Merchant, Berhampore, Ganjam District.


14. It is grown in Wynaad to a small extent. 15. The blossom of the plant is called ganja, and the leaves are bhang. In smoking, only the blossoms are used. Eating—Ganja is roasted, then mixed with ghee and sugar and used. Also it is extracted, and then it is mixed with different sorts of spices, sugar and ghee, and made into a sort of lagam only. Also used in sweetmeats. Leaves are squeezed, and the liquid is mixed with different sorts of spices and used as a drink. 16. Yes, it cannot be prepared where it is grown, for the leaves must be dried. 18. If carefully kept, they do not deteriorate for nearly three years, when it loses its effect. It must be kept covered, well tied up in bundles out of damp places. - Evidence of MR. D . MANECKJI, Parsi, Merchant and Contractor, Calicut.


14. Some people plant ganja plants after removing the leaves from them, separate that portion of the plant called kali, and smoke the same. Bhang is prepared, but in small quantities. It can be prepared by any man. Charas is not prepared in  this district. 16. Bhang can be prepared by all people in their houses. For the preparation of the same as well as ganja, hemp plant grown in all places is useful. But charas cannot be prepared from the plant grown in this country.  - Evidence of MOKHALINGAM APPANNA, Ganja Vendor, Coconada.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in Salem town only to a small extent. Charas is not pre -pared in this country. 16. Bhang is not generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the ganja plants wherever grown. Ganja can also be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. - Evidence of  PERIANNA CHETTY, Potter, Ganja Shop-keeper, Kitchipolayam, Salem.


14. No; but it is grown scarcely here and there, one or two trees in back-yards in many villages. 16. (a) No. (b) and (c) Not known. - Evidence of KAMALAPURAM NAGAYYA, Komati, Ganja Contractor, Adoni.


4. In the Godavari and Kistna ganja only is manufactured, but not charas or bhang. 15. People here very seldom eat, some drink bhang. Many smoke. 16. People prepare bhang in their houses. In this part of the country the juice of ganja mixed with milk and sugar is said to be bhang, which is drunk occasionally by northern India people who have become residents here. During the Holi -festival it is much. 18. By keeping long these drugs no doubt deteriorate. It becomes useless after 1 1/2 years. It loses its effect in time. Up to one year it retains its strength. As the resin diminishes the stuff deteriorates. There are no means to preserve its efficiency after one year.  -  Evidence of ABDUL KHADER, Agent of the Ganja Shopkeeper, Rajahmundry.


15. (A). Smoking.—The prepared ganja is first rubbed and cleaned with a few drops of water and then mixed with tobacco and smoked in a country pipe. (B). Eating.—The ganja sold in the market is bought, and after being mixed with dried ginger, pepper, and other spices and kneaded with milk, ghee and sugar and formed into a paste. (C). Drinking.—The ganja is mixed with cocoanut milk, and flavoured with sugar, cardamoms, and other spices forming a kind of syrup. 18. The ganja, if well prepared, generally retains its effect for one year, after which it deteriorates. - Evidence of T. RATNASAMI NADA.R, Arrack Supply Contractor, Malabar.


14. Only ganja is prepared of plants grown in compounds. 18. It deteriorates when it gets wet, and, if kept more than a year, it loses its power gradually by time. Loses its properties after one year. If charas is mixed and kept, it keeps for two or three years.  - Evidence of MULAGULA KONDIAH, Goldsmith, Rajahmundry.



14. Charas and bhang are new names to me, and I know not what they are. Ganja is the only natural product here known of, though we make matti lahiam and poornathi from it. 15. (A) Ganja is had naturally from the flow -ering tops of the plant. All that is required to make it useful is to look to the ripe time, pluck it out, and put it under weight and dry it. This is used in this state for smoking. (B) Ganja is fried, powdered, and mixed only with jaggery and ghi and then eaten.    It is also boiled, and the juice mixed with sugar , ghi, and several other ingredients is called poornathi. This is also eaten. (C) It is not drunk here in any way. 16. All ganja, matti lahiam and poornathi are generally prepared by the people in their houses. These can be prepared both from the wild and domesticated plants wherever they may be grown. 18. Ganja can be kept for a year. It certainly deteriorates by being kept. Matti lahiam and poornathi can last for no more than a fortnight. As I know ganja alone, I shall hereafter speak of that only. - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.


14. Charas and bhang are not prepared here, but only ganja. 16. No bhang here. Ganja can be prepared at any place. - Evidence of MALLAPPA, Reddy, Guntakal.


14. No cultivation in this part of the country. 15. I know of no people eating ganja. They smoke. They drink a preparation called bhang (made of ganja leaves, juice, sugar and milk, pepper, sounf). 16. Family men (Marwadis, Guzratis) make a sort of beverage called bhang, and drink it during festival days. A preparation of ganja is mixed in lehams and halwas. 18. It lasts until one year and afterwards loses its properties gradually.  - Evidence of SAMDASU BAVAJI, Brahmin, Priest in the Matt of Sri Jagannadha Swamy, Rajahmundry.


14. In these parts only ganja is procurable. 15. I do not know the mode of its (ganja) preparation. I use this for smoking purposes and also for the preparation of bhang. 16. Yes, bhang is generally prepared in our houses. 18. Yes. They do deteriorate. If they are of the best quality, they keep good with ordinary care for two years. They gradually lose their effect by the lapse of time. If they contain the resinous matter as well, they remain for a longer period without losing their effect. Exposure to air is one of the principal causes of deterioration.  - Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry.


14. Only ganja is grown in India, and charas and bhang are prepared in Afghanistan, etc. Ganja is grown to a great extent in India. And charas and bhang are prepared to a great extent in Yarkand, Kabul, and Kashmir, etc. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses, and also there are shops set apart for the preparation of the same. Bhang can be prepared from hemp plants, which may grow anywhere. Ganja or charas cannot be prepared from any wild plants.  - Evidence of SYED SHAH ABDAL HUSAINI, Manager of Pencundah's Dargah, Pencundah, Anantapur District.


14. They are all forthcoming, but principally — (a) Ganja. (b) Charas is a casual bye-product not put on the market. (c) Bhang is prepared to a small extent, and the name is given to the refuse of the ganja floor as well as to the drug prepared from male and seeded female plants. 15. Nothing is known locally about the wild plant, so these remarks refer to the cultivated plant only. (a) Ganja— Harvesting methods differ somewhat. In some cases the tops are all pulled off by hand, In some they are cut. In some the central largest tops are collected and treated separately as first sort ganja, the central tops of side branches form second sort, the other smaller tops are third sort and are called chur. The further process is much the same in all cases. The tops are heaped according to taste in narrow rows or in large squares about six inches thick, the different qualities when separately collected being separately heaped. The heaps are then trodden under foot. Some manufacturers tread the fresh tops at once, some let them dry first for various periods. After treading it is turned over by hand and again trodden. The process of turning and treading is repeated at intervals for three or four days with local variations of treatment in the intervals. In some places it is heaped in round heaps called chakis, and weighted atop till midnight, and then opened up and scattered and ventilated till dawn, when it is again laid out and trodden. And so on till it is judged to be ready, when it is packed in bags, and as a rule is speedily removed by the wholesale purchaser. The treading floor is sometimes prepared like an ordinary threshing floor with clay and cowdung. I have lately witnessed the operation of treading, and in that case the floor was simple mooram soil on a nulla bank, and had undergone no preparation beyond cleaning and sweeping. The ganja was spread in squares of 15 or 20 feet wide and about 6 inches thick. A line of eight or ten men danced on it to the music of a tom-tom. Treading began on the outer edge of the heap, and was continued in a spiral until the centre was approached, when the men fell out one by one as the space grew smaller. They followed close on one another, dancing sideways in the leader's footsteps. The tom-tom appeared to be highly necessary and kept them at it. (b) Charas— This is locally a bye-product which is not brought on to account, but appears to be the harvesters' perquisite, who probably part with it to friends who smoke, if they don't want it themselves. It is the resinous substance that sticks to the hands or collects on the sickle when plucking or cutting the tops. The bands are now and then rubbed together, and the charas is collected in the shape of a pill, which is naturally half dirt and sweat and half charas. A piece about the size of a marble may perhaps be the reward of a day's work. (c) Bhang— This name is locally given indifferently to the refuse of the treading floor where ganja is prepared, and to the produce of the seeded plants and of male plants when the crop has been grown for seed. In the latter case the tops are laid on a floor and the seed is beaten out with sticks or trodden out by foot. The seeds are separated from the mass by means of a sieve, and the balance of broken leaves, etc., is called bhang. The above include all the local forms of prepar-ation of the raw drug. The question is not understood to refer to the further manufacture for consumption, which is described in answer No. 29. 16. (a) Not quite understood what is meant. If bhang drink is referred to, the answer is yes. If dry bhang, the answer is that it is prepared out-of-doors. (b)Yes. (c) Not known. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate. No information about charas. They become quite useless. From one to three years, according to care taken. Apparently exposure to cold and damp causes deterioration. No special measures to prevent deterioration are locally known.  - Evidence of MR. E. J. EBDEN, Collector, Ahmednagar.


14. None. They are imported ready-made, that is to say, ganja (flower tips) is imported in the form of dried and compressed tips. 15. Majum is a sweetmeat looking like slabs of cream toffee. it is made of powdered ganja mixed with sugar and ghee boiled. It is eaten as a sweetmeat. Ganja itself is wetted, then rubbed in the hand to a sticky pulp, then mixed with tobacco and smoked. Bhang is powdered ganja mixed with spices, sugar and milk or water, and is drunk as a cooling mixture. It is called "ghota" in Marathi; Kanarese name not known. "Phake " is roasted ganja powdered and mixed with sugar and spices, eaten by male professional singers. 16. Bhang or ghota can be prepared by people in their houses. It can be prepared wherever ganja is grown. 18. It is said they keep for one year, but lose their effect as drugs entirely after two and-ahalf years. This is stated by the ganja farmer for this district. No measures are known to prevent deterioration, nor are the causes known. The import of ganja in this district has been as follows, for the period for which information is available : QUANTITY. Year. Maunds. Seers, Revenue to Government(R) - 1887.88 391 30 4,213; 1888-89    154... 4,052; 1889-90 198 ... 3,287; 1890.91 204 25 3,301; 1891-92 194    5 3,312; 1892-93 183 18 4,109. - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum


14. Ganja and bhang only are prepared in this district, and bhang to but a small extent. The ganja produced in 1892 is said to have been about 560 mounds. 15. I can give no information on this point in addition to what appears in Mr. Artal's report above mentioned. 16. Bhang is not prepared by the people in their houses. 18. I am told that ganja and bhang deteriorate after two years, and that their use is then espe -cially deleterious. I am not aware how deterioration can be prevented.  - Evidence of MR. J. MONTEATH, Collector and District Magistrate, _Bijapur.


14. None are prepared in the tracts in which the wild tribes live. The wild tribes to whom the following answers refer are— (1) The Bhils—not the Bhils of the plains, as they are hardly wild tribes now, but the Bhils along the base of the Satpuras in Shahada and Chopda talukas. (2) The Tadvis of Savda taluka. (3) The Maochis of the Nawapur Peta. (4) The Pawras of the Taloda taluka. (5) The Konkanas of the Pimpalner taluka. - Evidence of MR. A. CUMINE, Acting Collector, Dhulia, Khandesh.


14. As regards this district, no. 18. Ganja does deteriorate and quite loses its effect in time. It keeps good a year. Deteriora tion is due to natural causes. No special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration. - Evidence of MR. R. A. LAMB, Acting Collector, Kolaba.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in the Jalgaon taluka, but to a small extent only. 18. Ganja and bhang both deteriorate by keep ing. Both will keep fairly good for about two or three years. There appears to be no means of preventing rapid deterioration after about three years. Deterioration, however, begins to set in after one year. - Evidence of MR. C. G. DODGSON, Assistant Magistrate and Collector, Khandesh.


14. My reply to question 7 shows that in this district the cultivation of the hemp plant is limited to about 17 acres. The products of the plant are comparatively small. The yield is about 153 maunds of ganja and as much of bhang. No reliable statistics are available on this head, and I have not been able as yet to obtain trustworthy information regarding the average annual out turn of each of the two products of bhang and ganja during past years; but from enquiries made locally I learn an acre gives an average yield of 9 maunds of each of the two products. The out turn of ganja and of bhang may in this district therefore be taken at 9 maunds per acre. The drugs are locally manufactured in the villages of Indapur, Bhimthari, Sirur and in Haveli taluka, in this district. Charas is not found to be manufactured in this district. 15. The wild plant is not found in this district, nor is it obtained for the purpose of manufacturing drugs therefrom. The cultivated plant only is available. As stated in replies to previous questions, ganja and bhang in this province are produced from one and the same plant. The flowering tops supply ganja, and the leaves and residue of the flowers, bhang. When the seed is sown in June, it matures in the month of November, about the Dewali holidays, The state of maturity is indicated by a brownish appearance of the crop and falling down of all the larger leaves. The cultivator then makes his arrangements for reaping the crop and preparing the drug, a piece of ground is prepared and cleared of stubble and grass and made quite even. The ordinary threshing ground (Khale) serves the purpose. The ground being prepared, the crop is taken up generally in the morning. The flower tops are cut with a scythe, the leaves are pulled off by hand. The crop collected is stacked in the threshing ground and is trodden over in the afternoon; as evening sets in the operation of treading is suspended, leaving the stalks and flowers, etc., on the ground for exposure to the dew. On the following day the process of treading is resumed until the quantity so trodden on becomes flat, when a second layer of flowering tops and leaves is brought in and pressed and trampled on ; a third and fourth layer is formed until the mass rises a foot high. The treading is required in order to produce flat sheaves of ganja, which is easily accomplished by the resinous secretion which the plant and its flowers contain. The exudation so produced adheres to the crushed leaves and flowers and produces a mass. This process is repeated for three or four consecutive days, by which time the product gets dry. The small twigs are thrown away, ganja is collected, the broken leaves and residue of the ganja is also separately collected. Seed if any is picked up and stored, ganja thus made is then packed in bales, the broken leaves and the small bits detached from ganja in the process of manufacture are separately packed, and supply what is known as bhang in this part of India. This preparation should be regarded as "chur" (broken ganja), but in this part of India it is sold as bhang. The cutting is usually done by women and the trampling by men. The women work from 7 to 11 A.M., the men from 1 to 6 P.M., with several intermissions. Both ganja and "chur" are used for smoking. The latter however rarely. "Chur" or "bhang" is mostly used for drinking; ganja is also used for preparing some of the narcotic preparations usually used for eating. The methods followed in preparing each of the preparations for smoking and eating and drinking are as described below: — 1. Ganja for smoking. The process of preparing this drug for smoking is to take 2 or 3 flat tops and wash them with water several times so as to remove any dirt, stalks and seeds and other foreign matter. The moisture is then pressed out, an equal quantity of tobacco is added to the ganja thus washed, and the whole mixture is put into a "chillum" or "huka" bowl and is smoked. 2. Ganja for eating is used in four preparations, viz .:— (1) Majum, (2) yakuti, (3) shrikhand, (4) gulkhand, which are made as under— Take five sers of ganja and wash it three or four times so as to remove dirt, seeds and stalks. Put it into 20 sers of water with 2 1/2 sers of ghi and boil the mixture for 12 hours. Thus boiled with ghi, the latter receives the narcotic properties of the ganja. The mixture thus boiled is strained through a thin clean cloth into a pan, The resi due is thrown away. When the ghi cools it is collected in a separate receptacle and the water is thrown away. This ghi is the principal consti tuent of each of the confections mentioned above. (1) To prepare majum, make a syrup of one ser of sugar, adding one-sixteenth of a ser of the narcotised ghi prepared as above; mix well while hot, pour the mixture into a broad-mouthed uten sil ; when cool it hardens and is then cut into small tablets. This is called " majum" and is eaten. It is a favourite form of taking the drug. In Upper India I learn it is made from bhang; but in this part of the country I have ascertained it is made mostly from ganja and very rarely from bhang. (2) To prepare "gulkhand." Take one ser of the ordinary "gulkhand" (a confection of roses and sugarcandy) and add to it one-sixteenth of a ser of the narcotized ghi; mix them well together. The preparation is called gulkhand, which is eaten. (3) To prepare shrikhand. Take one ser of jagri syrup, add one-sixteenth of the narcotized. ghi and cardamons. (4) To prepare yakuti. Take one ser of sugar syrup and add one-sixteenth of the narcotized ghi, flavour with cardamoms, nutmeg and mace, and make up into lozenges. Yakuti is eaten. No other preparations are made from ganja in this part of the country. Bhang.—I have already said that bhang as such is not separately grown or produced in this part of India. In Upper India the leaves of the wild plant called "bhangara" yield bhang, the cultivated female plant ganja. The description of ganja as the "agglutinated female flowering tops" may be accepted as true both here and elsewhere, but the definition of bhang as the " mature leaves of the wild plant," however correct in Upper India, does not apply here, as the wild plant is rare or is not known here. Bhang as understood here does include leaves, but they are the leaves of the female cultivated plant. The term also includes what is called "chur" in Upper India, which is made up of little bits of flowers detached from ganja. Bhang is thus taken to include the leaves and the bits that are detached from the ganja plant while under the process of treading on the threshing ground. This bhang is used mostly for the purpose of preparing a drink styled "gota," and is used by the poorer classes for smoking. For smoking, the process is the same as that for ganja smoking. Gota is regarded as a delicious beverage, and is prepared asunder — Take bhang and wash it three or four times. Grind well on a stone slab until it is reduced to fine powder. Add water little by little until a green liquid is obtained. Then strain through a cloth. Take one to two drachms of this liquid and mix with milk and sugar, adding cardamoms, pepper, aniseed, poppy seed, also almonds and rose buds. This is held to be a very delicious and refreshing beverage and is usually used in summer. 16. Bhang is never prepared at home. It is prepared in the field. Gota, which is a drink made from bhang, is prepared at home. But bhang is prepared almost always at the place where the plant is grown in the field. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They retain their properties for about a year, whe ther well kept or not. There is deterioration also by exposure. It is said to be quite unfit for use after two years. The causes of deterioration are damp and moisture, exposure to heat generally. If well packed and carefully prepared, ganja and bhang retain their properties for two years. The measures taken against deterioration consist of careful keeping to prevent the drug from exposure to heat and damp. - Evidence  of  MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona


14. Charas is not prepared in this district. Ganja is manufactured to a small extent in the district, but the bulk of the drug sold is imported The flower tops are sold as ganja, and the broken mass is sold as bhang. 15. I believe that the only preparation which ganja requires before being smoked is that it is washed with water and then mixed with a little tobacco. The preparation of bhang for drinking is said to be as follows. It is warmed in an earthen plate placed over a slow fire until it begins to smell. It is then soaked in water for about half an hour. It is then placed in a piece of cloth, which is dipped in water and rubbed with the fingers, and the water is squeezed out. This pro-cess is repeated till the water squeezed out appears to be taintless. The washed bhang is then pound-ed with a few grains of pepper. Those that can afford it mix with it other ingredients (see answer to query 29). The pounded mass is diluted in water, and the liquid is strained through a piece of cloth three or four times, the refuse being thrown away, and the liquid so prepared is drunk as bhang. Bhang is also boiled in ghi, which is mixed with certain ingredients to make pak, or majum, or yakuti. Each seller has his special recipe for these preparations. Bhang is also mixed with gulkand (conserve of roses). 16. Bhang is usually prepared by people in their own houses ; but in Bombay there are bhang shops wherein the pounded mass is kept ready for sale or is diluted, and the liquid, after being strained, is offered for drink. 18. Ganja and bhang are said to deteriorate by keeping and to lose their effect in time. The time will vary according to the state of the weather and the degree of care with which they may be kept.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LALLUBHAI GORDHANDAS, Vania, Huzur Deputy Collector, Nasik.


18. Ganja and bhang lose their qualities by keeping for more than a year. If properly packed and secured from exposure to heat and dampness, they will keep well for about 18 months or two years. Charas can keep any length of time.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR NARAYAN GANESII DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Belgaum.


18. Both bhang and ganja deteriorate, if they are kept longer than four or five months. Yakuti also becomes ineffective and tasteless after two or three months. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHIMBHAI KIRPA RAM, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector of Surat


14. All these products are prepared in this province. Where and to what extent these are prepared are mentioned in answer No. 7. 15. The preparation of the cultivated hemp plant is made in several particulars, such as (1) majum otherwise called yakuti, (2) gulkand, (3) boja, (4) bhang or ghota, (5) charas. The pre -paration of the cultivated hemp plant is made in several particulars, such as majum or yakuti, gul -kand, boja, ghota, charas, bhang and ganja. The methods of the preparation are as under :— Majum or yakuti. — First dried heads of ganja are perfectly cleaned and washed with water. Afterwards they are mixed with ghee in the proportion of four seers of ganja to one seer of ghee. Then the mixture is kept boiling continuously for two or three days, adding water to it to prevent the ghee being dried up and to extract the essence till the colour of the ghee is changed to green. Then it is filtered into another pot and allowed to remain undisturbed for some time. The green coloured ghee freezes and floats upon the surface of water. It is then gently taken out by means of blades of knives. This ghee is then mixed with melted sugar in the ratio of four seers of sugar to five tolas of the ghee, and other sweetscented spices are added to it. The mixture is then formed into pieces called majum or yakuti. Gulkand. — Gulkand is prepared by a mixture of sugar and rose flowers. This mixture is kept for several days in the sun in an air-tight pot. Afterwards the heads of ganja are perfectly cleaned and mixed with the so-prepared gulkand, which is chiefly used by some of the rich. Boja.— Sixteen seers of pounded jowari is first boiled and then dried up. To this koshtkolanjan (22 tolas), bhang (two pounds), davana (five tolas), fine shoots of jowari (ten tolas), marwa (five tolas), and kachur (five tolas) are mixed. This mixture is kept in a pot for one day and is then called boja. It is mixed with water in the ratio of 15 seers of water to 30 seers of boja and filtered. The filtrate becomes useful for drinking purposes, and is used in the Sholapur district. Ghota. — For the preparation of ghota, bhang is taken and subjected to the operation of cleaning and washing several times, till it gets free from all dirt. It is then washed and filtered through cloth. The filtrate is then drunk either with or without milk and spices. This drink is termed bhang or ghota. Charas.—Charas is not specially prepared. It is a resinous matter of the hemp plant which sticks to the hands of those who harvest ganja. Ganja.—Ganja, which consists of flowering tops of cultivated female hemp plants is, after being dried and trodden, cleaned and washed with water five or six times, is then squeezed with the hand in order that it may be free from water and then smoked with tobacco. 16. It is not prepared in fields but in houses. I mean the drink called bhang is not prepared in fields. The bhang leaves are brought from fields and are subjected to the process described in the last preceding answer that such preparation may serve as a drink. Wild hemp plant is a rarity in this district, so no ganja or charas is known to be prepared from it. 18. Yes. Ganja, bhang, and charas deteriorate by keeping them more than a year. Yes; after two years it looses its intoxicating effect entirely and becomes useless. Deterioration is more due to exposure than to anything else. Should these drugs be kept in boxes, or places which are air -tight and proof against moisture, etc., they would keep longer than usual.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar.


14. No. 18. Bhang deteriorates in quality after one year, and ganja begins gradually to lose its in toxicating qualities generally after a year, and becomes unfit for smoking alter two years. The above are the periods for which bhang and ganja remain good with ordinary care. Damp weather affects them, from which they ought to be pro-tected as much as possible. Want of such pre-cautions leads to their early deterioration. No special remedies are known which can preserve their quality from the effects of time. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR DADABHAI DEENSHAH, Parsi, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Kaira.


14. Yes. Only ganja and bhang are prepared. The places and the extent to which they are grown have been named in the answer to question No. 7. 15. No wild hemp plant is to be found in this province. The only products prepared are (1) bhang, (2) ganja. From bhang ghota is prepared by the drug being well rubbed and mixed with milk or juice of sugarcane with some spices, as almonds, saffron, etc. This is drunk. There is another preparation called majum which is made from bhang. Bhang is washed clean and water is squeezed off. Ghee is then applied to it, and the mixture is then boiled in water for about two days, The liquid part is then extracted and mixed with syrup of sugar and hardened. The substance is then made into square pieces and sold under the name of majum. This is eaten. The method of preparing boja is as follows :— Jowari is coarsely ground and put in water for a few hours. It is then poured into boiling water. Bhang is well warmed in an iron pan and nicely powdered and then put into the boiling jawari. Some spices, as koshta, kolinjana and kuchla are put into the mixture and removed from the fire after the whole mixture is well boiled. Some quantity of water is then added to it, and the liquid squeez-ed off, which is called boja. Ganja is used for purposes of smoking only, mixed with dried leaves of tobacco. It is never smoked singly. 16. Yes ; except majum and boja, which are sold in shops. Whether it can be prepared from the hemp plant, wherever grown, or from wild plants, cannot be explained, as the plant is only cultivated here. 18. Yes, they do, Nothing is known about charas, as it is not used here. Bhang and ganja entirely lose their effects after one year, It deteriorates sooner by being kept in damp places, The only measure that can prevent deterioration is to keep the drug in a warm place unexposed.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BHASKAR RAO RAMCHANDRA HEBLIKAR, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Sholapur.


14. Ganja and bhang are manufactured in Khandesh in Jalgaon taluka to a small extent, and the quantity manufactured is estimated at 700 Indian maunds (a maund equal to 40 seers) of ganja and of about 30 maunds of bhang. 15. The flowering tops are cut with a bill-hook in December, as mentioned in paragraph 9, and arranged in a layer of about a foot high on a ground well-beaten and the floor cow-dung. The side flowering tops are then cut and placed in the hollow places of the bed so made. This being done, men (generally) commence squeezing the layer with the sole of their feet. This is done in the early morning, and after it, the layer is turned up and exposed to the heat of the sun, and allowed to remain so till the morning of the next day, when the same operation of squeezing commences. The process is carried for three days, anal the ganja is then fit to be stored up. The tender leaves which fall from the tops are collected and stored as bhang. This is all the process employed in Khandesh for manufacturing ganja and bhang. As regards preparation for smoking, the ganja is first well soaked in water, and, removing the seed and stems therefrom, the leaves are washed in several changes of water. It is then squeezed between the two palms to extract water, and then it is considered fit to go to the pipe. In using it, one part of ganja to three parts of the tobacco are generally taken, and the two well mixed up. This being done, good charcoal or coir yarn fire is placed on it and smoked. The process will be better known from the photograph (No. 4) append-ed. In the case of bhang, the leaves only are taken and ground on a currystone, admixing therein pepper and other ingredients. When all is ground very fine, it is strained through cloth and the excretal is thrown away. The extract so taken is generally mixed with milk in the propor-tion of one to three parts of milk, and then it is poured up and down, which is considered necessary for thorough mixture. This being done, the bhang preparation is fit for being drunk. The process would be better understood from the photograph (No. 5) appended. For eating the decoction of bhang, it is mixed with sweet things richly spiced, sometimes with almonds, saffron or musk, and kept ready for consumers. This, however, is very little consumed in Khaudesh. 16. It is prepared in their houses. The other portion of the question requires no reply. 18. It does deteriorate in keeping, and, if kept for more than a year, it is fit to be thrown away as manure. With ordinary care it keeps good for 12 months. The causes of deterioration are that the resinous substance with which it is pressed is entirely dried up and evaporates from the leaves, and thereby the intoxicating qualities are lost. By keeping this article air-tight it might help to prevent its being deteriorated soon. But, since this has not been tried, nothing definitely could be said in that direction.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR SITARAM DAMODAR, Huzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh.


14. No; but ganja is imported from Satara and Ahmednagar. 15. Preparations for ganja are made thus — (A) For smoking ganja is first cleaned out of sticks and seeds and then rubbed on the palm of the hand by a finger with some water to make it glutinous. A little tobacco is mixed with it. The mixture is put into an earthen pipe and then smoked. Rich people mix cardamom, nutmeg, mace, etc., with the mixture. (B) Ganja is eaten in the form of majum cake, described in No. 19.
(C) It is drunk mixed with the juice of poppy and sugar. 16. Bhang is not used in the Dharwar district. I am unable to answer the remaining part of the question. 18. Bhang and charas are not sold in this district. Ganja deteriorates by keeping and loses its effect in time. With ordinary care it keeps good for six months if it is kept in a dry state; and after six months it gradually deteriorates until a year, when it becomes quite useless owing to the drying up of the oily substance of the drug. No special measures will prevent deterioration —at least no such measure is known. 19 - Evidence of KHAN BHADUR RATANJI ERDALJI KANGA, Parsi, Deputy Collector and Magistrate, Dharwar.


14. Ganja alone is prepared in this district. About 2,400 Bengal maunds of ganja are pre-pared in the talukas of Khanapur, Khatav, and Satara. Bhang is not specially prepared. It is the powder that falls off in handling ganja, and is used in preparations such as majum, ghótá, doodhia. 15. Wild hemp is not known in this district, and my reply refers to cultivated hemp. Ganja is used for smoking alone. About half a tola of ganja is well washed and well beaten on the left palm with the right thumb, and quarter of a tola of tobacco is mixed with the ganja, and the mixture is smoked. The powder that falls off from ganja is called bhang, of which the following preparations are made :— (1) Ghótá or kusumba or doodhia or ludhia : these are all names of the same drink. One tola. bhang is crushed into powder with a stone, with water added to the powder. It is made up into a ball and put into a clean pot. The following articles are added to it : 40 tolas of milk, 20 tolas of sugar, 1 tola poppy-seed, 1/4 tola of cardamom, 2 tolas of almond. Little pepper is added to the mixture. This quantity of mixture is usually drunk by one man. (2) Majum, otherwise called yákuti, is prepared of bhang for eating in the following manner : 40 tolas bhang is boiled in 80 tolas of ghee. It is then strained and the refuse thrown away. The strained ghee is then mixed up with 8 lb of boiled sugar. It is then cooled in a broad and shallow pot. It becomes solid, and is cut into pieces. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses. 18. Charas is not in use in this district. Bhang and ganja deteriorate if kept longer than 18 months. They become quite useless after two years, and after that period they are simply useful as manure. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara


14. Yes; only ganja and bhang are prepared, but to a very small extent, in the Bijapur district. Charas is nowhere prepared in the Southern Mahratta country. 15. Manufacture of ganja and bhang.—The flowering tops and leaves cut from the plants are stacked in a place and trodden while in a green state for three or fourd ays, and, when dried, they are winnowed. The flowering tops flattened constitute what is known as flat ganja, and the powder formed during the process is used as bhang. Preparation of ganja for smoking.— After the seeds and stems are picked out of flat ganja, it is soaked in water and well cleansed. Then the water is pressed out of it to the last drop, and it is mixed with tobacco and smoked. Use of bhang for eating majum in Dharwar.— Bhang is levigated in a mortar with milk, and then strained through a piece of cloth. This strained liquid, with powdered nutmeg, mace, saffron, and other spices, is mixed with simple syrup prepared fresh. The mixture is then spread on a wooden stool, and when it becomes hard it is cut into pieces. Majum in Hubli.— Bhang, on being fried in a little of ghi, is nicely pounded and passed through a piece of cloth. The powder, which is called fakki, is then mixed with syrup prepared fresh. The mixture is spread on a flat stone, and when it becomes hard it is cut into pieces. The mode of preparing majum adopted in the Southern Mahratta country, as described above, materially differs from that adopted in Poona, which is as described below. Ganja mixed with ghi, in the proportion of 2 seers to 1 seer of ghi, is boiled in water in a widemouthed vessel. Water is from time to time poured into it as it evaporates. After about 12 hours the decoction turns green, which is an in dication that the ganja is well boiled. The decoc tion is then strained through a piece of cloth, and the ghi, which comes up when the decoction is cooled, is used in preparing majum, yakuti, gulkand, and shrikhand. Majum and yakuti are cakes made of ghi thus prepared and syrup mixed with different kinds of spices and nutritious substances, and shrikhand is made of ghi prepared as described above and jaggery boiled. Yakuti differs from majum only in respect of its containing saffron, which gives it a yellowish colour. Gulkand is conserve of roses mixed with ghi prepared as described above. The only kind of sweetmeat known in the Southern Mahratta country is majum, The sweetmeats known in the Deccan by the names of yakuti, shrikhand, and gulkand are unknown in the Southern Mahratta country. Preparation of bhang for drinking ghota.— Bhang is levigated in water, and this levigation is strained through a piece of cloth. Poppy seed is also levigated and mixed with the liquid bhang. Sugar and powder of cardamom, nutmeg, mace, black pepper, saffron and ginger are also added to the mixture. This mixture is used by rich persons, while the poor substitute jaggery for sugar, and do not make use of the spices. This mode of preparing ghota is adopted in the Dharwar district, while in the Bijapur district bhang is parched a little before it is levigated for the preparation of the drink. Boja.— Some years ago an intoxicating preparation made of jowari mixed with bhang, called boja, used to be sold in the Dharwar district under a license. It was then used chiefly by Muhammadans, Holers (Mahars), and Bedars (Ramoshis). The form of preparing and selling that drink is not now sold. As the mode of preparing it entails a good deal of trouble, I believe it is not now much used by the people. 16. No; bhang is purchased from the persons licensed to sell it. As stated in my answer to question No. 2, it is only the powder of ganja found in the bags or packages containing the latter drug, and is less efficacious and cheaper than ganja itself. Bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown; but bhang prepared from the plant growing in a place not specially fit for its cultivation is considered to be inferior in quality. As stated in my answer to question No. 3, the wild plant is not grown anywhere in the Southern Mahratta country. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They keep good with ordinary care for about a year. They quite lose their effect after two years. No particular causes of deterioration can be assigned. The drugs naturally lose their efficacy and become unfit for use after the lapse of time, as above stated. It is said that the deteriorated drugs, if used, produce an unpleasant sensation of heat in the stomach. No special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration. As charas is not much used or tried in this part of the country, nothing can be said as to how long it keeps good with ordinary care and why it deteriorates by keeping. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.


 14. Yes; ganja and bhang are produced from the hemp plant cultivated at Bijapur. Charas is not prepared here. As regards the extent, I beg to refer to paragraph 4 of my report above quoted. 15. Vide paragraphs 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of my report above alluded to. (b) The hemp plants do not grow wild here. 16. No; the people do not prepare bhang in their houses. Yes ; it can be prepared from the hemp plant grown in any place. The last part of the question cannot be answered because the plants do not grow wild here. 18. Yes; they do. After about five years these drugs lose their intoxicating property, and become quite useless for consumption. The drugs can be kept in good condition with ordinary care for two years. So far as I can ascertain from the people who generally deal in these drugs, I learn that no special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration after two years.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RUDRAGOWDA CHANVIRGOWDA ARTAL, Lengayet, Deputy Collector, Bijapur


14. Ganja is prepared from the hemp plant in this State at the following places:— (1) Kumbhari, (2) Bagewadi, (3) Báj, (4) Belunki, (5) Jath, (6) Yeldari, (7) Jangalgi, (8) Boblad, and (9) Anklé. And, so far as I know, this article is prepared also in the villages of the neighbouring States and British districts. These places are as follows:— Lengre, Mahaswad and Kharsundi, etc. The extent of the produce of ganja in this State is 150 maunds (80 tolas=1 seer and 40 seers=1 maund). (b) and (c) are not prepared in this part of the country. 15. The wild hemp plant is not met with in this part of the country, and therefore the follow ing particulars of the method of the preparation relate to the cultivated plant only. When crop is ready for reaping, a piece of ground, about 9 feet long, is cleaned and well cowdunged. On this place the unfertilized flowering tops of the hemp plant are heaped. This heap is trodden by men for 16 times every day. At the end of every fourth time, the heap is turned upside down. This operation goes on for four days successively. This operation brings narcotic properties in the stuff, which is then termed ganja. (A) Smoking. Before ganja is put into a pipe it is rubbed in the palm of the hand with a few drops of water ; and is then well pressed between two palms of the hands so as to remove all water and make it sticky. (B) Eating. For this purpose a preparation is made of ganja which is called fakki. The manu facture of fakki is as follows: — Ganja is first fried in ghee and then it is mixed with sugar in equal proportion. In this mixture the spices, viz., cardamoms, nutmegs, cloves and poppy seeds are added. Some people eat ganja mixed with a little jagri. Another preparation made for eating ganja ismajum. Ganja is first fried in ghee and well powdered. A syrup of sugar is prepared in which the fried and powdered ganja is mixed. This mixture is then boiled and stirred until it becomes an adhesive syrup. This syrup is then poured into a flat vessel which is kept open in the air. When the syrup concretes into a thick cake, it is divided into small parts and made ready for use. With a view to play practical jokes ganja is used in the preparation of a dish called bhaji—a preparation of gram flower and slices of brinjal, etc. (here instead of brinjal, ganja is put), soaked in oil or butter and fried. (C) Drinking. For drinking purposes a pre -paration called ghota is made. The method of this preparation is as given below :— . Ganja (female flowering tops made into flat cakes) is mixed with water, and the mixture is grounded either in a mortar with a pestle or pounded on a hard stone with another stone. The quantity thus pounded is mixed with cardamoms, cloves, nutmegs, sugar and poppy seeds. The mixture is again grounded for several hours, then the mixture is poured down by a person standing on an elevated place into another pot. This process is continued till the mixture comes to the satisfaction of the consumer. This process of pouring down the mixture is, it is believed, calculated to increase the narcotic property of the drug in proportion to the height of the place from which the mixture is poured down again and again. The ghota is sometimes prepared in sugarcane juice. This drink is taken ad libitum. Question 15 [oral evidence]. — Bhaji is different from bhoja. It is only occasionally used in the way I have explained. 16. As there is no bhang in this part of the country information is not available. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It loses its effects in time. With ordinary care it can be kept in good condition for a year or so. By long keeping it gets a musty smell, and its narcotic properties disappear by evaporation. Measures to prevent deterioration are not known in this part of the country. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country.


14. Not in this district. 15 and 16. Not known. But ganja, when brought home from the shop of the farmer, is prepared for smoking, thus—(A). It is kept in water for some time and then squeezed by hands till all impure water passes away. It is then mixed with dry tobacco either in equal or half quantity and smoked. (B) Eating of ganja is not known here save for medicinal purposes; what is used for drinking is called "bhang," a liquid preparation made by the people generally in their own houses. (C) The smaller leaves of ganja selected for the purpose are first carefully washed by water so as to remove all impure matter there from, and then mixed with spices, such as pepper, poppy seed, almonds, saffron, dried rose flowers (buds), etc. The whole mixture is pounded on a stone, to which then is added milk and sugar ; the liquid thus prepared is then passed through a piece of cloth by way of filtering it and drunk. Those who cannot afford to use the spices drink it without them. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping after one year, and becomes quite useless for smoking purposes after three years. The causes of deterioration are not known here.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR V. H. SHIKHRE, Brahmin, Huzur Deputy Collector, Alibagh, Kolaba District.


14. Charas is not used or consumed in the Ahmedabad district. Ganja and bhang, as the first products of the hemp plant, come prepared into the district. They are imported by the farmer of those drugs under permits granted by the local revenue authorities chiefly from Ahmed nagar district in the Deccan by rail. Before the construction of railway to Ahmednagar, ganja used to be brought chiefly from Mal wa vid Dohud and Godra, and bhang from the territories of the Guickwar and the Nawab of Cambay. 15. I can give no information regarding the methods of preparation from the cultivated or wild plant, but appendix A ( attached hereto ) contains a memorandum of preparations made from ganja and bhang for drinking and eating purposes. It describes also the process ganja goes through preparatory to its being smoked. Bhang drinking is much patronized during the hot months of the year. It is said to have a peculiar effect on different constitutions; in some cases it excites mirth and risibility, in some grief and crying, and in some quiet and repose. It has also a further peculiar effect on those who have taken it in that they are unable to face a burning light with eyes open. 16. As far as I am aware, bhang as a drink is invariably prepared by people in their houses. I am unable to give information on the other two points. 18. As a rule, the drugs would deteriorate in due course unless kept in hermetically closed bottles or tin cases. Loss of effect must follow deterioration. -  Evidence of MR. J. F. FERNANDEZ, Retired Deputy Collector and City Magistrate, Ahmedabad.


14. Ganja, charas and bhang are prepared in the Satara Collectorate by the cultivators thereof. The extent of the cultivation will be known from the statement furnished through the Collector. 15. The top bunches and the knot bunches of the hemp plant are trodden separately, because they cannot be trodden together properly. The process of treading goes on till the bunches are completely flattened. This is called ganja. The process of preparing charas is simple. The charas is the resinous gummy matter with which the scythe or the hand or foot becomes besmeared at the time of cutting or pulling out or treading the flower top or knot shoot bunches. This matter is collected and converted into small pills. Bhang (i.e., fragments of the ganja) is ground and put into milk mixed up with cardamoms, almonds, poppy seed, sugar, sweet fennel, nutmeg, black pepper and mace, and strained several times and drunk. This is called bhang ghota. Ganja is used for smoking thus: It is first washed, until it ceases to give out green water. By this washing process it becomes gummy. One tola of ganja is sufficient to fill in two to three smoking pipes. As ganja is put in the smoking pipe in its wet state, one-half tola of tobacco is mixed with it, or placed above and below it to make it ignite. Bhang is also converted into small cakes by boiling it with ghi and sugar. This is called majum or yakuti. This is eaten. There are no wild hemp plants in the Deccan. 16. Ghota from bhang for drinking is prepared by the drinkers in their own houses. It cannot be prepared from the hemp plant in its raw state wherever it is growing. Ganja and charas cannot, I think, be prepared from the wild plants wherever grown. But there are no such wild plants in this district. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Ganja and bhang become less effective next year, and useless as a narcotic after three years. Charas is of use till the next rains, when vermin commence to make appearance therein and dimi nish its value. The causes of deterioration are that the resinous and gummy matter which exists in these articles dries up or deteriorates. There are no preventive means known here.  - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector ; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale.


14. I am aware that ganja is prepared in the districts of Ahmednagar, Satara, and Nasik, and that bhang is prepared at Surat. We receive supplies from these districts. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate, I am told, by keeping, and eventually lose their narcotic properties. They keep good, it is said, for a year or two. In Bombay the deterioration is attributed to atmospheric moisture and dampness. The drugs should be stored in a dry godown. A godown where ganja is stored should be kept free of rats. Rats like hemp seed, and injure the ganja in their search for the seed. I know of one instance in which ganja was destroyed by whiteants. - Evidence of MR. W. ALMON, Assistant Collector, Abkari Department, Bombay.


14. In all the four districts mentioned above ganja and bhang are prepared, but no charas. In Ahmednagar and Satara, large areas are under hemp cultivation, and large quantities of ganja produced there are sent out to other places. In other districts ganja is produced in such quantity as is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the district itself. 15. When the hemp plant crop is ripe for har vesting (which is indicated by a change of the colour of the leaves into a brownish yellow, and by the falling off of the older leaves), the flower ing tops are cut from the stems and collected into heaps on a well-prepared plot of ground. The flowering tops are generally cut in the morning, and are exposed in the sun till 3 or 4 P.M., when they are trodden under foot. The exposure is, I think, necessary in order to remove, by eva poration, the excessive vegetable sap which is found in all fresh cut plants, and which, if allowed to remain, would spoil the tops when they are trodden under foot. In the evening the tops are trodden under foot till they assume a flat shape. The heap is then turned over and exposed to the atmosphere till morning. Another instal ment of the flowering tops is then thrown over it and trodden as before. This process continues for four or five days, until the heap of the compressed ganja becomes a foot high. The ganja is dry by this time, and is ready for use or despatch to other places. The treading under foot is, I think, necessary in order to thoroughly mix the resinous substance with the fibrous portion of the flowering tops and to make it compact, so that it may be preserved therein for future use. Ganja prepared in this way is used for smoking. Before it is smoked it is washed two or three times to clear it of dirt, etc , and is then kneaded on the palm of the left hand by the thumb of the right, a small quantity of water being added at intervals. This restores the resinous matter to its original sticky form and enlivens the active principle in the ganja. The more the ganja is rubbed the more it gains in intoxicating properties ; and it is said that an excessive ganja smoker would sometimes place a small quantity of soaked ganja upon the sole of his shoe and walk for some distance in order that the ganja may be completely pressed by the heel of his leg, and thus the intoxicating properties may be enhanced. Ganja thus rubbed is mixed with tobacco and smoked. The only preparation used for drinking is ghota, a delicious drink made of bhang. A small qua ntity of bhang is first cleared of dirt, etc., and is then reduced to fine powder by pressing between two stones, a small quantity of water being added at intervals. It is then mixed with water and filtered through a piece of cloth. Milk, sugar, and spices are then added. Ghota is sometimes used as a cold drink during hot season. (B) There are four known varieties of ganja preparation made use of for eating— majum yakuti, gulkhand, and shrikhand. They are pre pared almost in the same way, the spices added being different in the different varieties. The active principle of the narcotic is extracted by boiling  ganja in ghi and water mixed in equal quantities. One part of this narcotised ghi is added to sixteen parts of sugar syrup, and the whole, when solid, is cut into small cakes. This is majum. In the same way other varieties are prepared by mixing the essence of ganja with different spices. All these preparations are from the cultivated plant, not from the wild plant. NOTE.—No other form, except ganja and the so-called bhang, is prepared from the hemp plant in this part of the country. The preparations made from ganja, such as majum, etc., ought to have been stated in reply to question No. 19. 16. No ; as already stated, bhang is not sepa rately prepared. The small broken pieces of ganja that remain are used as bhang. I do not know anything about the wild plant. 18. Yes; ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. Bhang being naturally a milder intoxicant
deteriorates earlier. It has not been ascertained by actual experiments that they quite lose their effects in time. But as their intoxicating pro-perties are gradually de creased, it seems that they will lose them. entirely in time. They can be kept good, with ordinary care, for not more than twelvemonths. The principal causes of deterioration are, I think, exposure to heat, damp, or atmosphere and frequent handling. The first destroys the resinous substance by its formation into some other substance by chemical combination with the ingredients of the atmosphere, rain, etc.; and the second by separating such resinous substance from the flowering tops, which, being dry, allow it to be easily detached from them by the smallest force.  - Evidence of RAO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona  District, Poona.


14. In this part of the country ganja is culti -vated to a small extent. Bhang is also prepared from it. Charas is, however, not prepared. The cultivation in Bijapur of bhang and ganja this year will, it is estimated, produce about 60 maunds of ganja and 15 maunds of bhang. 15. In this part of the country ganja is not produced from the wild plants, which do not exist here at all. (A) Ganja used for smoking purposes. About the end of December, when the crop of ganja is ready, the tops of the plant, otherwise called the buds, are pulled out. These are placed in a pile four inches thick. It is then spread out on the ground and trodden under foot by coolies for three or four days, and then the ganja thus prepared is filled into bags. The ganja thus pre -pared becomes ready for sale. The people purchasing the ganja so prepared, if they wish to use any portion of it for smoking, squeeze it with their hands mixed with water, which is then thrown out and water mixed afresh. This process is repeated ten times at least. The ganja thus prepared, though fit for smoking, is not so used without a mixture of tobacco. (B) No ganja is eaten in this part of the country. (C) The powder left after the process of treading, to which the buds placed in heaps are subjected, and from which the ganja is separated, is called bhang. That powder is sold to consumers using it for drinking. To render it fit for drinking purposes the consumers soak it in water. It is then rubbed with hands and cleansed with water, the process being repeated so often as to cause its green colour almost to disappear. The bhang so prepared is then fried on a pan mixed with ghi. It is then mixed with water, poppy seeds, almonds, cardamoms, ginger, pepper and aniseed, and grounded on a stone and rolled into balls. Then a tinned pot or an earthen pot with a broad mouth is taken, and its mouth closed with a piece of cloth tied round it. On the cloth is then placed one of these balls, about four or five tolas in weight ; water is then poured down on the ball in small droppings, and the ball is then dissolved with hands. The proportion of water to be put in is 80 tolas for each ball. When the dilution thus prepared is ready, the cloth is removed and sugar or gule mixed with the dilution. Afterwards two receptacles are used. The one (empty) is placed on the ground, and the other containing the dilution is held over it at some distance, which is gradually increased to the height of a man ; and the dilution is then dribbled down into the empty receptacle . When the pouring is finished, the process is repeated as often as is necessary to produce that amount of intoxicating power in the dilution which the drinker wishes it to possess, a repetition forty times being considered as a maximum. The mixture thus obtained is termed ghota. It then becomes fit for drinking. During the hot season, this is used without anything else lacing mixed with it. In other seasons milk is mixed with it. 16. Smokers prepare the ganja they buy for smoking. Ghota-drinkers prepare ghota in their houses from the bhang they purchase. These smokers or drinkers are ascetics, bairagis, salis, koshtis, Marathas, and Musalmans. 18. I have no personal knowledge on this subject. I consider two years to be the longest time beyond which the drugs cannot keep good. Its keeping in good condition or deterioration depends upon the climate, according as it is dry or wet. I have no experience of the causes of deterioration, neither can I think of any means to prevent such deterioration.   - Evidence of RAO SAHEB SHESHO KRISNA MUDKAVI, Mamlatdar of Taluka Bijapur, Bijapur.


14. Manufacture.—Ganja alone is manufactured from the plant, neither c h aras nor bhang in the sense in which it is understood in Upper India. The dried flowering tops are called ganja, and the bits of leaves and the fragments detached from the flowering tops while being trodden under foot are called bhang. Charas is seldom used in this district. Majum, yakuti, and gulkand and shrikand are the confections prepared from the ganja.  - Evidence of RAO SAHIB L. M. DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Poona City


18. From the enquiries I have made with the retail vendor, I state that if ganja or bhang is kept for more than one year, it is deteriorated and becomes unfit for use. In the districts below Ghats, deterioration commences sooner and begins to set in after six months form the date of import. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB KRISHNAJI BALLAL DEVAL, Chitpavan, Brahmin, Mamlatdar and Magistrate, 1st Class, Chiplon.


