484

medicinal purposes, but I think the use of ganja
and charas can be feasibly prohibited. It may
be consumed illicitly. Certainly the prohibi-
tion will occasion serious discontent among the
consumers. Such discontent can never amount to
a political danger. I think where the means will
allow, prohibition may be followed by recourse
to alcoholic stimulants. But as the people who
smoke ganja and charas are generally poor, there
is not much reason to apprehend this.

36. No.

37.  Ganja-smoking has earlier effect than charas-
smoking.

38.  Yes.

40.  Kabirajes prescribe bhang for certain dis-
eases. Bhang is used in the treatment of cattle
disease.

41.   (a) Bhang is beneficial in its effects as a
food accessory or digestive.

(b)  To habitual consumers ganja may alleviate
fatigue.

(c)  It is never used as a febrifuge or preventive
of disease in malarious and unhealthy tracts.

I refer to moderate occasional use in (a), and
moderate habitual use in (b).

42. I do not think so. Use of any of these
drugs is likely to tell on the health of its con-
sumers.

43.  Yes.

44.   (a) The effect is imperceptible.

(b) Yes.

(c) Yes.

(d) No.

(e) Yes, to habitual consumers.

(f) From three to six hours.

(g) Yes, the consumer feels languid and uneasy.

(h) Yes, it does.

45.   (a) Habitual moderate use of ganja and
charas produces noxious effects, physical and
mental.

(b)  Yes.

(c)   Yes.

(d)   Yes.

(e)   It induces laziness and habits of immorality
to a certain extent.

(f) It deadens the intellect. Moderate use of
ganja scarcely culminates in insanity, temporary
or permanent.

46.  Habitual excessive use of ganja and charas
generally produces insanity, either temporary or
permanent.

47.  No.

48.  The children of the habitual excessive users
of ganja and charas are affected by the habits of
their parents.

49.  Ganja and charas are used by prostitutes.
The moderate use of hemp does not tend to pro-
duce impotence.

50.  The excessive use of hemp tends to produce
impotence.

51.  No.

52 and 53. Yes.

54.  Not always, but sometimes.

55.  (a) Yes.

(b) Yes.

62. No; the cultivation should not be con-
trolled. It will not be feasible.

68.  In my province there are shops for the sale
of these drugs. They may be consumed on the
premises. The premises of these shops should
never be allowed for consumption of these drugs.

69.  The wishes of the people are never consulted
or considered in any way before a shop is
opened in any locality. Certainly in a matter like
this, the local public opinion should always be
taken and considered.

227. Evidence of BABU PARES NATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, Satkhira,
                                                                Khulna District.

2. Yes, in the Satkhira Sub-division the three
narcotic articles obtained from hemp are known
as sidhi, charas and ganja.

20.  Fishermen (Jelias, Tiors, Bagdis, etc.),
Kahars, Mehtars, Domes, Bunas (coolies), san-
yasis and fakirs (Hindu and Muhammadan friars)
are ganja-smokers. Nearly 60 per cent. of the
above smoke ganja, but those who live near a zilla
or sub-division, i.e., in a place where ganja is easily
available, are proportionately greater smokers than
those who live in the interior.

21.  In this part of the country the round ganja
is preferred.

23. Bhang is sometimes used for smoking when
ganja is not available.

24.  Nearly 90 per cent. people of the North-
Western Provinces drink bhang, but in Bengal
only two per cent. drink it.

25.  The use of ganja and bhang is on the
increase.

28. The average cost of ganja-smokers is from
one anna to two annas per diem. The average
cost of bhang-drinkers is from two pice to four
pice per diem.

29.  Raw tobacco is generally mixed with ganja.
Dhatura is never used.

30.  Women, except prostitutes, and children
never use to take any of these drugs.

31.  The habit is not easily formed, but when
it is once formed it is very difficult to break it off.

32.  In the Hindu community bhang is drunk on
the bijaya of the goddess Durga, i.e., on the day
when the idol has been thrown into water. It is a
social custom.

40. Yes; bhang is prescribed by native kabirajes
for many diseases. They also use it to prepare
many medicines.

43. Yes; they are inoffensive.

51. Nearly all bad characters are habitual
moderate consumers. Robbers, dacoits, etc., before
they commit any crime, prepare themselves by
smoking ganja.

54. Yes; criminals by taking one of these
drugs fortify themselves before they commit any
crime.

69. No. Government ought to consult the
opinion of the people before a shop is opened in
any place. Generally a petition is sent to the
Excise Collector, and a shop is opened.