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Drug Abuse Message-Richard Nixon
President Nixon identified drug abuse as "a serious national threat," in an address to Congress. He called for a need of drug policy in the nation at all levels of government. -
The "War On Drugs" Declared
President Nixon for the first time announced there being an offical "war on drugs," with substance abuse being the main issue. -
DEA Created
In response to his declaration of "The War on Drugs," Nixon created the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) to deal with the crisis. -
Drug Use Peaked
Illegal drug use peaked, with 25 million Americans reporating to have used an illegal drug. -
"Just Say No" Campaign
Nancy Reagan launched the "Just Say No" campaign to combat drug use. This popular campaign and slogan is still seen prevelently today. -
Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986
President Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which presented money to fight the war. It made minimum penalties for drug-related crimes and had racist sentences, mainly the worse penalties for crack-cocaine compared to higher priced powder-cocaine. -
Drug Policy Foundation
Arnold Trebach and Kevin Zeese created the Drug Policy Foundation, as an oppostion to the "War On Drugs." -
ONDCP Created
President George H.W. Bush created the Office of National Drug Control Policy. William Bennett was elected the "drug czar." He aimed to make drug use a social tabboo that was to be considered unaccepatble. -
NAFTA Created
President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement, to increase the trade on the Mexican border. In turn this made it harder for U.S. Customs to find narcotics being brought through the border. This affected the issue of trafficking. -
Racial Disparities Acknowledged
The U.S. Sentencing Commission released an address aknowledging racist sentencing in prison regarding powder cocain compared to crack-cocaine. It was suggested to change this disparity, but Congress overrided it. -
Drug Trafficking Combated
Clinton gave $1.3 billion to help Colombia fight drug traffickers. -
Border Tunnel Discovered
Authorities announced their findings of a large border tunnel for drug-smuggling. It conected a warehouse in Tijuana to the U.S. from which 200 pounds of drugs were discovered. -
Mexican Drug Gang Members Captured
Mexico captured many drug gang members, which helped fight smuggling, but in return brought out violence. Thousands were killed across Mexico as gangs fought one another and anti-drug enforcers. -
Marijuana Legalized
Colorado Amendment 64 and Washington Initiative 502 were passed, legalizing marijuana for recreational use. -
Bill to Decrease Prescription Abuse
House passed bill to decrease the nation's prescription drug abuse
