feb 8, 1914 - Harrison Narcotics Tax Act

Description:

The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act was a United States federal law regulating and taxing the production, importation, and distribution of opiates and coca products. The act was proposed by Representative Francis Burton Harrison of New York and was approved on December 17, 1914.

"An Act To provide for the registration of, with collectors of internal revenue, and to impose a special tax on all persons who produce import, manufacture, compound, deal in, dispense, sell, distribute, or give away opium or coca leaves, their salts, derivatives, or preparations, and for other purposes." The courts interpreted this to mean that physicians could prescribe narcotics to patients in the course of normal treatment, but not for the treatment of addiction.

The Harrison Anti-Narcotic legislation consisted of three U.S. House bills imposing restrictions on the availability and consumption of the psychoactive drug opium. U.S. House bills H.R. 1966 and H.R. 1967 passed conjointly with House bill H.R. 6282 or the Opium and Coca Leaves Trade Restrictions Act.

Although technically illegal for distribution and use, the distribution, sale, and use of cocaine was still legal for registered companies and individuals.

https://law.jrank.org/pages/12360/Harrison-Act.html

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: