Drugs in the United States were not always illegal. They were in fact taxed and distributed by the United States Government. The first type of restriction towards drugs was the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act when it was passed on March 1st, 1915. The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act made it mandatory for doctors to purchase and register an annual tax stamp. It required a prescription for anyone who was going to use these drugs as well as increased record-keeping for pharmacies and doctors who supplied these drugs. Although this restriction did not make drugs illegal, it was the first time that drugs were restricted which made it harder for addicts to get their hands on any. This document serves to prove that drugs were not always illegal and that it was the United States and in fact, the government used to profit from its citizens consuming drugs.
In the body of the page, write your short (2-3 paragraph) introduction.
Harrison Narcotic Act Tax Stamp. Photograph. New Orleans , n.d. Library of Congress.