On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah (Cannabis Indica) Their Effects on the Animal System in Health, and Their Utility in the Treatment of Tetanus and Other Convulsive Diseases

This concise study opens by placing Indian hemp—known as ganja or cannabis indica—within the rich tapestry of its traditional use across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. While the plant has long served as a recreational intoxicant and a folk remedy for spasms and neuralgic pain, its pharmacological potential remains virtually unknown in western medicine. The author sketches the botanical character of the plant and highlights the distinctive resinous secretions that set the Asian varieties apart from their milder European counterparts.

Turning to laboratory work, the writer details a series of animal experiments designed to chart the drug’s effects on a healthy system. The observations reveal a notable impact on muscle tone and nervous activity, prompting the author to explore clinical applications. Preliminary case notes describe the administration of a hemp preparation to patients suffering from tetanus and other convulsive disorders, suggesting a promising avenue for future therapeutic use.