500 CANNABIS INDICA 



by percolation, and evaporating the percolate to the con- 

 sistence of a soft extract (B.P.). 



ACTIONS AND USES. Indian hemp is a deliriant-nareotic, 

 hypnotic, anodyne, and antispasmodic. Bhang is used in 

 India by all classes as a pick-me-up, and in larger amount to 

 induce pleasing, dreamy narcosis. Similar effects are stated 

 to be produced in horses ; the flagging appetite is improved, 

 capacity for exertion increased, exhaustion and restlessness 

 are overcome. Gunjah is a more active anodyne and 

 narcotic. It has long been used in India to dull sensibility 

 during surgical operations. Christison stated that for 

 energy, certainty, and convenience, Indian hemp is the 

 next anodyne to opium, and often equals it. R. Rutherford 

 for several years in India used gunjah largely in the treat- 

 ment of equine colic, and he states that it relieves 

 spasm and pain as quickly as opium, and without arresting 

 the action of the bowels or producing delirium. American 

 practitioners sometimes prescribe it in diarrhoea, occasionally 

 conjoining it with chloroform and aromatic ammonia. 

 F. Smith prescribed the extract, in the treatment of colic, 

 enteritis, laminitis, and other painful affections, with ex- 

 cellent results. In India C. Rutherford administered the 

 extract in graduated doses of one drachm to an ounce, in 

 bolus, to twenty-six geldings and mares of various stamps 

 and temperaments. Eight animals received one drachm ; 

 in from one to two hours, usually after a little preliminary 

 excitement, they became sleepy, but were readily roused ; 

 there was no uniform effect on the pulse or breathing. The 

 appetite was not affected. In geldings the penis was drawn. 

 A prominent feature was excitement when trotted, most 

 moving as if drunk. Usually within six or eight hours the 

 effects passed off. 



Two drachms administered caused no preliminary excite- 

 ment. The temperature usually receded about one degree, 

 the pulse fell in one subject 8 beats per minute, respira- 

 tions were reduced about two movements. Food was 

 neglected, trotting was very unsteady. Two hours later 

 drowsiness appeared, the eyes were heavy, the lower lip 

 pendulous, the penis drawn sometimes as much as four 

 inches. The effects continued ten or twelve hours. 



