The Indian Government has issued a Commission of In- quiry
into the effects of the sale of gunja and other exo. tracts of hemp, one of which, under the name of "hasheesh," is consumed throughout Western Asia. The evidence taken in Calcutta is rather in favour of the drug as a harmless luxury ; but we suspect as the Commission travels Northward the evidence will change its character. The different prepa- rations vary greatly in their effects, but one of them un- doubtedly produces, if taken in large quantities, homicidal mania The danger of meddling with the drug does not consist in any popular attachment to it, for neither Mussulman nor Hindoo approves its use, but in the soldiers' idea that it gives them supernatural courage. There is reason to believe that its use as a strengthener of the nerves is of great antiquity, and was known to the Northmen, whose picked warriors, the Berserker, excited themselves with hemp to deeds of fanatical valour. The difficulty of prohibiting its manufacture would be very great, as those who want it will pay almost any price; any apothecary can learn to make it, and it can be hidden in a pill-box.
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