Legislative Milestones in the War on Drugs

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Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937?

To ban marijuana completely.

To increase marijuana production.

To regulate marijuana through taxation. (correct)

To provide medical use for marijuana.

What major change did the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 introduce?

It shifted drug regulation from a commerce issue to a law enforcement issue. (correct)

It mandated only tax based regulation for drugs.

It eliminated all forms of drug scheduling.

It created the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.

Which schedule is assigned to drugs with very high abuse potential and no accepted medical use?

Schedule 4

Schedule 2

Schedule 3

Schedule 1 (correct)

What did the Anti Drug Abuse Act of 1986 specifically establish?

It set mandatory minimum sentences for drug possession. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 achieve?

It reduced the disparity in penalties between crack and powder cocaine. Signup and view all the answers

Which drug schedule indicates moderate abuse potential with accepted medical use?

Schedule 4 Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable effect of the Federal Sentencing Reform Act of 1984?

It reintroduced mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Signup and view all the answers

Who was primarily responsible for the implementation of the Marihuana Tax Act?

Harry Anslinger. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906?

To prohibit interstate commerce in adulterated or misbranded food and drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which drug group was first controlled under the Opium Exclusion Act of 1909?

Opiates Signup and view all the answers

What did the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914 require from dealers of opium products?

They had to register and pay a special tax Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key distinctions of the Volstead Act of 1919?

It allowed the consumption of intoxicating liquor Signup and view all the answers

How did the Harrison Narcotic Act reshape the perception of drug users?

It contributed to the creation of the modern, criminal drug addict Signup and view all the answers

What was the main effect of the 1919 Volstead Act on alcohol production?

It regulated the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors Signup and view all the answers

Which type of opium was not affected by the Opium Exclusion Act?

Medically prescribed opium Signup and view all the answers

What was one goal of the Volstead Act besides prohibiting intoxicating beverages?

To ensure an ample supply of alcohol for research and industry Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legislative Milestones in the War on Drugs

1906: Pure Food and Drug Act
- Aimed to eliminate adulterated or misbranded foods and drugs in interstate commerce.
- Required labels to disclose quantities of harmful substances like alcohol, morphine, and cocaine.
1909: Opium Exclusion Act
- First regulation specifically targeting opiates, particularly processed opium favored by Chinese immigrants.
- Excluded medicinal opium readily available in American households.
1914: Harrison Narcotic Act
- Established as the first comprehensive anti-narcotic law in the U.S.
- Imposed taxes and registration for opium product dealers, marking the rise of the black market.
- Initially allowed doctors to prescribe narcotics; interpretations later led to more restrictive guidelines.
1919: Volstead Act
- Aimed to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicating beverages while allowing scientific research.
- Defined intoxicating liquor as any beverage with over 0.5% alcohol by volume, reinforcing prohibition laws.
1937: Marihuana Tax Act
- Targeted primarily Mexican immigrants and required a tax stamp for marijuana transfer.
- Influenced by Harry Anslinger, Federal Bureau of Narcotics Commissioner.
1970: Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
- Consolidated earlier laws regulating various drugs, marking a shift from taxation to law enforcement focus.
- Established the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and introduced drug scheduling.

Drug Scheduling Framework

Schedule 1
- Drugs with very high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.
Schedule 2
- High abuse potential with accepted medical uses.
Schedule 3
- High abuse potential with accepted medical uses.
Schedule 4
- Moderate abuse potential with accepted medical uses.
Schedule 5
- Low but significant abuse potential with accepted medical uses.

Key Legislative Acts in the 1980s and Beyond

1986: Anti Drug Abuse Act
- Introduced mandatory minimum sentences for cocaine possession, notably 5 years without parole.
- Resulted in a dramatic increase in drug-related prison population.
2010: Fair Sentencing Act
- Reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine from 100:1 to 18:1.
- Eliminated the mandatory minimum sentence for simple possession of crack cocaine, adjusting federal penalties.

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Description

Explore the key legislative milestones in the U.S. War on Drugs. This quiz covers important acts from the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 to the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914, examining their impacts and historical significance.