Buzz
Throughout history, humans have explored countless methods to alter their consciousness, perceptions, and experiences. The range of substances and techniques used for this purpose is vast. From betel nut, a stimulant chewed in Central and Southeast Asia, to the dangerous practice of 'speedballing,' which involves injecting a combination of heroin and cocaine, humanity has continually found ways to transform its mental state, whether for spiritual enlightenment or temporary escapism.
Historically, many cultures have embraced drugs and alcohol for their symbolic and spiritual significance, celebrating the altered states of consciousness they induce. However, over the past 150 years, societal attitudes in numerous countries have shifted toward criminalizing these substances, promoting a more restrained and rule-abiding lifestyle. Below are ten illegal drugs and their historical backgrounds.
10. Cocaine
Cocaine has been both praised for its perceived benefits and condemned as a scourge on modern society. Sigmund Freud, a towering figure in psychology and philosophy, famously regarded cocaine as a near-miraculous cure for a wide range of ailments. In his work “Uber Coca,” Freud expressed his belief in the drug's therapeutic potential, though his contributions to science and thought extend far beyond this single perspective.
Exhilaration and lasting euphoria, which in no way differs from the normal euphoria of the healthy person. You perceive an increase of self-control and possess more vitality and capacity for work. In other words, you are simply normal, and it is soon hard to believe you are under the influence of any drug. Long intensive physical work is performed without any fatigue. This result is enjoyed without any of the unpleasant after-effects that follow exhilaration brought about by alcoholic beverages. No craving for the further use of cocaine appears after the first, or even after repeated taking of the drug.
This glowing endorsement of a substance now associated with significant societal issues raises an important question: Is cocaine inherently problematic, or is it the societal framework that vilifies a drug once celebrated for its potential benefits? The answer may lie in future research and evolving perspectives.
For millennia, indigenous peoples in South America have chewed coca leaves in the Andes for their energizing effects. These leaves, the source of cocaine, do not induce the intense euphoria associated with the refined powder. Originally reserved for spiritual and religious rituals, the Spanish colonizers later exploited coca leaves to maintain control over enslaved miners.
The modern form of cocaine was first developed in the 19th century and was initially prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including depression and fatigue. Over time, its medical use declined, and regulations tightened, culminating in its complete criminalization by the mid-20th century.
9. LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide 25, commonly known as LSD (also referred to as acid, Sid, Sidney, Tabs, and more), was initially created by Albert Hofmann in the 1930s. The Swiss chemist had no clue about the profound impact of his discovery. Initially a research compound, it wasn't until 1943, when Hofmann accidentally consumed a tiny amount, that the first LSD experience occurred.
Picture Hofmann's surprise, completely unaware of what was about to happen. He accidentally ingested a small quantity; no immediate harm seemed apparent. It didn’t cause any burning sensation, and he wasn’t in danger. However, roughly two hours later, his reality shifted dramatically, as Hofmann described it, into a world of “extraordinary shapes and a vivid, kaleidoscopic array of colors.”
From that moment on, LSD became a subject of fascination for both scientists and government agencies. For the 1960s counterculture movement, it symbolized peace and love, while the U.S. government explored its potential as a wartime tool from the 1950s until experiments were discontinued. LSD induces intense hallucinations and alters the user’s perception of reality. On a personal note, it’s also an incredibly enjoyable experience.
8. Methamphetamine
Meth, crystal meth, methamphetamine, go-fast, speed—regardless of its name, meth has wreaked havoc across the United States and globally. Amphetamine, a less potent form of methamphetamine, was first synthesized in Germany in 1887. Later, in 1919, Japanese researchers developed methamphetamine from amphetamine. It was more affordable, potent, and faster-acting. Its crystalline form made it easy to dissolve and inject directly into the bloodstream, significantly enhancing its effects, as is the case with most drugs.
Methamphetamine had a significant impact during World War II, with both German and Japanese troops utilizing it to enhance their soldiers' performance. The Japanese kamikaze pilots, known for their fearless suicide missions, and the German infantry's relentless Blitzkrieg tactics, which allowed them to swiftly conquer multiple nations, were likely fueled by meth's ability to eliminate the need for sleep and boost endurance.
