Drug Policy in The United States: Historical Context
By: Keira Wiley
Throughout the history of the United States the regulation and control of drugs has been a large topic of conversation. From the early 20th century though our current day in age there have been key milestones regarding the evolution of drug policies. From the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906 to the recent developments such as Oregon’s decision to decriminalize all drugs and legalize psilocybin for therapeutic treatment in 2022.
The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 signifies a pivot in the United States’ discussion surrounding drugs. The first of its kind, mandated the labeling of drug ingredients, including opiates, in over-the-counter products. It was enforced by the Bureau of Chemistry within the Department of Agriculture, the act aims to prohibit misbranded and adulterated foods, drinks, and drugs in interstate commerce. By requiring a clear description in product labeling, the Pure Food and Drug Act laid the preliminary work for future regulatory measures for protecting public health.
the War on Drugs is prevalent in the communities with majority affected by drug offenses, and cops trying to navigate a difficult situation. Whether to arrest or not to arrest the cops are trying to figure that question out, they don’t know what is necessary to help the community and what harms the community. Communities are battling this war because sometimes drugs are their only way our or the reason they can’t get out. You can never fully get rid of drugs on the streets, everyone else in the community does them so do you, law enforcement believes the community is completely corrupt and every person is living off drug money and the community believes law enforcement is using drug laws to destroy the community. Black Americans are disproportionately represented. People are selling drugs to support their own habits, there aren’t schools and classes for kids in the inner city, so they go out and sell drugs as their only hope of getting out.
In 1922, the United States took further steps to control the importation, sale, possession, production, and consumption of narcotics with the enactment of the Narcotic Drug Import and Export Act. Additionally, the act sought to battle the growing issue of drug abuse by implementing a prevention campaign and further regulation for operations of narcotics and psychotropic substances. The Narcotic Drug Import and export Act represents a joint effort to address the impact of narcotics on our society.
The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 shifted the federal government’s approach to combating drug abuse and addiction. As a part of a broader initiative for a “Drug-Free America” President Ronald Regan signed this legislation into law, introducing a mandator minimum sentence for drug possession. Designed to deter drug-related offenses and protect children from the dangers of substance abuse. It provided a guide for parents and children through being open to the partnership for a Drug-Free America, promoting a change in attitude and healthy behaviors.
2022 marks a drastic change for the world of psychoactive therapy, the state of Oregon voted to decriminalize all drugs and legalize psilocybin for mental health treatment. This unconventional decision turned to groundbreaking; it shows a growing recognition for the necessity of alternative approaches to drug policy. By embracing supervised licensed therapy sessions and promoting the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin, Oregon’s new law aims to address mental health conditions such as severe depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety among the terminally ill. It highlights the potential benefits of promoting neuroplasticity, a rewiring of the brain, as a means of treating various mental health conditions.
From the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906 to the recent developments in drug policy such as Oregon’s decision to decriminalize all drugs and legalize psilocybin, the United States has undergone significant shifts in its approach to regulating substances. While early legislation focused on safety regarding drug labeling, the more recent advances offer more punitive measures aimed at restraining drug abuse. Recent developments suggest a growing recognitions of the need for alternative approaches that prioritize public health and harm reduction strategies.
CITATIONS
Perl, Raphael Francis. “Congress, International Narcotics Policy, and the Anti–Drug Abuse Act of 1988.” Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs 30.2–3 (1988): 19–52. Web.
Netherland, J., Kral, A.H., Ompad, D.C. et al. Principles and Metrics for Evaluating Oregon’s Innovative Drug Decriminalization Measure. J Urban Health 99, 328–331 (2022).
