History of Drug Use and Laws
I.
A variety of drug substances have been used by Americans throughout our
history.
A.
Colonial residents and their predecessors relied on derivatives of
natural substances to cure ailments, increase sexual potency, relieve pain--and
to provide pure old fashioned pleasure.
B.
Until the late 1800s, abstentionists and prohibitionists had a relatively
easy task in identifying their targets for attack: Tobacco users were
conspicuous in their enjoyment.
C.
Alcoholic beverage drinkers could be found in every saloon, and alcohol
was served openly in homes and at social gatherings.
D.
Even opium dens of the west coast were well known, and opium could be
purchased readily, free from state or federal government controls.
II.
For Americans, the past 15-year period is not the first experience with a
resourceful multi-drug culture.
A.
Along with tobacco, hemp became a major export crop for pre-Revolutionary
American farmers.
1.
The plant became a staple crop for colonial farmers, who reportedly grew
it for its fiber.
2.
Along with tobacco, hemp became a major export crop for pre-Revolutionary
American farmers.
3.
The Jamestown settlers [brought] the plant [cannabis] to Virqinia in 1611
and cultivated it for its fiber. Marihuana was introduced into New England in
1629.
4.
From then until after the Civil War, the marihuana plant was a major crop
in North America, and played an important role in both colonial and national
economic policy.
B.
Opium was one of the first exotic, non-indigenous substances to become a
part of the nineteenth century culture.
C.
In 1898 Diacetylmorphine (heroin) is synthesized in Germany.
D.
In 1901, the Senate adopts a resolution, introduced by Henry Cabot Lodge,
to forbid the sale by American traders of opium and alcohol to aboriginal tribes
and uncivilized races.
E.
In 1903, the composition of Coca-Cola is changed, caffeine replacing the
cocaine it contained until this time.
F.
In 1906, the first Pure Food and Drug Act becomes law; until its
enactment, it was possible to buy, in stores or by mail order medicines
containing morphine, cocaine, or heroin, and without their being so labeled.
G.
In 1909, the United States prohibits the importation of smoking opium.
H.
Explosive increase in cigarette smoking after 1910.
I.
In 1912, Phenobarbital is introduced into therapeutics under the trade
name of Luminal.
J.
The Harrison Narcotic Act is enacted in 1914, controlling the sale of
opium and opium derivatives (cocaine).
K.
In 1917, the president of the American Medical Association endorses
national prohibition.
1.
In 1919, the Eighteenth (Prohibition) Amendment is added to the U.S.
Constitution. It is repealed in 1933. In the same year, violent crime drops
two-thirds and does not reach the same levels again until after World War II.
2.
From 1920-1933, the use of alcohol prohibited in the United States.
3.
In 1932 alone, approximately 45,000 persons receive jail sentences for
alcohol offenses.
L.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes a pamphlet urging Americans
to grow cannabis (marijuana) as a profitable undertaking in 1920.
M.
In 1921, cigarettes are illegal in fourteen states, and ninety-two
anti-cigarette bills are pending in twenty-eight states.
N.
In 1924, the manufacture of heroin is prohibited in the United States.
O.
In 1930, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics is formed.
P.
In 1936 The Pan-American Coffee Burreau is organized to promote coffee
use in the U.S. Between 1938 and 1941 coffee consumption increased 20%.
Q.
In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act is enacted.
R.
In 1951, according to United Nations estimates, there are approximately
200 million marijuana users in the world.
S.
In 1963, tobacco sales total $8.08 billion.
T.
By 1966, it was apparent that heroin use by whites was increasing. That
same year, the federal government passed the Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation
Act, which provided treatment and rehabilitation for both convicted and
volunteer heroin addicts.
U.
In 1971, President Nixon declares that "America's Public Enemy No. 1
is drug abuse." In a message to Congress, the President calls for the
creation of a Special Action Office of Drug Abuse Prevention.
V.
In 1972, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs proposes restricting
the use of barbituates on the ground that they "are more dangerous than
heroin."
W.
In 1972, the house votes 366 to 0 to authorize "a $1 billion,
three-year federal attack on drug abuse.
X.
In 1985, Pentagon spends $40 million on interdiction.
http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/. Recreational Drugs Information. copyright © Charles Whitebread, Professor of Law, USC Law School.
The
History of the Non-Medical Use of Drugs in the United States. A Speech to the
California Judges Association 1995 annual conference.
Links to Drug Related Websites