Post-war, methamphetamine was marketed as a stimulant to help individuals cope with the demands of a fast-paced capitalist society. However, in 1970, the US government banned and criminalized its use, pushing it into the black market. This move arguably sparked a widespread drug crisis that hadn't existed when the substance was legally available.
7. Opium
Opium is among the oldest known drugs, with its origins tracing back to the dawn of civilization. While its exact first use is unknown, it was extensively utilized by ancient societies such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Indian cultures, primarily as a painkiller. Over time, Chinese cultures began using opium recreationally, only to discover the severe consequences of prolonged and heavy usage.
The earliest mentions of opium date back to 3400 BC in Mesopotamia, where it was referred to as Hul Gil, or “joy plant,” indicating that ancient Sumerians and Babylonians enjoyed its effects. Through the Silk Road, opium dens spread across Asia and Europe, becoming social hubs where people gathered to smoke opium. This practice eventually reached the United States with the arrival of Asian immigrants, but opium's popularity waned as stronger substances like morphine, heroin, Oxycontin, and fentanyl emerged.
6. Ecstasy
Ah, the so-called love drug. Methyldioxymethamphetamine, also known as MDMA, X, or ecstasy, existed long before it gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. Initially synthesized by German scientists in 1912, it was intended to help control bleeding. Little did they know about its euphoric and empathy-inducing effects—had they discovered this earlier, perhaps the course of history, including two world wars, might have been different. Like many other substances, MDMA was tested by the CIA and other government agencies during the Cold War.
By the 1960s, ecstasy, much like LSD, became a favorite among partygoers and hippies across the nation. People either obtained it or synthesized it themselves. It remained a popular underground party drug for 20 years until the DEA issued an emergency ban in 1985, classifying it as a Schedule I substance. This classification meant it was deemed to have no medical use and a high risk of abuse, largely as part of the Reagan administration's War on Drugs, the repercussions of which are still evident today.
Despite its Schedule I status, substantial evidence has emerged suggesting MDMA could offer significant medical benefits, particularly in treating depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions that affect millions. Over time, societal perspectives may shift, allowing this substance to be studied for its potential to aid humanity beyond its reputation as a recreational party drug.
5. DMT
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, commonly known as DMT, has gained significant attention in recent years, despite being first synthesized in 1931. Its history is fascinating. Initially, it was not explored as a recreational substance and remained a research chemical for about 15 years. It wasn’t until its presence was identified in shamanic brews used by indigenous tribes in South America that its potential was recognized.
The hallucinogenic properties of this potent substance were uncovered in 1956 by chemist Stephen Szara. Unable to acquire LSD or mescaline, Szara decided to experiment with DMT to determine if it had any psychoactive effects. After several unsuccessful attempts to consume it orally, he concluded that ingestion might not be the most effective method. In a bold move, he injected it, and the results were immediate. This marked the discovery of DMT’s powerful psychoactive effects, which have been widely acknowledged ever since.
DMT induces a brief but intensely vivid hallucinogenic experience, often described as transcending the body or even the universe. Typically smoked, it is regarded by many as a tool for spiritual exploration. In 1970, the U.S. government classified DMT as a Schedule I substance, a status it retains today.
4. Psilocybin
The history of magic mushrooms is both ancient and captivating. Globally, there are more than 200 varieties of psilocybin-infused mushrooms, with their usage tracing back to 9000 BC—indicating that humans have been consuming these substances for over 11,000 years. This is evidenced by cave paintings discovered in North Africa, as well as similar artworks in Spain dating back to approximately 6000 BC. Psilocybin mushrooms have played a significant role in spiritual ceremonies worldwide, revered by the Aztecs as the “flesh of the gods.”
In contrast, the Western world largely overlooked mushrooms as a psychoactive substance. It wasn’t until the 1950s that Albert Hofmann successfully isolated psilocybin from mushrooms native to Mexico, uncovering their hallucinogenic effects. His findings were published, leading to mushrooms becoming a prominent feature in American and Western recreational drug culture.
