Monday, 24 September 2012
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Drugs
One of my favorite things to debate about is the legalization and regulation of drugs, though few people agree with me. (And that's all right, some days I am not even sure I agree with my ideas.)
Anyway, historically many things were legal, common and acceptable that are no longer seen this way. Here is a brief tour.
Absinthe - A very highly alcoholic liqueur, or spirit, that has a psychoactive effect. Although it has been in existence since 1550 BC in ancient egypt, it was banned in the US in 1915. It was particularly popular in France and served in all cafes and bistros. "After having been banned for over a century in most countries, Absinthe is re-establishing itself as a (legal) cult favorite, and the drink of choice for people looking to become inebriated as quickly as possible."
Cocaine - Used as a cure all, it was popular in drinks (Coca Cola) and a numbing agent for all ailments, including toothaches for children.
"Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup was an indispensable aid to mothers and child-care workers. Containing one grain (65 mg) of morphine per fluid ounce, it effectively quieted restless infants and sm
all children. It probably also helped mothers relax after a hard day's work. The company used various media to promote their product, including recipe books, calendars, and trade cards such as the one shown here from 1887."
Opium - For rest, of course!
Heroin - Bayer has always had a handle on pain!
Though none of this is new news, it still makes me smile to see the old ads. After prohibition, things were much better regulated. Mid to late 20th century offered cures with Valium, methamphetamines, and treatments for disorders of various types - remember the lobotomy?
Today we are dealing with other types of legal and illegal drugs (and legal drugs that will soon be illegal and illegal drugs becoming legal) - with some of the big ones being Prozac, Ritalin and anti-anxiety meds.
I am a believer in regulation, and I know that all drugs are not created equally. However, if the government would use their resources to develop, test, regulate and tax drugs of all varieties rather than to find a reason to not allow them (I am not just talking about illegal drugs here, I am also talking about new therapeutic drugs for chronic and terminal diseases), our country would have much more money, fewer people in prison, lower crime, and more treatment options for ill people.
This isn't the first time I have posted about this, and I do understand and mostly agree with the objections I have heard. Drugs ruin people's lives. But I would hope that with regulation and the elimination of the criminal elements, the effects of drugs wouldn't be so negative.
Ok, maybe I am a dreamer.
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Comments (95)
Society is now so overly concerned with being PC I don't know what the next step is... government enforced straight-edge?
i know the war on drugs is yet another war we are losing. i think your argument makes sense.
YES
The thing is, those drugs were not seen as harmful until we developed the knowledge and technology to see otherwise. There will always be people abusing drugs, even if it is legalized and regulated. People who are drug addicts will always look for a better fix. I can see it now "dude, that government shit is crap, try this harder dope its bangin".
I don't do drugs, but I don't completely agree with the fact that some are illegal. I know that some really are harmful, and I think that those ones should be banned. but I don't really think that marijuana along with other drugs should be illegal. I will never do drugs myself, but I know that some of them help. but at the same time I have seen people on drugs do stupid things. I don't think that some drugs should be illegal, but I do think that there should be laws on drugs as there are limits on alcohol.
I remember reading about the fact that actual cocaine was in coca-cola at one point in its' early existence. Didn't know the rest. Thanks for the information.
I had a friend who smuggled in some absinthe from Europe because apparently the stuff in America is nothing like it is over there. I didn't see what the big deal was. I wasn't ripping out trees by their roots and I wasn't murdering babies.
I agree with you 100%. people should have the right to do whatever they want to their bodies as long as it doesn't hurt others. Oh, and the ads are certainly funny
I like you. <3 I agree!!!
As a parent, I just wish I could make illegal drugs disappear forever.
@Thatslifekid - Haha, when I read this I saw government enforced "strap ons".. OK, maybe I should go to bed now.
@promisesunshine - Losing wars is expensive business.
@ShimmerBodyCream - I will make it happen for you!
@UnconventionalButterfly - That is a scenario that could happen, yes. But every age, every generation, every year provides new technology and knowledge - that is something that will never change. I think we should put that to work in the way that makes the most sense. The most sense to me, of course :)
@jordon@revelife - I have seen alcohol destroy more lives than drugs as well. And despite my position on drugs, the only habit I have is nicotine!
@Shadowrunner81 - Thanks Dan! Nice to see you on again!
@BoulderChristina - especially the ones we got no business being in and because we are america land of the free and the we don't back down from a stance no matter what.
@godfatherofgreenbay - Good thing about the babies, though it would be kind of cool to see you rip out a tree here and there ;)
@promisesunshine - Heck ya! That's what running this nation like a business is all about! http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/running-america-business-daily-show-audits
@heckels - It seems so simple, doesn't it? How are you tonight?
@EmilyandAtticus - I like you too! Thanks!
@TheTheologiansCafe - I understand, and as a parent, I want to make the world a safer place.
@BoulderChristina - i'm gonna have to save the gem for in the morning. looks great.
@promisesunshine - Nerd humor, and it's breaking my stay out of politics rule! Haha, funny shit though!
@BoulderChristina - i seem to be breaking that rule now too. you're a heart breaker, drink maker, love tkaer. don't you mess around with me. (i'm all kinds of silly this evening)