14. In this State ganja is produced from the hemp plant in the following six villages to the following extent:— Taluka Village. Yield in Khandis. (1) Andhali 25 (2) Bambawadi 2 (3) Dudhondi 1 1/2 (4) Sirgaon 4 1/2 Taluka Kuchi. (5) Manjardi 6 (6) Gourgaon 5 TOTAL 44 80 tolas–1 seer. 13 seers–1 maund, 20 maunds –1 khandi. 15. In this State only ganja is prepared from the hemp plant. It is prepared in the following manner:— The hemp plants bear flowers in five months. When the flowers are fully developed, they become brown, and are then plucked by hand from the plants, and are piled and dried on an open raised ground. They are then pressed and trampled under foot for three or four days. When they become dry, they are winnowed, and the substance which remains after winnowing is called ganja. Ganja is used in this State chiefly for the purpose of smoking. It is occasionally eaten with meat or sweetmeats and drunk in milk or water after being well pounded. The yield of ganja per acre is about one khandi. The cost of producing one khandi of ganja is about Rs. 30 —35, and it is sold at about Rs. 50—55 per khandi. 16. Not known. 18. Ganja deteriorates by keeping. It keeps good with ordinary care for one year. Then it begins to loose its narcotic properties by degrees, and after three years it becomes quite useless.  - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.


14. The following products of the hemp plant namely— (a) ganja, (b) charas, (c) bhang, are prepared in this district. (a) Ganja is prepared in the talukas of Nagar, Newasa, Rahuri, Sheogaon, Karjat, Kopargaon, Shrigonda, Parner, and Sangamner. Its extent during the year 1892-93 was 382 acres. 15. The wild plant is not cultivated in this district, nor anything of it is used if found anywhere. For eating and smoking ganja the flower tops are used, and it has been described elsewhere in answer to question No. 9. What all is necessary is to get the trees to yield the flower tops. For drinking only the leaves of the plant are used, which are called bhang, and what bhang is, and how it is prepared, is given in answer to question No. 2. There is, besides the above, no other distinction in sowing the hemp plant for the preparation of the several drugs. 16. Bhang is not prepared generally by people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. As the wild plant does not grow in this district, its preparations cannot be ascertained. 18. Ganja, bhang, and charas deteriorate by keeping more than a year. They quite lose their intoxicating effect after a period of two years. If special care be taken, they can remain in good condition for about two years. The causes of their deterioration are numerous, but the people of this province are unable to ascertain the exact ones. The chief cause I can best understand is the bad arrangement of their packing in gunny bags, which does not perfectly protect them from the destructive agencies of their narcotic property, viz., heat, light, and rain. In order to prevent deterioration, they should be kept in tin or wood boxes, and should, as far as possible, be kept apart from the destructive agencies cited above. The other precaution to be taken is that in transmission they should not be allowed to break into chur, which becomes less effective.  - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari Inspector, Ahmednagar.


14 (a) Ganja alone is prepared from the hemp plant in the Satara district, about 330 acres of land being under cultivation for the purpose. (b) Charas is not prepared or sold here. (c)Bhang is not prepared here. It is, as de fined above, the powdered dust and leaves produced by the handling of ganja. it is mostly used as manure, and partly in some preparations called ghota and dudhia. 15. (a) The wild plant is not known here, and so the several methods of preparations from the cultivated and the wild plant cannot be distinguished. Ganja from the cultivated plant is prepared thus:— The crop being ready for harvesting, the first process is to cut the tops of the plants, and then the buds and small leaves. The tops of the leaves and the buds are then carried to a place prepared for the purpose, and arranged in heaps and exposed to the sun to dry. It is then trodden under foot by men. When crushed it is turned over and again exposed to the sun, the process of treading being repeated about five times a day for four days. In this way the tops, the leaves and the buds become a cohesive mass owing to the resin ous matter contained therein. The more the resin ous matter, the better is the quality of ganja,. The next process is that of winnowing, which re moves loose leaves and dust. The ganja thus finally prepared is in heavy green lumps showing yellow fibres. (b) In my answer to question No. 2, I have defined what charas is. No preparation is made from it. It is not sold or consumed by the people in its original state, except by some solitary bairagi or ascetic who happens to be on the spot where ganja is prepared. He obtains a pill or two of the scraped-off exudation from a cultivator at the time of harvesting. (c) Bhang, as defined above, is mixed and pounded with spices and sugar, and the prepara tion is called ghota. Another preparation of bhang is called dudhia, which is prepared by mixing milk to ghota. Ganja is principally used in smoking. It is al so used in a preparation called massala, which con tains, besides ganja, certain other ingredients. This massala is given to horses to eat when they are fatigued by long journeys or when they are suffering from cold. Charas is used in smoking only. Bhang is used in drinking only, 16. I have already stated above that bhang is nothing more than the powdered dust and leaves of ganja. It does not require any process for its preparation. It is produced by a handling of the ganja. It is as if it were that bhang and ganja go hand in hand. The wild plant is not known here, and so I cannot say if ganja or charas can be prepared from the plant, wherever grown. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They lose the effect gradually. Ganja loses its intoxicating property by half in the second year of its production, and in the third year its value is one-fourth of what it was in the beginning. Bhang is valueless almost in the first year, it being used as manure. With all the care ganja will deteriorate.  - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector, Satara.


14. As stated above in reply No. 9, ganja and bhang are manufactured in the places where the hemp plant is specially grown for the purpose to meet local demand and for export to Bombay. Charas is manufactured in the Ahmednagar district only to a very limited extent for private use in the manner described above in reply No. 7. 15. As stated above in reply Nos. 3 to 6, I have no knowledge of the hemp plant growing in a wild, state in any of the Deccan districts, and the facts stated refer to the products of the cultivated plant only. (A) Ganja is not subjected to any special treatment until it passes into the hand of the smoker, who breaks the top into small bits, removes seeds, leaves and foreign matter if there be any. He then places the broken ganja on the palm of his left hand, and pours water over it three or four times till the water is clear, each time kneading it with the thumb of his right hand. This process takes about 10 minutes if it is properly done. By this time the ganja becomes sticky. It is then squeezed with the two hands till the water is pressed out. A small cake is left, from which pieces are broken and mixed with an equal quantity of tobacco, and smoked off in an ordinary native tobacco pipe. Care is taken both to wash and to knead the ganja thoroughly. Insufficient washing leaves a substance which is said to cause coughing, and, if the water is not all pressed out, it will not smoke easily. (B) Sweetmeats sold under the name of yakuti, majum, shrikhand, and gulkand are made with extract of ganja, which is prepared as follows:—One seer of good ganja is boiled with a seer and a half of water for about an hour, when half a seer of ghi is added, or more if a weak extract is desired. The boiling is continued for two hours more. It is then strained, while hot, through a coarse canvas bag. Thorough straining is effected by tying a rod to the mouth of the bag and twist ing the rod round and round. The squeezing causes a separation with the liquid of everything which can be pressed through the canvas, fibrous or woody matter remaining in the bag. This must be done while the boiled mass is still hot; otherwise the ghi will thicken and prevent free flow of the extract. The extract is then kept over night in a wide-mouthed vessel to settle. During the night, by the action of cold, the ghi thickens and rises with the extract of ganja to the surface of water and is skimmed off next morning. To further refine the extract, the skimmings are then boiled till all the water is driven off. The extract is then fit for storage in the earthenware jar for use. To secure greater purity ganja is sometimes soaked in water for a couple of days and washed before being boiled, and the ghi is washed clean with water before it is mixed with the ganja. The extract thus prepared forms the base of all the sweetmeats described below. The ghi used in the preparation of the extract should be full boiled ; if half boiled ghi is used, the extract will not keep. To prepare yakuti, five to eight tolas of ganja extract, according to the strength required, with a quarter of a seer of conserve of roses (rose petals preserved with sugar) are added to a seer of sugar syrup. The mixture is seasoned with one tola of powdered cardamoms and ¼ tola saffron,nutmeg, mace, and cloves, each. Sometimes almond kernels peeled off and finely sliced are added. The whole mixture is then poured into shallow brass or copper dishes tinned inside. When it has cooled and thickened, it is cut with a knife into rhomboidal pieces about an inch long, half an inch broad, and a quarter of an inch thick. Majum is prepared in the same way as yakuti, but without conserve of roses, saffron and cloves. Unless it is specially ordered, majum prepared for retail sale is not generally spiced. It is merely ganja extract and sugar. The syrup used in these preparations is made by boiling to evaporation fine sugar over a slow fire. The syrup is purified by skimming off the impurities which rise to the surface during the boiling. Skrikhand is prepared by adding the extract in the same proportion as in yakuti or majum to syrup made from gul or undrained sugar. Gulkand is a mixture of conserve of roses and ganja extract, the extract being mixed at the rate of five to eight tolas, according to the strength required, with a seer of conserve of roses. Bhang.—When it is not purchased ready prepared bhang as sold in the market is first picked to remove pieces of stalk, pebbles, etc., then washed with water, and then ground into a fine paste, with a few grains of black pepper, on a grindstone. Hindu ascetics prefer a mortar and pestle of nim (Melia azadirachta) wood to a grindstone. The paste is then stirred in sufficient water, and the whole is strained through a piece of cloth and drunk either with or without sugar. This is the simplest and cheapest form of bhang for drinking. Those who can afford it add to it ground almond kernels, and flavour it with cardamoms, etc. Wellto-do habitual drinkers purchase raw bhang in quantity, boil it in water for two or three hours, and then wash it clean of all impurities. It is then dried and stored for use. For drinking, it is ground and prepared. in the way described above. Some roast their bhang on a frying pan, and wash it before it is ground. Bhang is sometimes boiled in milk. A ball of ground paste of bhang is tied in a piece of muslin and is boiled in milk, sugared and flavoured with cardamoms, etc. The preparation is used. by well-to-do occasional drinkers. The bhang as sold in the Deccan markets is not liked by Gujaratis and men from Upper India, who, when they can manage it, bring bhang from their own parts of the country. When bhang is not procurable, an habitual drinker will make his drink of ganja instead of bhang, but this is rare. Green leaves of the hemp plant are sometimes made into bhajas, the preparation consisting of hemp leaves, gram flour and spices mixed together in water, formed into small roundish cakes and fried in oil or ghi. Sometimes powdered ganja is used in this dish instead of the leaves. Young and tender hemp plants are also eaten as a vegetable. Charas requires no preparation before its use. It is simply made into small pills and smoked either with ganja or tobacco, according to the choice of the smoker. Boja.—This is another intoxicating preparation in which ganja is used, but it is not in common use. It is prepared in the following manner : Two seers of jawari (Sorghum vulgare), four seers of dried roots of the jawari plant, one seer ganja, and half a seer nux vomica are soaked together in water for three or four days. The water is then strained off from the mixture, and the mixture is boiled with fresh water for three or four hours. After careful washing the mixture is dred in the shed and ground to fine powder. The powder is stored for occasional use. When wanted, the required quantity is dissolved in water and the strained water is drunk. The water is neither sugared nor flavoured. Some drinkers prefer to make it stronger by the addition of a pinch of dhatura or nux vomica seed ground to powder. 16. Habitual drinkers who cannot afford to prepare their own bhang at home resort to bhang shops. As the Deccan bhang contains ganja dust, it cannot be prepared everywhere from the plant ; but the bhang, which wholly consists of leaves as in Upper India, can be prepared anywhere. I have no knowledge of the wild plant. 18. Ganja, bhang and charas deteriorate by keeping. I have no knowledge as to whether they quite lose their effect in time ; but this is certain that the drugs are destroyed after a year or two as being useless. They keep good with ordinary care for a year. The cause of deterioration apparently is the escape of some volatile principle.  - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana Prabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared to a considerable extent in the Ahmednagar district, and in the Poona district. 16. It cannot be prepared by people in their houses. 18. All the drugs deteriorate with keeping. The effect is quite lost if the drug is kept two years. The cause does not appear to be known, and no special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of MR. G. P. MILLET, Divisional Forest Officer, West Thana, Thana


ion of the hemp plant to any great extent. 14. Yes, everywhere where the hemp plant is cultivated, but chiefly Nagar. Charas can be procured direct from the cultivators if wanted, but is not prepared ordinarily for consumption. 15. The hemp plant grows to about the height of a man. Ganja, when plucked, has to be left to dry ; it is then trodden, again left to dry and again trodden, before it is fit to use. When required for consumption, it is well washed and pressed, the cleansing process being frequently resorted to. In fact, the oftener it is washed the stronger it becomes. It is then mixed with dry tobacco and smoked, the admixture bringing out its effects. If smoked in the crude state, it is said to produce cough and chest affections. It is also eaten with salt, pepper, and ghee, called fakki, when mixed in this way. It can be, but is never, eaten by itself ; pepper is a sine qua non if nothing else is mixed with it. Ganja is also made up into sweetmeats. When required for this purpose, it is put into a pot of water boiled, and then some ghee is added. The water is boiled away, and the ganjaimpregnated ghee remains, and is mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar, kuskus, almonds, and spices of sorts. It is then said to be highly intoxicating, and its effects last a longer time. When made up into sweetmeats, it goes by the names of majum, gulkand and yakuti, for which preparations a license to sell is required. Ganja is also sometimes but rarely mixed with water and drunk, but never neat. Pepper is always mixed with it. In this form it is called ganja ghota. Bhang is sometimes eaten, but almost always taken in the form of a drink, in which case it is called ghota, also thandai. The leaves of the seeding hemp plant called bhang plant make the best bhang. They are used just as they are picked. First they are baked or heated, and then put into a pot of water to boil. The water is then strained off. The residue is well washed, and the result is ghota. Like ganja, the more it is washed the stronger it gets. When thus prepared, it is taken with water, milk and sugar. When mixed with other ingredients, it is well ground, washed, and strained. The liquid only is taken. Charas is never or very seldom taken by the people of the district. It is used by foreigners. It is merely the glutinous substance that adheres to the hands and feet of those who pluck and tread the hemp plant while preparing it for ganja. The substance is scraped off the hands and feet, and made up into little balls or plugs of a black colour, pieces of which are taken and smoked with dry tobacco. To summarise. Ganja is invariably smoked, bhang is used as beverage, both being capable of consumption in the form of sweetmeats. Charas, when used at all, is invariably smoked. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. It is also prepared at quasi-public places, such as temples, dharmsalas, and. places set apart for the purpose. 18. Ganja keeps for two years, gradually deteriorating in strength. Bhang for one year, gradually deteriorating in strength. Charas will keep for about a year, after which it loses its effect. It gets dry within that period, and has to be warmed up before use. Ganja and bhang in course of time get dried up and crumble to dust.  - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar.


14. Yes; vide answer to question No. 7, chapter II. 15. Ganja is prepared by the pods and leaves being collected and trodden under foot, while in a green state, for three or four days. When dried they are separated from the pods by winnowing. The residue is bhang. Charas is the resinous matter issuing from the plant which sticks to the hands and legs of the labourer at the time of treading the ganja. Ganja is used for smoking by soaking it in water for a few minutes, it is then rubbed for a short time in the palm of the hand, it is then mixed with ordinary tobacco and smoked. Charas is used for smoking by first heating on fire, then rubbing flat on hand with water, then smoked with tobacco. Charas is not drunk. Bhang is drunk with water, cardamoms, aniseed, milk and sugar after being well mixed and is called ghota or kusumb. Wild ganja is not used. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people who use it in their houses or elsewhere. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate if kept, after a year or so, the chief cause being damp and rot. Damaged ganja is said to give cough. No special measures to prevent deterioration are taken, but it is said that merchants mix old and damaged ganja with the fresh when selling.  - Evidence of MR. J. E. DOWN, Districts Superintendent of Police, Satara.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in the Inda -pur, Shirur, and Khed talukas. 18. They do deteriorate. They keep good for about two years. Damp is the chief cause of deterioration.  - Evidence of MAJOR T. R. M. MACPHERSON, District Superintendent of Police, Poona


14. Bhang to the extent of 150 to 200 mounds is produced in this district, but neither ganja nor charas is prepared. 15. Bhang is prepared as follows :—After the plants are cut down they are allowed to dry for some days. They are then tied up in bundles and beaten on the threshing floor in order to separate the seeds and leaves from the stalks. The seeds and powdered leaves are then passed through a sieve for the purpose of removing the small bits of broken stalk. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their own houses. By this I mean the prepara -tion of the bhang as drunk from the bhang sold in the shops and not the preparation of bhang from the plants themselves. Bhang can be pre-pared from the plant wherever grown, I believe, and so also can ganja, but I cannot say whether ganja and charas can or cannot be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Bhang deteriorates and loses its narcotic properties if kept for more than about 12 months, and, if allowed to get damp, gets mildewed and useless much earlier. Keeping it in closed receptacles and free from moisture will retard this deterioration for a few months. The placing of mercury in open vessels among the bhang is said to prevent it from getting worm-eaten.  - Evidence of MR. F. T. V. AUSTIN, District Superintendent of Police, Surat.