Mushrooms are not only the safest recreational drug but also show immense therapeutic potential. Emerging research highlights their effectiveness in treating depression and other mental health conditions, including anxiety. Psilocybin, alongside substances like LSD and MDMA, holds promise for revolutionizing medicine. However, this would necessitate a shift in societal attitudes toward drugs that alter perception.
3. Marijuana
Currently, debates over the legalization of marijuana—the most contentious drug in history—are ongoing across various regions. Despite its medicinal advantages and relatively low risk profile, marijuana has been unfairly stigmatized, with its history deeply intertwined with racism and prejudice. Cannabis has been utilized by cultures worldwide for millennia. In China, records of its medicinal use date back to 4000 BC, while ancient Greeks and Romans were familiar with both cannabis and opium. Contrary to modern perceptions, ancient societies often embraced drug use more openly, reflecting their less restrictive and more indulgent lifestyles compared to today’s puritanical norms.
Marijuana's rapid growth and the versatility of hemp made it a staple crop for early American colonists. In fact, some colonies mandated the cultivation of hemp on farms. The colonists and US Founding Fathers were well-acquainted with cannabis, as its history in the US is as rich as that of whiskey. By the 19th century, marijuana and its derivatives were marketed as remedies for a wide range of conditions, including appetite loss, digestive issues, and numerous other ailments.
At the dawn of the 20th century, marijuana's trajectory in the US shifted dramatically. The Mexican Revolution brought an influx of immigrants, who popularized recreational marijuana use in the country. However, during the Great Depression, amid soaring unemployment, cannabis was labeled the “evil weed” in the 1930s. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 ultimately outlawed its use across the entire United States.
The debate over marijuana's legalization has persisted in American society ever since, and its prohibition has done little to curb its popularity. Scientific research continues to uncover new medicinal applications and benefits of marijuana and its extracts. With significant portions of the US and several European nations fully legalizing it, widespread legalization seems inevitable. However, only time will reveal the ultimate outcome.
2. PCP
Known colloquially as angel dust, phencyclidine (PCP) is a potent hallucinogen that can induce violence, psychosis, and seizures in high doses, while lower doses mimic the effects of LSD. PCP ranks among the most hazardous drugs due to its unpredictable nature. Its effects vary widely depending on the user and the circumstances, making even seasoned users uncertain of their reactions. Factors like mood and environment significantly influence the drug's impact.
Initially developed under the name Sernyl, PCP was intended for use as an anesthetic in the 1950s, primarily as a tranquilizer for animals. However, like many substances, it eventually became a recreational drug. By the mid-1960s, due to its low cost and simple production process, PCP began to be manufactured illicitly and distributed as a recreational substance in the United States. Unlike other drugs, PCP's use is predominantly confined to the US, as it never gained significant popularity elsewhere.
1. Heroin
Heroin, like many substances on this list, was not initially illegal. It was first created in 1874 by C.R. Adler Wright in England while he was experimenting with morphine and acids to develop a more effective painkiller. The outcome was diacetylmorphine, a compound whose significance Wright did not immediately recognize. This chemical remained largely unnoticed until Felix Hoffmann, a German chemist, rediscovered it two decades later while attempting to synthesize codeine. Instead, he produced diacetylmorphine, which is significantly more potent than morphine. Bayer, a German company, named this new substance Heroin, derived from the German word 'heroisch,' meaning 'heroic.'
Heroin quickly gained traction after its introduction. Initially believed to be less addictive than morphine, it was widely available and marketed by Bayer as a safe alternative. However, heroin proved to be far more addictive. The US faced a heroin epidemic post-World War II and again in the 1960s. During conflicts like WWII and the Vietnam War, heroin was both affordable and accessible to soldiers, serving as a potent substitute for morphine-addicted individuals. Today, the nation is grappling with another opioid crisis, highlighting the ongoing challenges associated with this powerful drug.
