WHAT DOES HISTORY TELL US ABOUT PRESENT DAY DRUG LEGISLATION AND POLICY?
             The legalisation of certain drugs is an issue that Australia has tried to find a solution to for many years. Throughout history certain drugs have become legal, while others remain illegal. In the United States, 1880¡s 'cocaine was the drug of choice and was a key ingredient in Coca Cola until 1903. Opium use was also widespread, predominantly by middle-class women who obtained it through a doctor¡s prescription. Ironically, the intake of opium was deemed to be fashionable to the point where one of every 400 Americans became addicted.¡ (Evans and Berent, p. 160). With the knowledge that certain drugs become addictive legalisation and policies in Australia is an issue that needs attention as addictions are not the only reason have occurred because of certain drugs. There are many complications in different areas that can be associated with drugs. These issues, crime, economical and health, influences on how Australia as a whole is currently dealing with legal and illegal drugs. Legislation and policies are made taking the history of certain drugs into consideration.
             Throughout history Australia has had to deal with licit and illicit dugs. When the word 'drugs¡ is used most Australians think of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, even some prescribed drugs, mostly illegal use of harmful substances are considered to be drugs. In reality drugs can be harmful or medical depending on the substance and how it is used. A drug such as alcohol (which is used to drink ¡V recreational) can be administered as a medical use also but it can also be a harmful drug. Harmful in the sense that addictions can be created, death and crimes have been associated with the drug. Some drugs can produce benefits as well as harms. The only way to completely avoid harms is to eliminate drug use but, as the United States experiment with alcohol prohibition clearly ...