14 and 15. (a) Ganja is the leaves of ganja tree. Seeds are found when it is dried. When the seeds are sown they produce the bhang plants. Ganja is used only for smoking. The plants are called nar and mada (male and female). Nar is bhang tree and mada ganja tree. (b) Charas is the gum of bhang tree, and is aise used for smoking. (c) Bhang plants grow when ganja seeds are sown. Bhang is used for drinking only. 16. Bhang can be prepared by the people in their houses, and it can be prepared from the hemp plant, wherever grown. Ganja can, but charas cannot. 18. They do after some time ; and no measure can be taken to prevent their deterioration.  - Evidence of Mr. DHANJISHA DADABHOY, Parsi, District Superintendent of Police, Thana


14. Ganja is not prepared in this State, as defined in paragraph (2) of the accompaniments by being rolled or trodden under foot. The only ganja used in this State is flat ganja, and is said to be prepared from the cultivated plant. Charas is not prepared here, nor is it imported. Ganja and bhang are imported. 15. The only preparation ganja or bhang under -goes here is for eating or drinking. See para-graph 19. 16. A decoction is made from bhang generally by people in their houses, and is known here as bhang-ka-pani, bhang or subji. The wild plant is not procurable here, but I have been given to understand by fakirs, sadhus, and gosains, who are habitual consumers of the drug in all its forms, that bhang can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. Ganja can also be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. Fakirs sadhus and gosains, when travelling, use it, but they prefer the cultivated plant when procurable. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. With ordinary care both will keep good for about two years. I am unable to say whether it quite loses its effect in time. There are different opi nions on this point. It, however, deteriorates to such an extent that no consumer of the drug, whether by eating, drinking or smoking, will buy old ganja or bhang if he can possibly get fresh, and the fresher the better he likes it, as its effect is said to be stronger. The only cause of deterioration that I know is dampness. If ganja or bhang be kept in a damp place or get wet by rain, it immediately deteriorates, and in a short time becomes absolutely useless. The only measures adopted by the vendors of the drug, who keep it in large quantities, is to keep it in a dry place and occasionally expose it to the sun. - Evidence of MR. T. G. FOARD, Superintendent of Police, Cambay


14. Bhang is produced in this district in Olpad and Chorasi talukas, but ganja and charas are not prepared in this district. 15. The following is the methed of manufac-turing bhang : — After cutting the plants and allowing them to dry for some days they are tied up in bundles and taken to the threshing floor in order to separate the seeds and leaves from the stalks and then passing through a sieve to remove the broken small twigs and rubbish from it. 16. Bhang is prepared by the consumers in their own houses and sometimes at the licensed vendor's shop, where they drink on the premises. Ganja can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, but I am unable to say whether ganja or charas can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Bhang deteriorates in quality after twelve months, so the ganja loses to some extent its intoxicating qualities after twelve months or more, and becomes unfit for smoking. The above is the period for which bhang and ganja remain in good condition with ordinary care. Generally damp weather affects them, from which they ought to be protected. Want of such care leads to their early deterioration ; no special remedies are known by which their quality can be preserved longer.  - Evidence of KHAN BAH ADUR NANABHOY COWASJI, P arsi, City Police Inspector, Surat.


18. Yes, they deteriorate by keeping. Yes, after two years it quite loses its effect. With ordinary care these drugs will keep good for from eighteen to twenty-four months after they are first obtained from the plant. Contact of external air, exposure, evaporation, and consequent effects are the causes of deterioration. No special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration. - Evidence of RAO SAHIB PRANSHANKAR, Brahmin, Inspector of Police, Detective Branch, Bombay.


14. Out of these three, only ganja is prepared in this province especially in Ahmednagar, Sholapur, and Khandesh districts, and to a small extent in Broach, Surat, Poona, and Satara districts. 16. Bhang is not generally prepared by the people in their houses in this part of the presidency. It is said to be prepared from wild hemp in Central and North-Western Provinces, the Punjab, Madras and Bengal, and also from the cultivated plant in some parts of these presidencies. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, although the narcotic principle is not developed to the same extent everywhere ; ganja and charas are not known to be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Yes ; all of them deteriorate by keeping. They lose a good deal of their effect in time. With ordinary care they keep good for two years. The causes of deterioration seem to be decomposition of the resinous principle and evaporation of the volatile oil which is said to be one of the active ingredients of ganja and bhang. I think deterioration can be prevented by keeping the drugs well protected from air and moisture. It is probable that charas being the active principle of the plant may keep longer than either bhang or ganja - Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City.


14. (a) Ganja is largely prepared in the Sholapur, Poona, Satara and Nusseerabad. (c) Bhang is prepared in Ahmednagar, Sholapur, Poona and Surat. 18. All these three drugs deteriorate by keeping. In the course of one year they lose nearly half their power, and in the course of about four years they deteriorate completely. These drugs contain a resin and a volatile oil, which are their active narcotic constituents. The resin gets inert by exposure, and the volatile oil evaporates. I believe these are the causes of deterioration.  - Evidence of BHALCHANDRA KRISHNA BHATAVADEKAR, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Bombay.


15. Bhang or ganja is mixed with tobacco and chewed also ; from bhang a preparation is made called majum. A cooling drink is prepared from bhang called thandai, and charas is used for smoking. 16. Bhang is not generally prepared in the house.  - Evidence of ISMAIL JAN MOHOMED, Khoja, Physician, Bombay.


14. (a) Ganja is prepared and (c) bhang is prepared in Bhatta in the Surat district, and Dewa and Devi in the Broach district. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They lose some of their narcotic properties. In time they quite lose their narcotic effects. Ganja will keep good for about two years, and bhang for one year, with ordinary care. I attribute deterioration to the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere.  - Evidence of UTTAMRAM JEEWANRAM, ITCHAPOORIA, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat.


15. I do not know whether different methods are adopted for preparing ganja, bhang, and charas from (a) the cultivated (b) and the wild plant for (A) smoking, (B) eating, and (C) drinking. 16. Hemp plant does not grow in the compounds of houses, and if at all any plant grows, bhang of that plant, if prepared, is not fit for drinking. Bhang cannot be prepared from the plant wherever grown. Ganja and charas are not prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja and bhang deteriorate by keeping, and after one or two years they lose their narcotic effect and become quite useless. Ganja and bhang will keep good for two years, if stored air-tight, in a hot place. After two years, although kept in the above manner, they deteriorate. The causes of deterioration—(1) keeping for a long time, (2) absorption of moisture from the atmosphere, (3) insects germinating inside, (4) exposure. - Evidence of KESHOWRAM HARIDAT, Chcepooria, Audesh Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya) , Render, Surat and Bombay.


18. Hemp drugs do deteriorate by keeping, and in time they lose their effect. Bhang may be kept good for one year with care. I think the cause of deterioration to be exposure to air for a prolonged period. As far as I know, it is not possible to prevent deterioration taking place. - Evidence of MR. PURBHURAM JEEWANRAM, Nagar Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay.


14. I know that ganja and bhang are prepared in the Bombay presidency. Ganja is prepared in the Ahmednagar and Satara districts, and bhang in the Surat and Broach districts. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang do deteriorate by keeping ; they would quite lose their narcotic properties in time. Ganja with care will keep good for one year ; the second year it will lose some of its properties ; the third year it will lose more of its properties; and the fourth year it will be useless for sale. This statement holds good in the case of charas and bhang also. I attribute the main cause of deterioration to humidity and damp. I always used a store-room with only one door and no windows. The store-room was paved with stone, on the flooring I placed old gunny bags, and on the bags I stored the bales of ganja and bhang unopened, in the condition in which they were received from the districts. The bales were stacked one above the other. Charas I kept in the packages in the condition in which they were received, storing the packages on planks. When a package was opened, the contents were at once removed and placed in a tin-lined box. Rats are very partial to hemp seed, and they must be kept out of the store-room or they will destroy the ganja.  - Evidence Of VITHALDAS PRANJIWANDASS, Bhunksali Landlord and Trader, late Intoxicating Drugs Farmer, Bombay.


14. Yes; the product of ganja is prepared and merely chur or round ganja is sometimes sold under the name of bhang. But real bhang known as putti is not grown or prepared in this district. Ganja is prepared where it is cultivated. The average yield per acre is given as about 18 or 20 country maunds or 520 lb. 15. The first process of preparing ganja is to cut off the tops of the plants with a bill book and to throw them into receptacles placed ready, and to remove the leaves and small buds immediately below the top. The whole crop thus collected is carried to a place prepared for the purpose, and arranged in heaps and exposed to sun to dry. It is then trodden under foot by men. When crushed, it is turned over, and the underside is exposed to the sun and then again trodden ; the process being repeated about five times a day for four . days. The next process is that of winnowing, which removes loose leaves and dust which are laid aside for use as manure. The ganja is thus finally prepared for smoking. 16. Yes, it is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant sown with care. Simply charas is prepared from the wild hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Yes; they do deteriorate by keeping. Ganja and bhang get stale and the rats spoil them. They do lose their effect in time. It keeps good for six months only with ordinary care. The causes of deterioration are that the tops get stale and rotten. They lose their active principle as well as the rats spoil them. Nothing but due care must be taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA. KOTIIAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District.


14. Ganja and bhang. In the Jalgaon taluka to a small extent. 15.Cultivated hemp plant is used for smoking, eating and drinking, and prepared in the following methods :— For smoking.—The flowering top of the plant is rubbed on hand and repeatedly washed with water, and then mixed with tobacco and smoked in the pipe. For eating.—The pounded leaves are eaten without any admixture ; but in rare cases sugar is mixed in it. Also sweet cakes are prepared from the decoction of the leaves called majum or yakuti. For drinking.—The dry leaves of the plant are usually used for drinking purposes, They are reduced into paste and then mixed with water, and the solution thus prepared is strained through a cloth more than once, and when thus prepared, it is used for drinking. The preparation is made strong or mild as required. 18. They do deteriorate, but do not quite lose their effects. They keep good for not more than a year. Weather causes deterioration. I cannot suggest any measures to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR GOVINDRAO RAMCHANDRA GARUD, Pleader Dhulia, Khandesh.


14. No. 18. Ganja and bhang (don't know about charas) deteriorate by keeping long. Yes, it loses in quality in time. With ordinary care it will be kept good for about a year. The special measures to keep it from deterioration consist in exposing it to air and not allowing it to have any contact with dampness or water. (1) Statistical return for the year 1892-93 showing the revenue of the whole district of Belgaum :— TALUKAS. Rs. 1 Cantonment of Belgaum 355 1 Town of Belgaum    800 1 Taluka Chikodi 895 1 Athani 210 1 Gokak 315 1 Parasgad 160 1 Sampgaum 790 1 Khanapur 390 3,905 (2) The revenue of the year 1893-94, Rs. 3,687.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.


14. Refer to the answer to the question 7. 15. As there is no wild ganja in this district, no difference between the processes of preparation of wild and cultivated ganja can be given. The process of preparing the latter is as follows : — Three different parts, viz., (1) the tops of the twigs, (2) the twigs, cut off, and (3) the nakhi ganja taken out of the twigs of the hemp plant are separated and heaped apart from each other. These heaps are heated in the sun for an hour. They are afterwards trampled under foot. They are turned over and again exposed to the heat of the sun and trampled. This process is repeated for three days, and the ganja gets ready. Nakhi ganja is reduced to chur, and the other two kinds get flat. The ganja thus prepared is used in this district for smoking only. 16. Bhang is not prepared by people in their houses. There is no wild ganja in this district, so we do not know whether bhang, ganja or charas is ever produced from the wild hemp. 18. Charas is not prepared in this district. Ganja deteriorates by keeping for one year after its preparation, whether ordinary care be taken or not. I am not aware of any measures to prevent deterioration. It quite loses its intoxicating properties after keeping for one year.  - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh.


14. The only product prepared in Bijapur and Jat is ganja broken and flat. Bhang as defined by Dr. Prain is not produced in Bijapur. There is nowhere a demand for it in the six collectorates I am writing about, and I have satisfied myself in more districts than one by personally enquiring at the retail shops that bhang as defined by Dr. Prain is never sold in these parts. The " chur," broken stuff, which sometimes passes under that name and which is used in the preparation of drinks, answers to the description of broken ganja and is sent herewith as a sample. What is, however, bought as bhang by consumers is simply " chur " or broken ganja. The process beginning with the reaping of the crop to its final stage, when marketable ganja is produced, may be briefly described as follows :— There being no wild hemp in any of these six districts, my account refers to the cultivated hemp from which ganja is produced. The female plants commence to flower about the beginning of January ; the more advanced among them bear flowers a little earlier. It is, however, about the middle of January when the ganja flowers attain maturity, a proof of which is to be found in the change of colour from green to brown and from the dropping of the leaves. The cultivator at this stage sells the standing crop or himself cuts it and manufactures ganja. Cutting is generally done in the morning. The crop is not cut down all at once. The most matured plants are selected, and the tops (ends) of the flowery branches are cut with a sickle. Those that remain below are plucked by hand. When the flowered twigs are thus separated from the plants, they are carried to the place, at no great distance, intended for treading. The place is somewhat hardened and cowdunged. Over this ground they spread dry leaves of the same plant all over. The flowered twigs are then placed in layers in square forms. This is done in the morning. In the afternoon, at about one o'clock, the men, after meal, return to the place, and then three to four among themselves are set treading and tramping over each square about 10 × 10 feet and about six inches deep. This process continues for about three or four hours, the twigs being turned up and down at intervals. The stalks and the withered leaves are then removed. They leave the twigs on the same ground the whole night, unless they think it will rain at night. The process of treading is thus repeated for four days successively, and when the fifth turn is over the process is complete, when the flowers assume a flat shape. The stamping and treading is done with a view to force the small stipules and flowers to adhere to each other and form one mass. The resinous exudation on the ganja enables the flowers to form into one mass very effectually. In Bijapur only flat ganja is manufactured and no other kind. The chur or broken ganja is not, however, the product of any particular or special preparation, but the result of the process of treading and trampling. When it is going on, portions of the flowers drop down broken, and such parts of it as cannot be pressed on the spikes and made to stick thereto are collected and packed separately. This is chur or broken ganja, which passes here under the name of bhang. "he chur or broken ganja may also be said to be the powder or residue which is naturally accumulated at the bottom of ganja bags during conveyance. I visited the place of manufacture at Bijapur on the 16th and 17th of the current mouth. When I visited the place, it was about 2 o'clock, and the process of treading and trampling the ganja flowers was going on. The process is continued in the sun and not in the shade. The preparation of ganja for smoking does not require a detailed explanation. A few ganja pods are soaked in cold water for a few minutes. It they find any stalks or seeds, they separate them from the ganja. The pods thus soaked are placed on the left palm and rubbed hard with the right thumb, pouring water constantly. The consumers then squeeze out the stuff and mix ordinary tobacco with it, and put the mixture in the pipe and light it up. In case of the drug being used for drinking and eating, the pods are, as in the first instance, separated from all the impurities by soaking them in water, and then their extract is used in liquids or sweetmeats according to the taste of the consumers. 16. I have in some places in the Dharwar district seen hemp plants in private compounds. They can't be said to have grown wild, and if they are specially reared, it must be with special purpose. 18. Both flat and broken ganja lose their aroma as well as their effect by long keeping. In the moist climate it loses its effect in the course of about two years almost entirely. If kept in a closed packet it may last in a damp climate for a year or a year and a half. In a dry climate like that of Bijapur it may last for two or three years. Exposure seems to me to be one of the principal causes of deterioration, and I can suggest no measures to prevent it. It has been commonly observed that coloured clothes, such as turbans, do not deteriorate in Poona by exposure. In the Konkan they are packed and placed in a heap of rice so as to be beyond the reach of moisture. But this notwithstanding, the colour loses its brightness directly it is taken out for use. It also gets spoiled in a damp climate much sooner than in a dry climate. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VISHWANATH KESHAWA JOGLEKAR, Brahmin, Sowkar, Karajgi in Dharwar District.


18. I know bhang deteriorates after six months and loses half of its narcotic effect, and it quite loses its effect after one year, and becomes useless for human consumption. Dampness and humidity of climate causes bhang to deteriorate. The deterioration can only be prevented by keeping it in an earthen jar closed air-tight and to bury the said jar in the ground. Bhang will remain good for one year if kept in that manner. - Evidence of NAWALCHAND HEERACHAND, Jeweller, Bombay


14. The following products of the hemp plant are prepared in my province of Gujarat : — (a) Ganja not prepared. (b) Charas not prepared. (c) Bhang is only prepared from the hemp plant in Gujarat. Bhang is only prepared to a small extent sufficient for local consumption, out of which a little is exported froth one district to another in Gujarat by the farmers. 15. (a) Only bhang is prepared from the cultivated hemp plant for (A) nil, (B) eating, and (C) drinking in the province of Gujarat. (b) The wild hemp plant is practically unknown in Gujarat. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses for private consumption; however, some people prepare and sell bhang to customers for drinking without a license at Surat. Bhang is prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown by cultivation in Gujarat, but I am not aware of the mode of preparing ganja or chains also from the wild plant wherever grown, as its cultivation or preparation is unknown in Gujarat. Ganja is only imported from the Ahmednagar district for sale by the farmers, which consumers buy from licensed shops and prepare it for their own private consumption with the admixture of tobacco. 18. Bhang and ganja deteriorate by keeping for a long time. They do not quite lose their effect within two years. They keep good for nearly one year with ordinary care, but commence to deteriorate in their intoxicating properties gradually to the end of the second year, and become useless towards the end of the third year, when they are usually destroyed. The causes of deterioration are exposure, dampness, and long keeping ; no special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration, except keeping them in dry vessels and places for the above periods. As charas is neither imported nor allowed to be sold by the farmers or licensees in Gujarat, I am unable to answer this query with respect to that drug. - Evidence of JAMSEDJEE NASSERWANJEE GINWALLA, Shenshai Parsi, Abkari and Opium Farmer, and proprietor of cotton-ginning factories, Ankleswar.


