http://www.mapinc.org/resource/#guides
Pubdate: Sun, 25 Dec 2005
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Page: B06
Copyright: 2005 The Washington Post Company
Contact:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: Dale Gieringer
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n000/a422.html
Cited: Drug Policy Forum of California http://www.drugsense.org/dpfca/
Cited: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws 
http://www.norml.org

IN THE DAYS BEFORE DRUG LAWS

George F. Will makes an unaccustomed historical error in assuming 
there were statutes against drug use when the 14th Amendment was 
passed ["The Abortion Argument We Missed," op-ed, Dec. 1].

In fact, drug laws are a 20th-century invention.

In my grandparents' youth, the right to use drugs was commonly 
accepted: Opium, morphine and other narcotics were available over the 
counter. Local laws against Chinese opium smoking began to appear in 
the late 19th century, but these laws were directed at commercial 
dens, not private use. Not until the 20th century, when laws against 
possession began to be enacted, did state laws target drug users.

It is testimony to Americans' lack of historical memory that we 
assume there were always laws against drugs. In fact, our Victorian 
ancestors managed perfectly well without them.

DALE GIERINGER

Berkeley, Calif.

The writer is director of the Drug Policy Forum of California and 
state coordinator for the National Organization for the Reform of 
Marijuana Laws . 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake