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1500 BCE
Egyptians discover medical use for opium
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End of 18th century- Morphine developed
German scientist pours ammonia over opium and obtains an alkaloid later named morphine -
First Opium War
Between China and Britain
China destroyed all opium awaiting offloading -
China forced to pay Britain $18 million for destroying opium in seize
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Morphine available without prescription / Merck produces small amounts of cocaine to be used for medical purposes
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Second Opium War
Balance of payments favored China -
British chemist developes Heroin though not named until later when Bayer produced it
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Native Races Act
prohibiting sale of alcohol and opium to "aboriginal tribes and uncivilized races" -
Barbituates marketed as sleep aid
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Pure Food and Drug Act passed
developed to regulate food and drugs -
Harrison Act
those dealing in heroin forced to pay tax on it -
Maintenance morphine given to addicts
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Narcotic clinics opened
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Drugclinics closed; Congress prohibits importation of cocaine/ coca plants
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Ban on heroin in U.S.
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Every state restricts sale of cocaine and opiates
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Amphetamines marketed as nasal decongestant
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Marijuana Tax Act
large taxes placed on cannibis -
Narcotic Control Act
increasing penalties for drug violations -
1960's- Tranquilizers, sedatives, LSD, heroin, cocaine and marihjuana use increases
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Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act
in lieu of jail sentences, defendants were mandated to post-hospitalization care programs -
1969-1974
Drug rehabilitation programs increased -
Comprehensive Drug Use Prevention and Control Act
schedules placed for controlled substances -
Restrictions placed on amphetamines
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Marijuana for personal use decriminalized
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DEA formed
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1980's- Crack cocaine introduced; President Regan imposes Just Say No campaign
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1990's- Methamphetamine use increases