14. In this district (Nasik) bhang and ganja are only produced. 16. Ganja and charas cannot be prepared from plants wherever grown, for the substance is spoilt if the male plants are not destroyed. 18. Bhang and ganja deteriorate by keeping. It quite loses its effect in time. With good care it may be preserved from two to three years.  - Evidence of KISAN DULICHAND, Licensed Vendor of Ganja, Nasik


14. Yes; only bhang is prepared from the hemp plant in the province of Gujarat, i.e., in the Surat, Broach and Kaira districts. In Northern India, Sind and the Deccan ganja is produced from the hemp plant. So far as I know, charas is made at Yarkand and North Afghanistan. The extent of the cultivation of hemp plant for bhang only in Surat is about 30 bighas, yielding about 300 maunds of bhang. 15. From the cultivated hemp plant the following two articles are made in the province of Sind : — Bhang, which is of two kinds, (1) bhang khuti, and (2) bhang ghumdini. Bhang khuti is the compound of leaves with seeds mixed together. This is commonly used for making majum (bhang sweetmeat) and bhang ghi to be eaten. Bhang ghumdini is the topmost branch of the plant with leaves and seeds sticking to it, and used for drinking after it is well pounded and mixed with water. This is also done in Gujarat. Ganja is known here to be of three kinds— (1) flat or chapat, (2) round or ghundi, or bandi kali, and (3) chur or broken. This is used for smoking. I have read in books and heard how charas is made in Yarkand, etc. It is also used for smoking. 16. Bhang is prepared by the people in their houses. It is also sold in liquid or dry state in the bazar. It can be prepared from the plant wherever it grows. Yes ; ganja can also be so prepared, but not charas, the preparation of which is peculiar, and I will describe it, if required, orally. 18. Yes; all three drugs deteriorate by keeping them over a year after the crop is cut or gathered. It loses its effect by time. With ordinary care it keeps for a year or two. The atmospherical changes and exposure deteriorate the effects of the drug. If after the crop is cut and dried, it is kept in hermetically sealed tin cases, it is likely to retain its effects for a longer period.  - Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.


14. No. Ganja and bhang come from the Satara district, especially from a town named Lengre. Charas is never sold in the bazar, and scarcely any man knows it. 15. Preparations for eating and drinking :— Rough majum.—Ganja cleaned and dried on fire is powdered and strained through cloth. The powder is then put in a strong (pakka) syrup prepare of refined sugar or raw sugar while on fire. The mixture is immediately poured on a smooth board greased with ghee, and when it cools, it is cut into small slices for use. This majum was formerly sold under license, but latterly from about ten years it is not sold in the bazar. Refined majum.—Ganja, washed perfectly clean by rubbing with hands in water, is boiled in water. When the water assumes green colour, butter in the proportion of one-half kacha seer to half a seer of ganja is put in the boiling water. When a thick green cream is seen on the surface, the pot is removed from fire, and its contents are strained through a rough woollen cloth so as the strained water containing the essence of ganja mixed with butter would fall into the basin of cold water. When the water cools, a thick solid cream formed on the surface in the basin is carefully removed and the water thrown away. Then a pakka syrup of kacha 6 seers of good sugar is prepared, in which half a nutmeg, 1/4 tola of mace, 1/4 tola of saffron, 1/2 tola of almonds, 4 or 5 cloves, all powdered together are put together with the cream of ganja, and the whole is poured on a smooth board and slices cut as above stated. Habitual eaters take about a tola of this majum for a dose. Dudhia.—Bhang is cleaned and washed clean as above stated, and then pounded with water till it becomes very fine. The lump is then mixed with milk in the proportion of 2 tolas of the former to 4 kacha seers of the latter, and about a kacha seer of sugar is added to the whole. The above spices and dried grapes are also put in the mixture, which is then poured from a height of about 5 feet into a pot placed on the flour. This operation of pouring continues till the fluid becomes so sticky as to form one single thread from the upper pot to the lower. The more the fluid is sticky, the better is its narcotic quality and flavour. An expert drinker of dudhia can drink about two kacha seers of it at a time. Poor people mix milk and water in equal quantity or use water alone for preparing this beverage. Some people swallow the lump of the bhang mixed with raw sugar or even alone, and some mix bhang with vegetables and flesh at the time of cooking. Bhang powder mixed with bread or husk is given to cattle which have become lean. This medicine makes them healthy. 18. It keeps good for one year; after that it loses half its property and causes cough if smoked. It becomes totally useless after three years. The cause of deterioration seems to be the dampness of the climate. In dry climate it is said to continue undeteriorated for a longer time.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VENKAT RANGO KATTI, Pensioner, Dharwar.


14. In our province ganja, charas and bhang are prepared in places enumerated in answer No. 7 to meet the requirements of the consumers in the Central and Southern Divisions. 15. The wild plant is nowhere grown in our province, therefore no description of the products therefrom can be given. I describe the methods of the preparation of the three products of the cultivated hemp plant. When the plants are full-grown and wide-spread, the tassels shoot out at the top; resinous or sticky substance is found over the stems and the tassels when the ganja is said to have been ripe and the harvesting season approached. Then the tassels are cut or nipped off. The resinous matter which comes in contact with the fingers while cutting or nipping off the tassels is rubbed against an edged thing, and when the matter is sufficiently thick it is collected and formed into small pills. These pills are called charas. The length of the tassels (or ears) varies in length from two to eight inches. The tassels so removed from the plants are spread over a matting in three layers, one over the other, and covered by another matting, and they are trodden. The tassels stick to one another. The upper matting is then taken away, and the tassels are exposed to open air till they are dried and then deposited in a place. This is called ganja. Pieces of ganja tassels or powder found lying underneath the tassels trodden under foot and also at the time of packing up are called bhang. In North Hindustan, towards Benares, the bhang-producing plants are said to be of quite a different kind from the hemp plants known here. The pieces or powder of the leaves of the plants are used in smoking, eating, and drinking. The particulars as regards the preparation of the ganja, charas and bhang for the purposes of smoking, eating and drinking are given in detail in answer No. 29. 16. Bhang is not prepared generally by the people in their houses. It cannot be prepared from the wild hemp plant, because it does not yield ganja, but only seeds. Ganja or charas cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja, charas and bhang deteriorate by keeping. They quite lose their effect in course of time. With ordinary care they retain their natural properties for one year; thereafter they gradually lose them. After two years they quite lose their qualities. By exposure to wind and sun the drugs are spoiled, and by moisture and dampness they give out a bad smell. To prevent deterioration the drugs must be kept in a warm and unwindy place, and should not be exposed to open air. The use of the deteriorated ganja–is said by its consumers to be burning in the stomach.  - Evidence of GURAPPA RACHAPPA, Lengayet, Office of Shetti (Revenue and Police), Dharwar.


14. Ganja and charas are imported ; the former from Amritsar, where it is said to have been previously imported from Yarkand, Khorasan, and Thibet. The latter drug comes from Kutch . Bhang is prepared in the district, and as the average area cultivated is 164 acres, the quantity prepared may be roughly set down as 5,000 maunds. Bhang is not prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever, grown. 15. I have described the method of preparing bhang in paragraph 8 of the last chapter. The bhang, ghundyun, and seed are sold to consumers exactly in the condition in which I have despatched them. They were supplied me by the farmer for the district. Bhang in Sind is used only for drinking, while charas and ganja are smoked. Bhang is manufactured in the field; but, as before stated, the licensed farmer subsequently cleans it. 18. Bhang can be kept several years without deterioration unless attacked by insects or wetted by rain. After three or four years, however, it is said to lose its intoxicating effect.  - Evidence of MR. R. GILES, Collector, Shikarpur.


14. The plant, as already stated, is not grown in this district. 18. Bhang deteriorates after twelve months, and becomes worthless after two years. Ganja the same. Charas is said to improve by keeping, but it has to be kept so that the air may be excluded, and even so it will not retain its properties after five years. - Evidence of Mr. C. E. S. STAFFORD STEELE, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Thar and Parkar District.


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared in Sind but only bhang is used. Bhang is the leaf of the hemp plant and generally the seeds are mixed with it. In this state it is pounded in a mortar, made into liquid, and drunk. Bbang is not imported from any other province or native territory ; but whatever is raised in the province is sufficient to supply the demand of consumers. Very little of it is grown in this district. The area brought under hemp cultivation during the last three years is as follows :— A. G. 1890-91 17 6; 1891-92 20 26; 1892-93 2 29. But the demands of the district are supplied by importation of bhang from Karachi district, chiefly Bubak of Sehwan taluka. 15. I cannot give the method of the preparation of charas and ganja, as they are not manufactured in Sind. But as far as the habits of the people are concerned, charas and ganja are smoked, bhang is drunk in a liquid state, and a preparation of the bhang, called majum, is eaten. The way in which majum is prepared is as follows :—Bhang is pounded in a mortar, water is added to it and its juice is extracted by pressing it. This is again boiled and in the process of boiling sugarcandy and cardamom are put in it. This, after it is cooled, is eaten by well-to-do persons in small quantities at bed-time and also early in the morning, but the use of majum is confined to only few and rich people. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by people in their houses or tikanas and dayeras, which resemble the alehouses of Europe. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, but charas and ganja require special process for its manufacture. 18. Of course charas, ganja as well as bhang deteriorate by keeping. Bhang and ganja quite lose their effect after four years; but charas can keep up its effect for a longer time and after six or eight years it becomes useless. Lapse of time and effects of climate are the causes of deterioration. No special measures can be suggested to prevent the deterioration of these drugs.  - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR KADIRDAD KHAN GUL KHAN, C.I.E., Deputy Collector, Naushahro Sub-division.


14 (a) and (b) No. (c) Yes. For details of this district kindly see paragraph 7. I have no details for other districts in the province of  Sind. 15. The methods of the preparation of (a) ganja, (b) charas, (c) bhang, are given in Appendix B. There is no difference in the method of preparation of bhang from the cultivated and the wild plant. I do not believe there can be any difference in the preparations of charas and ganja from the cultivated and the wild plant ; but as these two preparations are not manufactured in this country, Iam not able to give my opinion. The methods of its preparations for smoking, eating and drinking are given in Appendices A and B. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever it is grown, as the process of its preparation is very simple, as given in Appendix B. I do not know whether ganja and charas can be prepared from the wild plant wherever it grows. 18. Bhang in the form of ghundis, ganja and charas keep good for two or three years if carefully kept within a building secure from weather and exposure to sun. and rain; and also from attacks of beetles and other insects. If exposed to sun, weather or rain, or attacked by insects, these drugs, especially bhang and ganja, deteriorate in the course of a year. Bhang chur or kúto deteriorates in the course of one year under all circumstances.  - Evidence of S. SADIK ALI SHERALI, Deputy Collector and First Class Magistrate, Frontier District of Upper Sind.


14. (a) and (b) No. (c) Yes, to a limited extent. 15. I cannot answer this. 16. Bhang is prepared generally by the people in their houses, but it could be prepared wherever it is grown. 18. These drugs do deteriorate within four years although kept with care. Their intoxicating properties are lost by dryage.  - Evidence of WADHUMAL CHANDIRAM, Pensioner, late Huzur Deputy Collector Karachi


14. The following preparations : — (c) The hemp plant is cultivated to a great extent in Bubak. Ganja is used in Hindustan and the Punjab, and charas is imported from Khorasan. 15. Ganja and charas are smoked. Bhang is drunk. It i s pounded and drunk. I am not aware of the methods of preparing charas and ganja. 16. Bhang is prepared anywhere in houses, otaras (inns) and tikanas (Hindu fakirs' abodes) for drinking purposes. It is prepared wherever the hemp plant is grown. But in order to make it more intoxicating it is wrapped in a cloth, covered with earth, and is heated by the fire ; after which it is pounded and drunk. But I do not know of ganja and charas being prepared from the wild plant. 18. The bhang deteriorates ; but I know nothing about ganja and charas The bhang loses its effects by delaying to use it. It deteriorates after 12 months. Its effect is weakened by time.  - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur.


14. The localities have been shown under No. 7 ;  I cannot give the exact quantities. 15. Bhang is not prepared from the wild plant in this province. As to the cultivated plant after it has obtained its usual height, it is reaped and dried in shade. The reaped plants are turned, and re-turned, to prevent their decay until they are dried. Then they are beaten; the stalks, leaves, and seeds are separated. (a) Bhang is not smoked, but ganja-smokers and other poor persons smoke it as follows:--Ghundi bhang is mixed with a little water, and made into a small ball. The ball is heated over the fire. Tobacco mixed with water is bruised, and water pressed out of it. This ball is then mixed with the above ball, and is smoked in pipe. (b). Bhang is boiled and made into a majum, and is then used for eating. Roaming fakirs eat raw bhang. (c) Dry bhang is soaked in water, washed, pounded, mixed with water, sifted and then drunk. Dried or wet bhang covered over with 4 or 5 folds of cloth is buried in hot ashes. It is left there for about half an hour. Then it is taken out and after undergoing the above process is drunk. This is called Popo. Bhang is parched on an earthen pan, and then drunk as above. 16. It is not prepared in houses. It can be prepared wherever the hemp plant is cultivated. The wild plant is not produced here, hence nothing can be said. 18. Yes; it deteriorates, i.e., it loses its intoxicating effects. It keeps good for one year, after which it gradually deteriorates. Ganja and bhang can keep good for two years. As regards charas I cannot say how long it will keep good with ordinary care. It loses its effect in time. I do not think any measures can be adopted to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector, Hyderabad, Sind


14. Only bhang is produced in Bubak, Khebor and Khairpur. 16. Bhang is used in otaras, madhis, and in houses. 18. The consumers of bhang say that it loses its intoxicating effects after twelve months. It loses its effects in time.  - Evidence of MUHAMMAD MURID, Police Inspector, Naushahro


14. Bhang only is prepared for sale to the licensed contractor. Area under cultivation sup-plied in statistical returns to Commissioner in Sind. 16. Bhang is prepared by people in their houses from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. They all deteriorate by keeping. The bhang and ganja lose their aroma and strength, and the charas its resinous properties. They keep good with ordinary care for about a year. Notwith-standing precautions taken, quantities of bhang, charas and ganja have to be destroyed by the contractor every year. (Ascertained from con-tractor and inspection of stocks in Depôt.)  - Evidence of MR. GEO. J. BARKER, Abkari Inspector, Karachi.


14. Yes. The bhang (c). Extent not known. For where, please see answer to question 7 under chapter II. 15. A.—Bhang is smoked by people used to ganja and charas when they are not able to procure either of the latter drugs. The leaves are washed thrice, then wrapped up in a wet cloth and baked in hot ashes. The leaves so prepared are mixed with tobacco and smoked. The residue of the bhang used for drinking, the ground hemp (bhang) called "jog" (locally) is smoked in place of ganja or charas. B.—Bhang is eaten also; and it is done in two ways— (a) the leaves are wetted, dried, and then pounded. When, ready, the quantity so prepared is mixed with a varying quantity of sugar, and doses are swallowed with water. (b) In the shape of majum, prepared from the bhang oil. C.—Bhang leaves used for drinking are thrashed after reaping, dried and washed thrice before grounding and admixture of essence with water. 16. The question is not very plain; but by preparation I understand preparation immediately before drinking, which is done by people at home. But if preparation refer to the earlier stage of the article's collection, then the process is gone through in the field. 18. Yes. Time affects both its effect and flavour. Bhang does not keep beyond two years. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR ALUMAL TRIKAMDAS BHOJWANI, Deputy Educational Inspector, Karachi.


16. Bhang may be prepared by the people in their houses. I fancy it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. I do not think ganja and charas can be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown.  - Evidence of DR. S. M. KAKA, Medical Officer of Health, Karachi.


14. About 4,000 maunds of bhang only are pro-duced in Bubak, taluka Sehwan. 15. The mode of cultivating bhang is shown in my answer to question 9, but the wild hemp plant does not grow here. It is neither smoked nor eaten in Sind. So I cannot give the required difference. 16. It is prepared in houses and fields and can be prepared wherever it is cultivated. I know nothing about the wild bhang. 18. I know nothing of charas and ganja, but bhang deteriorates by keeping long. It loses its effect in course of time. It keeps good for twelve months, after which it gets weak; after two years it loses all its effects. There is no special measure taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of MAKHDUM DOST MOHAMMED MAKHDUM FAZUL MOHAMMED, Zamindar, Bubak, Karachi.


