The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act

The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, enacted in 1914 in the United States, was a significant law aimed at regulating and taxing the production and distribution of opiates and coca products, such as morphine and cocaine. It required anyone dealing with these substances to register, pay a tax, and keep detailed records. The law marked a shift toward controlling drug use and aimed to curb addiction, while also laying the groundwork for strict drug regulations in the U.S. Over time, it contributed to the criminalization of many drugs and the establishment of ongoing drug enforcement policies.