The Troubling History of Heroin

This chapter explores the origins and commercialization of heroin, beginning with its creation in 1874 and its marketing by Bayer in 1898 as a less addictive alternative to morphine. It discusses the implications of addiction, the historical context of drug legislation such as the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, and the public health concerns that arose from the commercialization of this powerful substance. The chapter further examines the complexities of opium and heroin production, including global cultivation efforts and the challenges posed by drug trafficking and its ties to terrorism.