14. In Sind all the three products are prepared, but bhang is prepared to a considerable extent; while ganja is prepared in small quantities, and charas in small quantities. Still bhang is prepared from the plant in all places; ghundi ganja is prepared in small quantities, but charas is not. 15. (1) Bhang.—Some persons eat raw leaves; others break the leaves in their hands and then eat them. The effects of these are equally intoxicating; but these modes are resorted to by wild people and persons addicted greatly to intoxicating drugs and they are greatly intoxicated by those processes. The ordinary process is to clear it of weeds, soak it in water, wash it well, then to pound it, mix water with it, sift it through piece of cloth, and then drink it; some drink thin, and others thick bhang. The refuse is called jog. Some poor men eat the jog in order to become intoxicated; and bhang pounded and mixed with water and thick in appearance is called pounded bhang, and bhang so prepared is then called panga. Pounded bhang mixed with water and sifted, whether thick or thin, is by Hindus called sukho. The Mussalmans also call it by the same name; some call it sai; others call it pounded plant. This is the process which is most commonly adopted. The seeds and leaves of the plant are used as medicines in many diseases. It would be tedious to enumerate all; but suffice it to say that majums (stimulating preparations) are made from it. (2) Ganja.—The ghundi ganja which is prepared in Sind is pounded and drunk in the same way as described above, and is also smoked as ganja is. Ghundis are distilled, and the essence is used as charas by some fakirs. But no charas is prepared in Sind for trade purposes. The processes given above can be distinguished. 16. Bhang is not generally prepared in houses, but if people want it they can do so in their houses, and some do so. Bhang can be prepared wherever the plant is standing. Ghundi ganja can be prepared wherever the wild plant grows, and is smoked to pass the time. But charas requires some skill to prepare it. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping long. They keep good for the first six months after harvesting and produce intoxication. In the next six months their intoxicating effects diminish; after twelve months ganja and" charas generally lose their effect, and they are not used except in rare cases. After the lapse of twelve months the intoxicating effects of bhang also diminish; but such bhang  is very willingly used by well-to-do persons. According to physicians in Sind the effects of old bhang are cooling, and it is beneficial in cases of syphilis, and old bhang is very useful in other diseases, which are produced by excessive heat. These drugs can keep good longer if they are not much exposed. There is no means of preventing deterioration. In my opinion, from experience, I should say that all the products of the soil must grow old and lose their effect by time.  - Evidence of SETH VISHINDAS NIHALCHAND, Zamindar, Merchant, and Contractor, Manjoo, Karachi.


18. All three deteriorate by keeping. No. For six months bhang keeps well, after which time it begins to deteriorate. After a year it loses its good appearance, and nearly but not all its effect. If kept well corked in a bottle or jar, it will keep good for a longer time.  -  Evidence of the REV. A. E. BALL, Missionary, Church Missionary Society, Karachi.


14. The following products are prepared from the hemp plant:— (a) No ganja is prepared. (b) No charas is prepared. ( c ) Bhang is prepared. Bhang is produced in Khebar and Mehar, taluka Halla, zilla Hyderabad, and in Bubak, taluka Sehwan, zilla Karachi, to the extent of about 3,000 maunds. 15. The wild plant does not grow here at all ; hence I cannot give any particulars regarding preparations from it for smoking, eating or drinking purposes. As regards the cultivated plant— (A) It is not smoked; but ghundi bhang is often smoked as ganja along with tobacco. (B) Bhang is not eaten; but awad hut fakirs powder leaves in their hands and eat them raw. Majum is also made from bhang. It is first boiled in water. The water is sifted and mixed with sugar, after which it dries into a solid mass. It is then cut into small pieces and sold.
(C) The plant is reaped, dried, and beaten. The leaves, seeds and stalks are then separated. Leaves and seeds are used in drinking generally. 16. Bhang is not prepared in houses, but is prepared where the plant grows. Ganja and charas are not prepared in this province, only ghundi ganja is prepared. 18. All the three drugs deteriorate by keeping. They lose their effects in time. With ordinary care these drugs do keep good for two or three years, after which they lose their intoxicating effects, notwithstanding all possible care. The causes are the natural decay of all things produced from earth. No special means are adopted to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of MAHOMED LAIK, Mukhtarkar of Hyderabad.


14. (a) and (b) No. (c) Yes. About 3,000 maunds of bhang in the Karachi district ; about 500 maunds in the Hyderabad district. About the Shikarpur district I do not know. 15. Vide answer to question No. 9. Bhang is only drunk. Very few persons when they cannot get charas and ganja smoke the dried flowering top of the hemp plant grown in Sind for use as bhang with tobacco. In some exceptional cases the tops are eaten also. 16. (a) No. Generally by the cultivators in their fields. (b) Yes. (c) We import ganja and charas into Sind from other places, and therefore we have no information about its production. 18. Bhang will not deteriorate by keeping for three years if proper care is taken and exposure prevented ; charas for two years, and ganja for three years.  - Evidence of PRIBHDAS SHEWAKRAM ADVANI Secretary, Band of Hope, Hyderabad, Sind.


14. Bhang and hemp seeds are prepared from the hemp plant in the fields where it grows. 15. The cultivated plant is cut, dried and beaten, when the leaves and seeds are separated. The leaves and seeds are made into bhang drink. (A) Aghoris (i.e., persons very much addicted to the use of drugs), who are in the habit of smoking ganja, smoke bhang instead, as ganja, if they cannot get ganja at the proper time. (B) Excessive bhang drinkers eat raw leaves if they cannot get Chang drink at the proper time. (C) Bhang drink is made in the following way. It is first cleared of weeds, soaked in water in a vessel, washed and pounded in a mortar with a pestle, and made into balls. Water is then mixed with it. After which it is sifted through a piece of cloth and drunk. Ganja and charas are mixed with tobacco, and then smoked. 16. Yes. It is prepared and kept in tikanas and madhis for free distribution. Yes, it can be prepared. 18. Yes, chaias, ganja and Chang retain their intoxicating effects for twelve months, after which period they lose their effect by degrees, and quite deteriorate after the lapse of three years. But bhang and ganja, if kept in bags, will not lose their effects for three years. If charas is allowed to remain in the original bags in which it is imported, it will not lose effect for two years ; but if transferred to other bags and exposed, it will commence to deteriorate after twelve months, because the original bags in which it is imported are made of double leather. There is probability of bhang and ganja deteriorating, as it is grown from earth, and, like corn, it will lose its effect as time passes. There are no means to prevent deterioration. -  Evidence of PESUMAL NARUMAL, Farmer and Merchant, Hyderabad, Sind.


14. Nothing else  is  prepared from bhang in Sind, except majum. 16. Bhang alone can be prepared from the plant, wherever it is cultivated, but ganja and charas are not prepared. 18. All these three drugs deteriorate by keeping long. The effects are weakened by time. They can be kept good for twelve months. They deteriorate by exposure. No especial measures are taken to prevent deterioration. - Evidence of AHRUMOL PRITAMDAS, Farmer of Bhang, Charas, Ganja and Opium, Karachi.


14. Nothing  else is   made  from  bhang  except majum-- vide question 7, chapter II. 18. These drugs deteriorate by keeping  them long. They lose their effects if kept long. They can keep good for twelve months. These drugs deteriorate by exposure. No special measures are taken to prevent deterioration.  -  Evidence of MANGHANMAL ALUMAL, Bhang, Ganja and Charas, and Opium farmer, Karachi.


14. (a) and (b) No. (c) Yes. It is cultivated only in Hyderabad and Karachi districts, and about 3,500 are raised. 15. The wild plant does not at all grow here, so I cannot say anything about its preparation, drinking or smoking, but the following particulars are given about the cultivated plant :-(A)Bhang is not ordinarily smoked, but some persons smoke ghundis mixed with tobacco as ganja. (B)Bhang is not ordinarily eaten raw, but in exceptional cases awadhoot fakirs powder the dry leaves in their hands, and eat them raw in order to get more intoxication. Majum is also made from the dry leaves of bhang. The leaves are boiled and mixed with sugar. (C)The plant is reaped and dried, after which it is beaten, and the leaves and stalks are separated. The stalks are thrown away, and the leaves and seeds are kept for drinking. 16. No ; people do not cultivate the hemp plant in their houses. Yes ; it can be prepared. I know nothing about these (ganja and charas). 18. The intoxicating effects of ganja are lessened after the lapse of three years, those of charas after the expiry of two years, and those of bhang after the lapse of three years. After twelve months it changes its colour. Yes ; they lose their intoxicating effects in time. They can keep good for two or three years. They deteriorate if kept for a long time, for they are products of soil. I believe there are no measures which can prevent their deterioration.  - Evidence of DAYARAM KISHUNCHAND, Bhang, Charas and Ganja, and Opium Farmer, Hyderabad.


14. Ganja and charas are not prepared, but bhang is cultivated, and this is extensively used by people here. 15. Charas is made from the flowers of the hemp plant and ganja from its leaves. Charas and ganja are smoked; bhang is pounded, mixed with water and then drunk. Such a practice prevails in this province. 16. There is no special mode of preparing bhang.
The plants are cut and dried wherever they grow, and bhang is prepared from them. But ganja and charas are prepared from hemp plant, where it grows or in any other place. 18. These drugs do not deteriorate if properly taken care of. They can keep good for ten years with ordinary care, but soon get spoiled by water - Evidence of DIN MAHOMED, Contractor, Shikarpur.


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared here, but charas is not manufactured here. Bhang is used for drinking purposes as beverage, and ganja is used for smoking. 15. The  compressed flower tops of leaves are washed with cold water and a little tobacco is added to it and used for smoking. Ganja leaves devoid of flower tops and seeds are pounded with rich spice (such as cardamoms, nutmegs, cloves, saffron, sugar, black pepper) and drunk as beverage in summer. This preparation is called bhang. 16. Bhang is generally  prepared by the wellto-do people in their houses. Hemp grown everywhere may be used. for the preparation of bhang. Charas is prepared from ganja plants. 18. Generally ganja does not last more than a year. Bhang should be prepared and taken at once. Charas lasts for four years. Ganja should be ærated, but not exposed to sun or rain.  - Evidence of C. SHAM RAO, Attachè to the Resident at Hyderabad, now at Pusad, Basim District


14. The hemp plant products, viz., ganja and bhang, alone are prepared in villages of the Mulkapur taluk, mentioned in answer to question No. 7. The figures for the extent of the produce are not available. 15. The following are the methods of preparation of hemp plant for— A. Smoking.—The flowered and budded portion of the hemp plant, which is called ganja, is separated from stems and seed, if any. The same is then taken on the palm of the left hand and then mixed with water by rubbing it with the right hand thumb. After it is properly cleansed a little quantity of tobacco is mixed with it. The preparation is then smoked in chillum. Ganja is not used for eating or drinking purposes. B. Eating. —Bhang, i.e., the leaves of the hemp plant, are separated from the stock and dried. The dried mass is cleansed with water and fried in ghee. It is then pounded and mixed with sugar before it is eaten. A kind of sweetmeat is also prepared from bhang. The leaves of the plant are soaked in water and then pounded. The green coloured juice obtained from them is put into boiled sugar. This preparation, when cooled, is formed into small cakes, which are called majum wadis. They are generally eaten by Muhammadans at the Muharram festival. Another kind of sweetmeat called yakuti is prepared from bhang in the same way as majum, with this difference that in preparing yakuti bhang massala consisting of cardamom, aniseed, nutmegs, almonds, saffron, etc., are mixed with boiled sugar, while the majum preparation does not require these ingredients. Yakuti is generally used by the rich. C. Drinking.—The dried leaves of the hemp plant are first cleansed with water. Pepper, dry buds of rose, poppy-seed, aniseed and cardamoms, etc., are mixed with it. The preparation is then pounded and mixed with water, to it milk and sugar are added, and the whole becomes a good cooling drink in hot weather. The drink is called a ghota. 16. The bhang drink is prepared by people in their own houses. But the bhang produce is prepared only by the cultivator in fields where the plant is grown, or on threshing floor ground. 18. Ganja and bhang do not deteriorate by keeping for a period of about twelve months, after which they do. After a couple of years, ganja and bhang quite lose their effect. -With ordinary care they are said to keep good for about a year. The cause of their deterioration is said to be their exposure to heat or moisture ; to prevent deterioration they should be kept in underground cells. - Evidence of KRISHNARA0 HARI, Officiatiny Extra Assistant Commissioner, Buldana


14. Ganja and bhang are the only two products prepared in Berar. But I can't give the locality nor the extent. 16.Yes ; bhang  can be and is generally prepared by the people in their houses. Yes ; bhang can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown, also ganja. But I don't know about charas. 18. Ganja and bhang do not deteriorate for two years or so, but lose their effect entirely afterwards. I can't give any cause for deterioration. I don't Know any special measures. - Evidence of A BARAO JAUROO, Maratha, Karbhari Patel and Special Magistrate, Khamgaon, Akola District


14. (a) Yes. (b)No. (c)No, not specially. In the Akola and Amraoti districts. 15. Ganja is made by picking off the flowering tops of the plants ; placing them in small bundles on the threshing floor, and driving bullocks round and round over them to be trodden flat. A.Ganja is prepared for smoking by pickingoff the buds from the stock, triturating them in the palm of the hand with water and pressing out the water. This process is repeated till the water runs clear ; the resinous substance left is then mixed with tobacco and smoked in an ordinary country pipe (chillum). B. Bhang is prepared by the leaves being washed, dried on a fire in an earthen pan, triturated and mixed with black pepper, spices, etc. according to taste or means ; and, a quantity of this being taken into the month, is washed (IMAM or swallowed with water. C.For drinking it is washed, then finely ground, then mixed with water or milk, strained, and the fluid is mixed with sugar, spices, etc. 16. No, bhang is not prepared specially in this province, but the small leaves which fall from the dried buds are sold as bhang. Actually it is chura and not bhang. It can be prepared from the plant wherever grown. Cannot say if ganja and charas can be prepared from the wild plant. 18. Ganja and bhang, if kept quite dry, will keep for two or three years ; after which it becomes mildewed and useless. It is said that no measures will suffice to keep it good for more than three years. - Evidence of MR. A. ARDAGH, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Ellichpur.


14. (a) Yes. (b) and (c) No. In Amraoti and Akola zillas ; extent cannot say. 15. No knowledge of wild plant. (a) Cultivated ganja for smoking is only prepared in this province by picking off buds from hemp trees and being trodden under bullocks' feet to make them flat, afterwards taking a bud and washing by rubbing under palm of hand with a finger and mixing with tobacco. (b) Ganja is not eaten, but smoked in this province. (c) Chur, called bhang, is drunk or eaten : first it is washed, then ground on stones, strained and mixed with massala, milk or simple cold water, in this province ; and elsewhere eaten by baking and mixing with sugar and ghee. This is called " majum." 16. It is not prepared in the houses, but purchased from bazar and prepared to drink or eat. Yes, it can be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown.
18. Yes, if they are kept in damp places. They lose effects in about a year. If kept with care, last for two years at the most. Dampness is the cause of deterioration. Require to be kept in dry places and turned over and over. - Evidence of MR. J. C. WATCHA, Excise Inspector, Ellichpur


14. Neither ganja nor charas is prepared in this taluk : only bhang is prepared. 15.Ganja is imported from Khandwa. The substance which remains after the hemp plant has been trodden under foot is called bhang, and it is used for drinking purposes. The flowering tops of the hemp plant are cleaned two or three times with water, and after the water is extracted therefrom it is dried on pressing it in cloth ; then this whole substance is mixed with tobacco and smoked in a chillum. This substance is called ganja. Nobody can say as to whether the jungli or cultivated ganja is used for any of these preparations. Bhang is used for preparing ghatta, and the method of preparing it is that the leaves, etc., are kept in water till they become tender, After they are taken out of the water they are made to powder on a stone along with other perfumery articles, and this whole substance is filtered and drunk. This is called bhang. Some people take this with sugar and milk ; every one can prepare this at his own house. 16. Yes, the people buy the particular sort of ganja from the market and prepare bhang at their houses. Where there are plants of ganja, bhang can also be prepared of the leaves therefrom; but the custom of such preparation is not in this taluk. Best ganja cannot be had from jungli ganja plants. Such plants may be used for preparing bhang. Some people who had been to Haridwar say that the jungli ganja grows there. 18. Any of these drugs does not deteriorate by keeping, but if it is kept for a long time the intoxicative power of them becomes weak. The limit of keeping these drugs is nearly two years. After this period the intoxicative power of these drugs becomes weak. If they are kept with care they remain in power for three. or four years. Nobody can state what special measures can be taken to prevent deterioration, because every year ganja is imported from Khandwa. The countries in which the ganja is cultivated the people there sell it after one year. From this it seems that ganja can remain in good condition with ordinary care for five or six years, but if it is kept everywhere it deteriorates and gives a bad smell.  - Evidence of WAMAN GANESH, Tahsildar, Wun.


14. Ganja is imported in this taluk from other provinces, as there is no cultivation of it here. 15. The ganja which is imported in this taluk is used for the following purposes :— (1)For smoking, (2)For eating. (3)For drinking. (1)The flowering tops are used for smoking. It is first cleaned in water and after the water being extracted therefrom, the substance remaining is mixed with little quantity of tobacco and smoked in chillums. (2)The substance which remains from hemp plants after being trodden under foot is used for this purpose. It is first cleaned with water and after the water being extracted therefrom, it is fried, and mixing it with sugar and other perfumery articles, the same is made to powder, which is used for eating purposes. (3)The substance above described is used also for this purpose. The ganja is first cleaned with water and kept therein till it becomes tender. It is then made to powder on a stone and mixing it with water, sugar, and milk, etc., the whole substance is filtered and drunk. 16.The bhang is not prepared generally by the middle class people in their houses. They do not know how to prepare it. They have no knowledge of the hemp plant. They never prepare charas. 18. Any of these drugs, i. e., ganja and bhang, can keep its effect for about one year, after this period it has no effect. Charas is not known in this taluk.  - Evidence of VICKOOJI NARAIN, Tahsildar, Kathapur.


14. There is no plantation of the hemp plant in this taluk, and. hence the ganja and bhang are not prepared from this plant. These are always imported from Malwa vid Khandwa. The flowering tops and tender branches of the hemp plant are called ganja, while the remaining substance is called bhang. Charas is not known in this taluk. 15. Ran ganja is not found in this taluk. The following articles are prepared from the hemp drugs plants :— (A) Ganja for smoking ; (B) Majum, yakuti, for eating ; (C) Ghota for drinking. (A) The ganja should be cleaned and then washed seven times in water, and after the water has been extracted therefrom the ganja is mixed with an equal quantity of tobacco and smoked in
(B) The ganja is boiled along with water in a pot, and after it is dried it is mixed with an equal quantity of ghi and then boiled and put into a small gunny bag, and the bag with its contents being twisted with the assistance of ropes, the substance extracted therefrom is kept in a " parat," and. after it has been mixed with sugar, small pieces are made of it, which is called majum. The essence of the pure ganja should be extracted and mixed with a little quantity of the juice of jowri roots, dhatura seeds, kuchala, and aconite, and the whole being mixed with sugar, saffron, and other perfuming substances, it is called yakuti. (C) The bhang being cleaned and made into powder and mixed with poppy heads, pepper, rose buds, etc., the mixture is called ghota. Some people add. milk to this. 16. Ghota is prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared. from the hemp plant wherever it grows. Ran ganja is not cultivated. in this taluk, and. hence the other substances, charas and. bhang, cannot be prepared. 18. Yes ; it does lose its effect by keeping for a long time. It can be kept with ordinary care for two years. It deteriorates by dampness. It must be kept in Sindhi mats, etc., and care should be taken against damp air to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of VINAYAK APPAJI KAUR, Brahmin, Officiating Tahsildar, Darwa, Wun District.


4. The following products are prepared in my province :— (a) Ganja ; (c) Bhang. For the answer of the latter part of the question, vide answer to question No. 9, chapter 2. 15. As it is not known that ganja and bhang are produced from the wild plant, so the distinction between the methods of preparation from the cultivated and the wild plant cannot be made. The following is the method of preparing the above products : When the hemp crop is ready to be reaped, cultivators cut off buds with leaves. They heap the buds with leaves on the surface of the earth and tread them under foot. The leaves form bhang, and buds ganja. Buds are put in the water and after a few minutes they are taken out and cleared of the dirt they contain. Thus they are prepared for smoking. The leaves are reduced to powder, and the powder thus made is used for eating and drinking. 16. Bhang is not generally prepared by the people in their houses. It call be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. Ganja cannot be prepared from the wild plant wherever grown. 18. The drugs (ganja and bhang) do deteriorate by keeping. They quite lose their effects in time. They do not keep good more than two years with ordinary care. I don't know the causes of deterioration. To prevent deterioration they should not be affected from moisture and rats. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.


16. Yes. 18. Yes, they deteriorate and lose their effect. For nearly two years. The causes of deterioration in my opinion are exposure to air and on account of the volatile nature of the resinous substance adhering to it. The measures for prevention of deterioration should be its packing in hermetically sealed tins as is done for bird's-eye tobacco. Such tins being opened at the time of using.  - Evidence of G. V. KOT, Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Amraoti.


16. Yes ; bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses from the ganja leaves, and it can be prepared from hemp plant leaves wherever grown, but the quality differs according to the quality of the ganja. I have not met a man who has seen charm prepared in this district.  - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMA.D SALAMULLA KHA.N, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District


14.Yes. Bhang and ganja. They are generally prepared. by the consumers. People addicted to the use of bhang prepare it in their houses, The same is the case with ganja, except that sometimes the ganja .contractor prepares it for his customers. 15. Bhang— Take the leaves, put them in a copper pot and boil them well to increase their intoxicating power. Then throw away the water, and thoroughly dry the leaves. Of these take a few, pound them well and mix with them pepper, kasni, dried rose buds, cucumber seeds, almonds, and sod. Pound this mixture again and strain it. Throw away the deposit, and take the strained watery substance, and add to it milk and sugar, and then it is ready for being drunk. This is about cultivated bhang. I know nothing about wild bhang. Ganja — Take well-dried flower tops, and steep them in water for about half an hour and then rub them on the palm of the hand until they become sticky. Then mix tobacco with them and they are ready to be smoked. Bhang mixed with sweetmeat is eaten and is called majun. At one time it was much prepared at Balapore in Akola district and was known as gulab chakadior devalal. Ganja is never eaten and bhang never smoked. 16.(a) and (b) Yes. (c) No, probably not, as in the wild state male plant would not be eliminated. 18. I know nothing about the charas, but bhang and ganja spoil by keeping long, and lose their effect. Bhang and ganja, if properly looked after, will keep well for about two years. Damp ruins ganja. Protect it from damp. - Evidence of G. S. KHAPERDE, Brahmin, Pleader, Amraoli.


14. (a Yes. (b) No. (c) Yes. The preparation is made by the cultivators of the plant in those districts in which it is cultivated. The process is as follows :— After reaping, the small shoots of the plant are cut off and left to dry for two or three weeks in the field and are then trampled upon until the larger leaves are eliminated, leaving the flowering top and small leaves. These are then sold to persons holding licenses or to traders holding special passes, either by weighment or pullies. 15. The wild plant is only used. as incense in houses to drive away evil spirits and the effects resulting from an evil eye, from which specially children are said to suffer. The methods of preparation of the cultivated plant are — (A) For smoking the flowering tops are rubbed with water and well washed with water until they are clean; when they are ready to be put into the chillum, it is mixed with a little (half to quarter the weight) tobacco and smoked. (B) The methods for eating are thus prepared :— (1)A preparation called chukti. Take one tola of well-washed ganja and half fry it in melted butter, then set it to cool. Then pound it with quarter of a tola of black pepper and somph (aniseed). Then add double the weight of refined sugar, and eat morning and evening. The richer people flavour the whole with the addition of from 1 to 4 tolas of sliced almonds, a small quantity of saffron and cardamoms. The poorest people use ganja mixed up with jagri. (2) Mahn. Boil ganja in an untinned copper utensil ; then, after straining off the water, again boil it over a slow fire with half its weight of melted butter in four times the quantity of water for about 7 or 8 hours ; strain through a coarse cloth and let it stand to cool the whole night. Then skim and add syrup according to taste. The following are also added to give flavour and increase the narcotic strength, viz., nutmeg, selap and safed misri, almonds, pepper, askandh, cloves, pimpli (Piper longum), mace, and saffron. Sometimes a little opium is added. The dose is three-quarters of a tola at a time. (C) Preparations for drinking : Take the leaves of the hemp plant and macerate in cold water with pepper ; then after straining the decoction is poured 10 or 15 times from one vessel to another from a height and then drunk. But the well-to-do people follow a more elaborated process. The leaves are first boiled and then put into cold water after being well pounded. Strain the decoction and drink it after adding the following—milk, sugar according to taste, and the pounded and macerated condiments as follows : poppy seeds, pepper, aniseed, cucumber seed and rose leaves ; after all put in sliced almonds. N.B.—The decoction of the leaves is several times poured from a height from one vessel to another, in order, it is supposed, to obtain the full effect of the narcotic principle contained in it. 16. Only prepared in houses. The wild plant does not yield either ganja or charas. 18. Yes. Ganja loses its effects in two years or thereabouts. For about two years with care it keeps good. Ordinary process of decay produces deterioration, which cannot be wholly prevented, but retarded by keeping ganja in a cool and dry place. The above remarks apply to bhang. - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim.


14. Yes ; only ganja and bhang all over the province ; but I can't give the extent. 15. There is no difference in the methods of preparation from the cultivated and the wild plant, so far as I know. Bhang is formed by the dried leaves that fall off by thrashing the dried ganja, and the remnant left after thrashing is ganja. It is prepared for smoking as follows :— It is washed and then squeezed dry and mixed with tobacco. The ordinary dose is 6 mashas of ganja to 3 mashas of tobacco, and some even take 6 mashas of tobacco. Ganja is eaten unmixed with any other drug, but some with sugar. It is never drunk in any preparation. 16. Bhang is prepared for drinking only. The preparation is made as follows :— The leaves are washed clean, and then mixed with the following spices—blackpepper, sugar, poppy seeds, almonds, cardamom, cucumber seeds, and water. 18. Does not deteriorate for a year, but does after twelve or fifteen months. It would lose its effect entirely after five or seven years. The only cause that I can think of is time ; just like jawari, which deteriorates by time.    There is no way to prevent deterioration. - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District.


14. Gallia, and bhang are prepared in the Malkapur, Khamgaon, and Akot taluks, but to a slight extent. 15. Ganja is usually manufactured. by being trodden under foot, or by being deposited for a day or two in a ditch, specially prepared, and little earth is thrown over it. The following are the common methods of preparation of ganja and bhang for smoking, eating and drinking purposes : — For smoking purposes— (1) Half a teaspoonful of ganja is first taken on the left palm and little water is poured over it. It is then rubbed with the right thumb for about a quarter of an hour. To this little tobacco is then added. (2) To make it more strong some add dhatura seeds also. (3) To make it ordorous a little quantity of cardamom and cinnamon is added before smoking. For eating purposes— (1) Ganja is first rubbed in water and is then dried in the shade. Afterwards it is reduced to powder and then a little quantity of mace, saffron, cinnamon and black pepper is added. The whole powder is then mixed with boiled sugar and then eaten. This is called yakuti or majum. (2) Ganja powder is mixed with ghee and sugar before eating. For drinking purposes— (1) Bhang is first steeped in water and then reduced to powder. To this a little quantity of cinnamon, poppy, cardamom, fennel seeds and almond is added, and then to this mixture water or milk is added, again. I have no knowledge of any methods of preparation of ganja or bhang from the wild hemp, and therefore I cannot distinguish between the methods of its preparation from the wild and cultivated hemp. Ganja is prepared from the cultivated female plants by being trodden under foot or by being deposited. in a ditch for about two days. 16. Bhang is prepared generally in the houses by the people. It can also be prepared from the hemp plant wherever grown. 18. Ganja or bhang does not deteriorate by keeping. With ordinary care it keeps good for about three years. To prevent deterioration water should never be allowed to leak in.  - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir


14. Ganja and bhang are prepared in this province, not charas. Ganja and bhang are prepared in almost all places. 15. Ganja means the bud of the hemp plant, bhang the flower of the bud, and charas is the resinous matter on the leaves of the plant. If ganja is to be smoked, it is washed with water and smoked after mixing it with tobacco. Some eat ganja without mixing it with anything else. F or drinking the leaves are pounded and mixed with sugar, pepper, milk, etc. 16. Bhang is generally prepared by the people in their houses. It can be prepared from the hemp plant. The same is the case with ganja and charas. 18. The three drugs will remain in their original state for considerable number of days. Preparations thereof will not remain for many days. If good care is taken the three drugs will remain for two or three years. They lose their effects by exposure. If care is taken on this point, they may remain possibly for a longer time.  - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District


14. Only bhang. Such plants as are found growing are marked, and the production thereof is sold to the Government Drug Contractor. 15.  Ganja is the flower of the plant. Charas is made from juice extracted from the stem of the plant. Bhang is the dry leaf. Charas and ganja are smoked as tobacco in the huka. Bhang is mixed with a little lime and eaten. It is also used for making a cooling drink (sherbet). 16, Under section 7 of the Excise Act, XXII of 1881, no person is allowed to possess more than 1/4 seer of bhang. I have not seen either ganja or charas made, but I should think it could be made from the wild hemp plant. 18.  Yes; it will become quite useless in time. Causes of deterioration not known. - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere.


14. Yes; bhang to small extent in one licensed shop situated in Ajmere. 15. Bhang in Ajmere is only prepared. from cultivated plant, and for drinking purposes it is mixed with almonds, black pepper, dried rose petals, cucumber seeds and other articles according to fancy. 16. (a), (b) and (c) Yes. 18. Yes; all three, it is said, quite lose their effect after two years in spite of all care. I do not know the cause of deterioration, nor do I know what special measures should be taken to prevent deterioration.  - Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere


14. Only bhang in malis’ garden and sadhus' kotries. 15. Flowers of the plant are called ganja, juice is called charas, and leaves are called bhang. Ganja and charas are used for smoking, and bhang for eating and drinking. 16. Bhang is prepared in houses. 18. Yes ; it will become quite useless in time. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. FF. MULLEN, Civil Surgeon, Ajmere.


15. The wild female plants, called Jada bhangi, are cut down and are exposed to the sun for a day, then the branches are collected into bundles and are exposed to the sun and dew alternately during the nights and days. This continues for two or three days, then they are preserved after being wrapped up in thick coarse cloths or kamblis. The leaves are pounded after being moistened with water, and the juice is squeezed out before the pounded mass is used for smoking. 18.They say ganja does not deteriorate in keeping if well preserved. The cause of deterioration is exposure to the air. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg.


14. (c) To a small extent, see answer to question 7. Ganja and bhang are prepared and used by growers. 15. All seeds in ganja or jade-bhangi are first removed. Then it is made wet, and immediately afterwards all water squeezed out with the palms of the hand ; and then some dry tobacco leaf (powdered) is generally mixed with it, and then the drug is smoked in chillums or hukas. - Evidence of MUKKATI IYAPPA, Cultivator, Davanagiri, Coorg.


14. None. 18. Bhang, charas and ganja deteriorate after three years.  - Evidence of MAJOR G. GAISFORD, Deputy Commissioner, Quetta, Baluchistan.


18. Charas and bhang are deteriorated by keeping of three years in a wet place, so necessary measures to prevent deterioration are to keep them aside from wet place or wet season. - Evidence of KAZI IMAMUDDIN, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Pishin.


14. I have only seen ganja in the form of twigs and leaves. It is used, I understand, for mixing with sweetmeats and cheroots, and is used only by natives of India, sepoys, and prostitutes. - Evidence of MAJOR B.A. N. PARROTT, Officiating Commissioner, Southern Division.


18. Ganja deteriorates after being kept two months in the damp climate of Arakan. If well wrapped up in cloth and put in a chatty with paddy husks and buried near a fire-place, it will stand for about four months at the most. Mr. Wadman has seized ganja buried in this way. - Evidence of MR. A. R. BIRKS, Officiating Commissioner, Arakan Division.


14. None, except illicit. In January 1891 I convicted a Siamese man for growing hemp in a village in the Tenasserim township. He was a known bad character and was at the same time convicted under Arms Act. He grew the plant to prepare the ganja. 15. The flowers and leaves are simply dried and used for smoking. 16. (a) and (b) Yes. (c) No. 18. The climate would injure any such drug after a short period. - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui.


14. None legally. Natives of India occasionally cultivate a few plants, but are generally detected and fined. A case occurred of Burmans growing ganja for sale to natives of India, but they were detected and the plants destroyed at once.  - Evidence of MAJOR G. S. EYRE, Deputy Commissioner, Sagaing.

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

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

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 and Youth
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/03/cannabis-and-youth.html

Cannabis Retail
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-retail.html

Cannabis Packaging
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-packaging.html

Cannabis Extraction
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-extraction.html

Cannabis Distribution
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-distribution.html

Cannabis Branding and Advertising
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-branding-and-advertising.html

Cannabis Biology
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-biology.html 

Cannabis and Job Creation
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-and-job-creation.html 

Regulation and Compliance
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/regulation-and-compliance-in-cannabis.html

Cannabis Testing Labs
https://ravingkoshy.blogspot.com/2019/04/cannabis-testing-labs.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 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